Compatibility & Caliber Help

Know your caliber, choose the right Strikeman kit, and confirm what works with your firearm before you buy. This page is built to answer the most common compatibility questions fast.

Check the caliber on the barrel, frame, or original box

Most first-time buyers start with 9mm

Standard Kit is the best first buy for most handgun owners

Support can help if you are buying a gift or still unsure

CALIBER HELP

How do you figure out which cartridge to order?

Start with the caliber stamped on the barrel, frame, cylinder, or original box/manual. For pistols, the magazine or manufacturer product page can also help. If you know the caliber, you are usually one step away from the right Strikeman setup.

If you are between similar sizes or shopping for a compact model, double-check the manufacturer specs before ordering.

Shop Extra Calibers

Standard Kit or SmartShot?

Choose the Standard Kit if you want the simplest first purchase for most handgun owners: laser cartridge, target, phone mount, and the free app.

Choose SmartShot if you want rechargeable power, boresighting, or extra compatibility flexibility for edge-case firearms.

Shop Standard Kit Shop SmartShot Complete Bundle

Compatibility & Caliber FAQ

These are the questions most shoppers ask before they feel comfortable choosing a kit or cartridge.
How do I figure out my caliber?

Look for the caliber stamped on the barrel, frame, cylinder, or original box/manual. For pistols, the magazine or manufacturer product page can also help. If you are shopping for a compact or subcompact model, double-check the firearm specs before ordering.
What calibers does Strikeman offer?

The standard Strikeman laser cartridge is offered in popular pistol, revolver, rifle, and shotgun sizes, including 9mm, .380 ACP, .40 S&W, .45 ACP, .38 Special, .357 Sig, .45 Colt, 10mm, .223/5.56, .303, .308, 30-30, .243, .30-06, 7.62x51, 6.5 Creedmoor, .300 AAC, and 12 Gauge.

SmartShot currently comes in 9mm, .380 ACP, and .223/5.56.
Are there any known compatibility exceptions?

Most firearms work properly with Strikeman. The current support guidance calls out a small number of traditional-laser exceptions, including Ruger SR series, Walther PPK, Walther CCP, Beretta AX100, Beretta 92X Centurion, Marlin 336, SAA 1873 Replica, Winchester Model 54, and Savage 110.

Some tighter 9mm platforms may need a .380 ACP instead. If you are unsure, contact support before you order.

Dry-fire magazines are not supported.
What if I am buying a gift and do not know the caliber?

If you know the firearm brand and model, support can usually help identify the right cartridge. If you want to keep it a surprise, the safer move is to buy the system first and add a gift card or follow up with cartridge selection after the gift is opened.
Is Strikeman safe for my firearm?

Yes. Strikeman laser cartridges are designed with a rubber pad on the back to help protect the firing pin during dry-fire use.
Do I have to rack the slide every shot?

Double-action firearms can fire the Strikeman laser without racking. If you use a single-action firearm, Glock, or 1911-style pistol, you will need to charge the gun before each shot because there is no live-fire cycling.
What about .22 LR?

Strikeman does not currently offer a .22 LR laser cartridge. It is one of the most commonly confused sizes, so be careful not to mix up .22 and .223/5.56 when ordering.

SmartShot & Gift Buyer FAQ

SmartShot solves a different problem than the Standard Kit. These answers help shoppers decide when the rechargeable option is worth it.
What is the difference between SmartShot and the regular Strikeman laser cartridge?

The regular Strikeman laser cartridge uses replaceable batteries and is built specifically for dry-fire training. SmartShot is rechargeable, switches between dry-fire and boresight modes, and is designed to work with more edge-case firearms.
What calibers are available for SmartShot?

SmartShot is currently offered in 9mm, .380 ACP, and .223/5.56.
Is SmartShot more compatible than the standard laser?

Often, yes. Strikeman specifically notes that SmartShot works for some firearms that are not a good fit for the traditional laser cartridge, including the Ruger SR series and Walther PPK/PPK-S.
How long does the SmartShot battery last?

On a full charge, Strikeman says SmartShot can run constant boresight mode for up to 60 minutes. In dry-fire mode, it can last for thousands of shots.
What comes in the SmartShot box?

Each SmartShot includes the 2-in-1 laser cartridge and boresight in your chosen caliber, a USB-C magnetic quick charging dock, and extra rubber bumpers.
Which one should I buy if I want the safest first purchase?

Start with the Standard Kit if you want the easiest and most affordable first purchase for most handgun owners. Choose SmartShot if you specifically want rechargeable power, boresighting, or extra compatibility flexibility.

Still not sure? Send support two details.

Email support@strikeman.io with your firearm brand/model, the caliber stamped on the barrel or frame, and whether you want dry-fire only or dry-fire plus boresighting. That usually gets you the fastest recommendation.
Email Support