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Training Weapons

Training Weapons

Owned by David Avgikos
Aug 24, 2024
4 min read

Intro

This section offers some technical specifications for the laser training weapons supported by DART MAX and lists some of the manufacturers that make training weapons that will work with DART MAX. It also offers some observations on the pros and cons of different types of laser weapons.

Weapon IDs and Laser Pulse Lengths

DART MAX weapons use an IR (invisible infrared) laser with a 780nm (nanometer) frequency. MAX can recognize up to six Weapon IDs using laser pulse length (the amount of time the laser stays on measured in milliseconds), according to the chart below. If needed, a manufacturer can round to the nearest whole number. For example, a laser pulse length of 6ms would still register as weapon ID 1.

Weapon ID

Laser Pulse Length

1

6.3ms

2

22.9ms

3

39.6ms

4

56.3ms

5

72.9ms

6

89.6ms

Recoil Weapons and Shot Accuracy

If you are using a training weapon with simulated recoil, it is best to use a laser with a very fast pulse length. Based on the chart above, training weapons with a Weapon ID of 1 or 2 are best for recoil weapons.

UNIT Solutions

UNIT makes a recoil (C02) rifle with the following features:

  • Realistic recoil

  • Droppable magazines

  • Compatible with AR accessories

  • Durable

  • Cannot chamber a live round

UNIT m4.webp

The UNIT rifle does not have smart features (mag count, simulated jams, etc.). It uses a laser bullet from Laser Ammo, so it does not support Trace mode, and it does not have a user-programmable Weapon ID.

Laser Ammo and DryFireMag

Laser Ammo manufactures laser bullets and laser rifle tips. In addition, the DryFireMag uses laser bullets from Laser Ammo.

Laser Bullet Advantages

  • Designed to fit inside a real gun so the look and feel are exact.

  • Since an actual weapon is used, it allows the slide to be racked, which works well for reload drills.

  • Inexpensive solution.

Laser Bullet Disadvantages

  • Uses a small proprietary battery. Batteries are inexpensive but need to be changed often.

  • Requires an actual weapon that may not be available – or allowed – in a training area.

  • Laser ID programming cannot be changed.

SIRT Training Weapons

SIRT weapons by Next Level Training (NLT) are solid performers but lack any type of extended feature set.

NLT laser pulse rates do not match DART MAX exactly, but they do work. When requesting a specific laser pulse length, refer to the chart below.

Weapon ID

Laser Pulse Length

1

4ms

2

24ms

3

35ms

4

56ms

5

74ms

6

84ms

Some customers experience an overall sensitive trigger that will not work for some shooters. If you experience this problem, NLT will adhust the gun for free or a modest fee.

Red Dot Retrofit

Customers with older SIRT guns can have their slides milled out to fit red dot sights. The company below provides that service.

https://chpws.com/product/next-level-training-sirt-training-pistol-optic-milling/

SIRT Advantages

  • Most realistic feel of all non-recoil guns.

  • Closely imitates the form of the target gun (GLOCK, SIG, or S&W) so that it works with most holsters.

  • Generally do not need to adjust the aim of the laser.

  • Includes two lasers; a red aiming laser and an invisible IR shooting laser.

  • Large laser battery (C123) is good for thousands of shots.

SIRT Disadvantages

  • No recoil.

  • The slide does not rack.

  • No smart features.

  • Not user-programmable.

Mantis Training Weapons

Mantis Blackbeard AR inserts will convert a gas-actuated M4 / AR-15 platform to a laser training weapon.

Blackbeard Advantages

  • Actual trigger and weapon feel.

  • Does not require any permanent modifications.

  • Rechargeable battery with thousands of shots per charge.

  • Least expensive rifle option (not including the cost of the actual rifle).

Blackbeard Disadvantages

  • Requires a real rifle.

  • Can be confused with an actual gun with live rounds.

  • No recoil.

  • Not programmable.

  • No smart features.

Smart Firearms

New Smart Firearms (shipped in 2024 or later) have all six weapon IDs preprogrammed in the gun. The user can select any ID they like.

Smart Firearms Advantages

  • Imitates the form of the target gun (GLOCK, SIG, or S&W) so that it works with most holsters – including holsters with barrel tip dowels.

  • The aim of the laser is fixed and does not need to be adjusted (GLOCK and S&W only).

  • Large laser battery (C123) is good for thousands of shots (GLOCK and S&W only).

  • Unique trigger well incursion alarm

  • Many smart features (jams, mag capacity, etc.)

  • User-programmable for laser IDs.

Smart Firearms Disadvantages

  • No recoil.

  • The slide does not rack.

  • The aim of the laser cannot be adjusted.

  • Without a magazine, the weight of the gun is very light.

  • SIG and rifle must be recharged often.

Recoil Weapon Advantages and Disadvantages

For DART MAX users, we advise having both recoil and non-recoil guns available.

Advantages

  • Simulated recoil offers a realistic shooting experience.

  • Recoil weapons generally have working parts like slides and chargers, which work well for reload drills.

  • Recoil weapons are often licensed from the actual gun manufacturer, so they have a realistic weight and feel.

Disadvantages

  • Recoil weapons use a vibration-activated laser powered by a small proprietary battery. The batteries are inexpensive but do not last long.

  • There are more moving parts in a recoil gun that will break down over time.

  • For guns with gas recoil, magazines must be loaded with gas. This can slow down training and add a modest monthly expense.

  • Training for thirty minutes with gas recoil starts to hurt your hand. You wouldn’t want to fire 300 rounds with a recoil gun.

  • Most recoil weapons activate a laser through vibration. This technology is not 100% reliable, so it is not uncommon to experience dropped shots (for every 10-20 shots fired, 1 will not register).

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