by MJ Woodland
For some time now my search had me looking for other means of training that can enhance my ability on the range. This search led me to the S.I.R.T. handgun and the L.A.S.R computer program that has my training on a different level, all within the comforts of my home. This search led me to one of my favorite drills of putting an empty casing on the front sight post of my handgun, and the pull of the trigger can tell you if you are correct or not. Bottom line, if the casing stays on the front sight you have done all the fundamentals correctly, but if the casing falls off then you have done something wrong (with repetition you discover what are you are doing wrong). My search has led me to a S.I.R.T. (Shot Indicating Resetting Trigger) which had me doing all day training with vast results to show. My order was that of a SIRT and the L.A.S.R. (Laser Activated Shot Reporter). When the package arrived in the mail it contained one SIRT pistol, two weighted training magazines, five 1/6 scale IPSC targets, five 1/6 scale popper targets, and information on how to download the L.A.S.R. program. We are going to discover the pros and cons of me using this training aid for the past seven days. All items discussed in this write up were purchased by me and I was in no way coerced into writing this article.
First we are going to discuss everything that I deem to be a negative with this system. Before anyone goes into griping about the setup, we already know there is no real recoil associated with the SIRT training pistol. It is a training aid that has the size, feel, and weight of a Glock 17, but it only shoots out a laser. There are ways you can simulate recoil if you desire, as discussed in the videos associated from the L.A.S.R team; they express that you can take an empty water bottle and hit the front of the training firearm to simulate recoil. The other negative issue concerning me with the S.I.R.T training handgun is that it is not a Smith & Wesson. Yes I am more of a fan of Smith & Wesson, but I have spoke with Sean at Next Level Training and he ensured me that they were putting on the finishing touches of a Smith & Wesson training aid. This is said to come out sometime around the end of January 2015 according to Sean.
The positive factors associated with this training tool can go on for days, but I will focus on what I believe to be the more important ones. The first topic we will cover is the program from L.A.S.R. and how easy it is to navigate. This program utilizes a webcam with your computer to make it work. You do not have to go out your way to purchase fancy targets for practicing within your home, or students you may instruct. Along with what is sent in the package, I made a few targets from cardboard and some spray paint. Another creation from me was putting three circles the size of a quarter on a piece of blank paper and gave them all different colors. There are many avenues you can go with your imagination to get more than complete training value with this combination. It took me about 30 minutes to get a complete understanding of the baseline of the program, but after I got the hang of it, the fun started. Now I combine both my favorite dry fire drill with a real firearm and an empty casing on the front sight post, and the multiple drills this program offers. Right now I use three 1/6 IPSC targets, two 1/6 popper targets, and the three quarter circles I made and let the program call it out for me. Countless hours of training, but then again I am the one who pushes myself to get better every day.
This is a training aid I see that can be resourceful when teaching students who do not understand the principle of sight alignment. This tool can have you discover mistakes students are making at a much faster rate as well. Along with everything associated with the program and the physical structure of this training tool, you can also incorporate magazine changes. For the ones who already have a Glock 17 you can use your magazines and train, and your gear can work with this training firearm as well. Like I said many opportunities to get your necessary training needs at home or where ever you like to set up shop. There is a forum that is associated with speaking with others who have this equipment to get new ideas or just ask general questions. My first encounter was on Facebook, and when I had a question I was surprised how fast I got a reply. The team at L.A.S.R. is all about their product, and I see why.
In conclusion, this is a training aid that can save you money from discovering your mistakes with live rounds. You can also encompass this with your family to ensure gun safety with both firing and handling. Overall we at M-W Tactical will be using the S.I.R.T. training handgun and the L.A.S.R. program with future classes to express the importance of the fundamentals of the handgun.
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