As part of regular training sessions of City Police officers from various Law Enforcement Departments in the Lombardy Region in Italy, we conducted a field test of Laser Ammo’s interactive dry firing training system, fitted to the officer’s personal service weapons. Specifically, we were provided for the duration of the training classes, an iMTTS-Arena Multi-Target kit - Combo Package of 3 with System Controller, a Recoil Enabled Training Pistol (with Recoil) - Umarex G17 GEN 3 - Red Laser, and a SureStrike Ultimate LE Edition kit - FFOO Edition – laser cartridge in 9x21 Italian caliber.
The officers, after conducting a mandatory 18-hour refresher training class (6 theoretical + 12 practical) in self-defense techniques, also took a subsequent optional module to experiment with the Laser Ammo interactive system and especially to learn the differences in activating, for example, a target through a visual input, as opposed to an audible input as is the case in most range training activities.
We observed a very fast learning curve due to the feedback obtained during the various phases of the training classes, as the iMMTS-Arena basic programming provides for various modes ranging from checking whether a target is drawn, to multiple targets that activate sequentially or simultaneously, and then to "hostage" targets NOT TO BE ATTACKED! to speed drills, and double tap drills.
Specifically, during the training activity, all six basic modes offered by the iMTTS system were deployed effectively, and found to be suited to the real life activities that LE officers may be called upon to perform. Undoubtedly, these modes and "programs" not only allow for the refinement of shooting technique, but also operational tactics, with a great emphasis in the development of instinctive responses and muscle memory to improve the officer's performance.
Service weapon used and related Laser Ammo system
In Italy, police officers are issued semiautomatic service handguns in 9mm caliber – mostly either Beretta 92 series or Glock 17/19 pistols – therefore we used a SureStrike 9mm cartridge inside the former and for Glock owners, we provided a Recoil Enabled Umarex G17 GEN 3 with visible red laser.
In the former case each officer kept his service weapon, already obviously familiar in handling and use, in which a SureStrike laser module was inserted into the chamber. To be commended is the safety offered by the mounting system, which locks the laser module in the chamber with an aluminum tube secured with a red threaded plastic nut to the muzzle, which makes it impossible to chamber live rounds.
The Beretta 92/98s service pistol is a DA hammer-fired system, and therefore the officer will have to use this feature to shoot multiple shots, as the hammer does not recock automatically. The guaranteed number of shots fired before having to replace the rear striker impact cap of the laser cartridge is 5,000 pulses, since it is logically a wear part. It has to be mentioned that Laser Ammo also offers autoresetting trigger kits and for some Glock and Sig guns also a special magazine replacement and custom laser cartridge, the SureStrike Mag.
Officers issued with a Glock handgun used Laser Ammo’s licensed Umarex's G17 replica featuring an inert blue metal barrel that contains the SureStrike system. It also features a recoiling slide (hence the name) thanks to classic CO2 bottles with which about 70/80 rounds can be fired.
Beyond the technical features, in this review we would like to emphasize the true essence of the Laser Ammo system which, in our humble opinion, shines in reliability and accuracy, allowing the officer to work on various fundamental aspects related to shooting and handling firearms.
The basic iMTTS kit features various types of targets, which by size, number and random possibility of activation and even just positioning allow for the creation of new exercises, drills and scenarios each time. The cartridges ruggedness and reliability, and realistic handling of the Recoil Enabled replicas offer unparalleled safety.
However, it’s the system’s affordability and cost effectiveness that convinces, not all live fire at the range is productive, and most of that training can be profitably replaced with Laser Ammo’s dry fire training. Plus, the whole Laser Ammo ecosystem is freely available on the commercial market, can be purchased by anyone and safely used anywhere, both in enclosed spaces and outdoors, without necessarily going to the range.
Above all, it allows live fire range time to be supplemented with constant training, which allows the officer immediate feedback, and an assessment of the progress achieved.
Wireless communication between targets allows for interactive exercises, which as we have seen already with just two or three targets manages to put a strain on the trainees with drills where the threshold of induced stress is also increased.
Multiple drill configurations have allowed us to have trainees simulate patrol training in urban environments, hostile room clearing with hostages and shoot-no shoot decision scenarios with excellent results.
American company Laser Ammo specializes in laser cartridges and develops and sells firearms training products for the civilian, law enforcement and military markets.
For further information: https://www.laser-ammo.it/
