Dry Fire Training
Last week’s column was on dry practice, and I mentioned DryFireMag’s “Reset” magazines. I hadn’t actually handled one at that point, but today a student – who is also an instructor – showed up for a revolver class, but brought his Glock 19 and one of the Reset mags to show me. And, I have to say, I’m glad he did. This is one of the best practice tools for semi-auto pistols ever.
Learning how to properly manipulate the trigger – both pressing smoothly and resetting the trigger efficiently – is essential to shooting accurately. It takes a lot of repetitions to learn how to work the trigger properly; more repetitions than most of us can get with live-fire training. The best way to get this practice is dry practice. The problem of doing this with a semi auto pistol is what comes after the “press.” To reset the trigger, you have to hold it to the rear, then cycle the slide, then reset the trigger.
My problem with this sequence? Cycling the slide with your finger on the trigger is a bad habit. In real life it leads to firing a negligent shot, or two. You’re reloading the pistol, or clearing a stoppage. Finger is on the trigger. You rack the slide, and at the same time clench your strong hand, which is holding the pistol. Chances are you’re going to fire a round; often times it’s more than one. Having the finger on the trigger while manipulating the weapon is a bad idea.
The Reset mag solves this problem. After ensuring the pistol is unloaded, insert the Reset mag. The first trigger press is going to be a little harder. After that, you’ve got a standard press, and reset. Draw, while moving. On target, press, reset, press, reset, …. To your heart’s content.
More information: https://www.thetacticalwire.com/features/71f9ecd5-b1c1-4283-afaa-873a95d52f0f
From the manufacturer:
Trainers agree that dry fire practice is the best way to learn to shoot well. It makes the pistol a part of you. However, there is a real problem with dry fire practicing the standard way, and we all know what it is. When the trigger is activated and the firing pin is released, a completely non-typical action is then required. The shooter’s hand must be used to reset the firing pin by cycling the slide. Only then can the trigger return to its reset position. Can you stay on target while this is happening? Is this the muscle memory that you want to build? Absolutely not!
This problem is solved with our DryFireMag. Now, with the DryFireMag, when you activate your trigger, you get the feel and sound of the firing pin release. With both hands still in the firing position and staying on target, you simply let the DryFireMag reset the trigger with a snap, and you are ready for your next “shot”. Now, that’s the kind of action you need to build the correct muscle memory! It has to be second nature when that real life situation presents itself.
https://www.dryfiremag.com/learnmore/
This looks to be a really cool product that will help with the problem of dry fire practice when utilizing a striker-fired pistol!