Dry Fire Training System: What to Compare

TEKAIM Editorial TeamUpdated November 3, 2026Sources checked November 3, 2026

A dry fire training system can mean very different things: a motion sensor on your firearm, a laser with a phone app, a target that reacts by itself, a magazine that resets the trigger, or a separate training pistol. So start with what you want to learn, then check what each option measures and what it needs to work.

This guide does not rank products. The examples come from each manufacturer’s own pages, checked on November 3, 2026, and features change, so confirm them before you buy.

Safety comes before the purchase

No system makes dry fire safe on its own. NSSF defines a safe direction as one in which a bullet cannot possibly strike anyone, taking into account possible ricochets and the fact that bullets can penetrate walls and ceilings. Its rules say you should never point the gun at an unsafe target, even when dry firing with an unloaded gun. They also say to check the chamber, receiver and magazine for yourself. Our home safety checklist covers the rest. Follow the manuals for your firearm and training equipment, and local law.

The main types of system

Type	What it mainly tells you	What it usually needs
Motion sensor	How the firearm moved	A sensor mount and an app
Laser with camera	Where a laser was detected	A laser device, a camera or phone, a target
Electronic target	Hits and timing on the unit	A compatible laser
Trigger-reset device	No data on its own; it lets you repeat presses	A version that fits your firearm
Training pistol	Depends on the laser or system you pair it with	A compatible target or app

These are not always either-or. For example, Mantis says its X units work in tandem with its Laser Academy app.

Motion sensors

Mantis describes MantisX as units with a gyroscope and accelerometer that track movement during the trigger press. Its model comparison says the sensor mounts to a standard accessory rail or an adapter, and does not use a target. It also separates models by use: the X2 is for dry fire only, and the X3 adds live fire.

Compare: how it mounts to your firearm, whether you want live-fire use as well, and how the app explains its results.

Keep in mind: you see movement data rather than a mark on a target.

Laser with a camera

A laser device marks where you were aimed when you pressed the trigger, and a camera detects it. Setups differ:

LaserHIT uses a laser cartridge, a mobile device and scaled targets. It says results are processed and stored on the device, not in the cloud.
Strikeman’s app page says the free app works with Strikeman systems and standard Strikeman targets, and that a Pro membership adds more targets and features.
iDryFire Classic uses a camera with software for Windows and macOS. Its red and green version works with red or green dry-fire laser devices, which are sold separately.

Compare: which lasers and targets it accepts, whether it runs on a phone or a computer, and what is free or paid.

Keep in mind: a missed detection can come from the setup, and any laser cartridge should be fitted and removed as its manual says. Our guide to dry fire targets goes into more detail.

Electronic targets

An electronic target reacts by itself. Laser Ammo describes its LaserPET II as a reactive target with six training programs and a numeric LED display. It also says the target works with the company’s own SureStrike cartridges, and that other laser trainers will not activate it, apart from CoolFire.

Compare: which lasers activate it, which drills it includes and what data it keeps.

Trigger-reset devices

With many firearms, you have to reset the trigger by hand after each press. DryFireMag sells magazines for practicing trigger presses without racking the slide each time. It says its standard version is not compatible with laser cartridges, and that its smart versions add laser feedback.

Compare: whether it fits your exact model, and whether you want it to work with a laser. Follow the manual on keeping it apart from your live magazines.

Training pistols

Some people practice with a dedicated training pistol rather than their own firearm. iDryFire lists training pistols among the laser devices it works with, and Mantis names the SIRT pistol as an option with a resetting trigger.

Compare: how closely it matches the firearm you use, and which targets and apps work with it.

Keep in mind: it is a separate tool, so practice on it may feel different from your own firearm. Follow the same safe-handling rules with it.

Questions to ask before you buy

Whichever type you consider, check these points:

What does it actually measure? Our guide to what a dry fire app can measure explains what each number can and cannot show.
Does it fit your equipment? Check your firearm, caliber, phone or computer, and any laser you already own.
Can you do repeated shots? Check how the system handles a trigger that needs a manual reset.
What is the full cost? Add up cartridges, targets, mounts and any app subscription, not just the first item.
Where is your data kept? Check whether you need an account and where your sessions are stored.
What is the return policy? Compatibility problems are easier to deal with if you can send it back.

Where TEKAIM fits

TEKAIM is a training device being developed for dry-fire practice. It is designed to combine target-view feedback with motion data, and the app preview covers session review and history. See the system page for its current state. Real-device performance is still being validated. We do not publish accuracy figures, prices or a compatibility list yet, so we have not compared it with the products above. Get launch updates if you would like to hear when those details are ready.

This article is general educational information. It is not a substitute for hands-on instruction from a qualified instructor, local laws and range rules, or the manuals for your firearm and training equipment.