The technology used in the firearms training industry continues to evolve, incorporating innovations from different technological fields, and the 9mm laser bullet is one of those innovations.
While live-fire training remains indispensable to anyone looking to develop proficiency in shooting, it can be expensive, range-dependent, noisy, and unsafe, depending on how it is performed. The 9mm laser bullet fixes most of the shortcomings of live-fire training, which is why it has become ubiquitous in most firearms training programs.
So, how does this relatively simple device work its magic? Let’s explore the technology behind the 9mm laser bullet and the role it plays in modern, effective firearms training.
A Peek at the Fundamentals
The 9mm laser bullet is typically called a laser training cartridge. It is a specially designed round that replaces the live round in live firearms. However, it differs from traditional dummy rounds in the sense that a laser bullet contains a miniaturized laser diode and supporting electronics that help in its operation.
These components work in tandem to create a firearms training experience that closely resembles and feels like firing live ammunition using live rounds. Most importantly, 9mm laser bullets provide valuable feedback, which aids in improving marksmanship.
The Inner Workings of a Laser Bullet
It is important to note that the specific design of a 9mm laser bullet varies from one manufacturer to another. However, at the core of this training technology, the main components and functionalities remain largely the same.
Here is a rundown of the main components found in 9mm laser bullets:
Laser Diode
This tiny semiconductor device is at the core of laser bullets. The laser diode emits a visible, focused beam of laser light, typically in the 630 to 670nm wavelength range. This laser dot, typically red or green, helps to simulate the bullet impact point, which allows you to see your sight picture alignment and experience your trigger control in real-time.
Battery
The laser bullet typically contains a small, replaceable battery that helps to power the laser diode and supporting electronics. A common battery configuration is the one found in the Strikeman laser cartridge, a 3x button cell battery configuration.
The battery life of your laser bullet may vary depending on the model and frequency of usage. However, most laser cartridges offer extended training sessions before replacement is needed.
Impact Sensor (Optional)
Some laser bullets come with a pressure or impact sensor at the tip. This sensor helps the bullet detect when the laser beam makes contact with a target (typically a dedicated laser target system) and triggers a designated response.
The response may be an audible or vibratory confirmation of a successful hit. This helps to add an extra layer of interactivity to your firearms training.
Rubber Pad
Some laser bullets, like the Strikeman laser cartridge, have a rubber button pad at the back to ensure that the bullet safely absorbs the impact of the firing pin and triggers the laser to fire immediately after the trigger is pulled. Most modern firearms don’t need this protection, as they are designed to allow dry-firing.
Activation Mechanism
A major difference between a laser bullet and a standard cartridge is in their mode of operation when the trigger is pulled. While a live round relies on the impact of the firing pin on its primer to fire, the laser bullet activates the laser beam without leaving the firearm.
While some laser bullets may have a different activation system, the most common method of activation is the rim activation:
Rim activation works similarly to how a live round is activated. The laser bullet features a small button or pressure pad embedded at the base of the laser bullet. When the firearm is chambered and the slide cycles forward, the firing pin presses against this activation button/pad, mimicking the action of a live round and triggering the laser.
Note: Some dry-fire training firearms, like the shot-indicating resetting trigger (SIRT) training pistol, do not require you to rack the slide of your gun every time you pull the trigger.
The Benefits of Laser Bullet Technology
Below are some of the benefits to expect when you use 9mm laser training bullets for dry-fire training:
Safe Practice Anywhere
Safety is one of the most significant advantages of using laser training bullets for dry-fire training, as it eliminates the risks associated with using live ammunition. This fact that you don’t shoot any projectile out of your firearm and can still receive visual feedback on where your simulated shots hit means you can practice your marksmanship skills anywhere.
As long as you have a safe backdrop and space to lift your weapon and move around a little, then you can practice your shooting skills. It is still important to follow the rules of gun safety even when using a 9mm laser bullet for training.
Real-Time Feedback
Feedback is one thing you don’t get from live-fire training. Sure, when you shoot a live bullet, you can see exactly where it lands on the targets, but that’s where it usually ends. In some cases, you typically need a spotter to help gauge how well you are performing at the shooting range.
However, most laser bullets work in collaboration with a shot-tracking and performance-analysis app that helps to track your training (such as our app), provide feedback on how well you are doing, and may even provide suggestions on how to improve.
This enables you to monitor things like minor deviations in your sight picture, ensuring that you can refine your technique as early as possible and ensure consistent accuracy.
Reduced Cost of Training
The cost of live rounds has gone up significantly. When you add the cost of visiting a shooting range to that, the cost of live-fire training rises exponentially. Laser bullets, on the other hand, only require a one-time cost of buying the training setup, and you can consistently practice for as long as you want after that.
Laser bullets allow you to practice both fundamental and advanced firearms training techniques without spending a fortune or visiting a shooting range.
Focus on Technique
Since laser training bullets do not cause any recoil when the trigger is pulled, beginner and experienced shooters can focus solely on mastering skills like proper grip, trigger control, and sight alignment.
Explore a Variety of Training Drills With Minimal Risk of Injury
Many firearms training instructors are typically wary of teaching their students advanced firearms drills due to the increased risk associated with them. Plus, performing advanced firearms drills using live ammunition can be quite dangerous for the shooter and people around.
9mm laser bullets remove the risk of accidental fire or any type of accident related to pulling the trigger mistakenly. This advantage allows you to conveniently practice drills like drawing and presentation, multiple target engagement, low-light shooting, and even tactical firearms drills.
The Strikeman Pro Laser Training System Advantage
Below are some of the advantages that the laser dry-fire training systems from Strikeman offer:
Performance Tracking With the Strikeman App
The Strikeman app works seamlessly with our 9mm laser cartridge and dedicated targets to track your key performance metrics when you train. You can rely on the app for data like shot time, accuracy, shot spread, and split times. Plus, our shot-tracking app can identify areas of improvement and provide effective suggestions on the best ways to improve.
Universal Compatibility
The Strikeman 9mm laser bullet is designed to work with a wide range of 9mm firearms, making it a versatile and cost-effective tool for most shooters with different 9mm firearms.
Multiple Caliber Selection
Our laser training bullets come in a variety of calibers that you can choose from to ensure you always have access to laser bullets that are compatible with your preferred firearm.
Advanced Features of Some 9mm Laser Bullets
Some advanced 9mm laser bullets may feature:
- Multiple Laser Modes: Some laser bullets provide users with variable laser modes, which may even allow you to choose between continuous beam and pulsed beam to help simulate the flash of a live firearm.
- Bluetooth Connectivity: Some advanced laser bullets may use bullet connectivity to pair with training apps or target systems to provide enhanced interactive training sessions.
- Shot Timer Integration: Some laser bullets make it easy to practice time-based advanced firearms training drills like time-constrained target acquisition drills. These laser bullets typically have dedicated shot timer devices embedded in them for accurately timed drills.
Conclusion
9mm Laser bullets, like the Strikeman laser cartridge, are an invaluable innovation in the firearms training industry. These laser bullets offer a safe, cost-effective, and accessible way to improve or refine your marksmanship skills, solidify your muscle memory, and build confidence in your preferred shooting technique.
When you combine laser training sessions using 9mm laser bullets with live-fire training, you can create a comprehensive training regime that pushes you to reach your full potential as a tactical shooter.
Are you ready to take your firearms training to the next level? Shop our site for advanced laser training systems and laser cartridges.
You can learn more about how to use our laser dry-fire training systems to your advantage by checking out our blog.
What are you waiting for? Check out our advanced training systems today to begin your journey to becoming a highly proficient shooter.