Dry Firing with Sure Strike laser system - does it help?

Cousin Pat · May 3, 2015, 11:41 PM

I have been using this system (http://www.laser-ammo.com/about) to dry fire with my double action revolvers (with barrels ranging from 2" to 10"). I find I have to elevate the front sight about 1/8" above the top line of the rear sights to hit the center of an indoor target (usually out about 15 feet) -- I assume this is because the sights in live-fire have to accommodate muzzle flip that is not present in dry-fire. So I can practice a smooth DA pull, but the sight picture is obviously wrong. Am I helping or hurting my live fire abilities?

MrBorland · May 4, 2015, 06:49 AM

My opinion - effective dry fire's as much about seeing what you need to see as it is about trigger control.

If you normally shoot by looking at the target, I suppose a laser would be helpful. Otherwise, the front sight tells you everything you need to know, and if the front sight it normally what you look at when shooting, the use of a laser during dry fire practice can be counterproductive.

DaleA · May 4, 2015, 04:40 PM

Interesting.

I was impressed with the fact that with their laser installed you cannot load a live round in the gun. With their laser reactive targets I think it would be fun and helpful. Being an old guy I have to add 'it's no substitute for real shooting' but I know you already know that. Once again it looks like fun.

Snyper · May 5, 2015, 10:30 AM

Quote:

So I can practice a smooth DA pull, but the sight picture is obviously wrong. Am I helping or hurting my live fire abilities?

Why does it matter if you hit the center of the target?

If it's off some amount, who cares?
It's more important to be consistent than to hit the bullseye.

If you practice too much with an incorrect sight picture, you will revert to that under stress

g.willikers · May 5, 2015, 10:44 AM

When you think about it, all ammo has a unique point of impact, depending on velocity, bullet weight, amount of powder, 'etc.
If your gun doesn't have adjustable sights, then this point of aim vs point of impact difference is present with live fire, too.
Small differences won't matter much with most kinds of shooting, anyway.
Especially with handguns.
All trigger time is valuable.
Unless you're practicing for the Bianchi Cup or a Bullseye Championship, don't sweat it.

May 3, 2015, 11:41 PM	#1
Cousin Pat Senior Member Join Date: March 5, 2009 Posts: 140	Dry Firing with Sure Strike laser system - does it help? I have been using this system (http://www.laser-ammo.com/about) to dry fire with my double action revolvers (with barrels ranging from 2" to 10"). I find I have to elevate the front sight about 1/8" above the top line of the rear sights to hit the center of an indoor target (usually out about 15 feet) -- I assume this is because the sights in live-fire have to accommodate muzzle flip that is not present in dry-fire. So I can practice a smooth DA pull, but the sight picture is obviously wrong. Am I helping or hurting my live fire abilities?

May 5, 2015, 10:44 AM	#5
g.willikers Senior Member Join Date: September 28, 2008 Posts: 10,442	When you think about it, all ammo has a unique point of impact, depending on velocity, bullet weight, amount of powder, 'etc. If your gun doesn't have adjustable sights, then this point of aim vs point of impact difference is present with live fire, too. Small differences won't matter much with most kinds of shooting, anyway. Especially with handguns. All trigger time is valuable. Unless you're practicing for the Bianchi Cup or a Bullseye Championship, don't sweat it. __________________ Walt Kelly, alias Pogo, sez: “Don't take life so serious, son, it ain't nohow permanent.”

May 4, 2015, 06:49 AM	#2
MrBorland Senior Member Join Date: May 31, 2007 Location: NC Posts: 2,614	My opinion - effective dry fire's as much about seeing what you need to see as it is about trigger control. If you normally shoot by looking at the target, I suppose a laser would be helpful. Otherwise, the front sight tells you everything you need to know, and if the front sight it normally what you look at when shooting, the use of a laser during dry fire practice can be counterproductive.

May 4, 2015, 04:40 PM	#3
DaleA Senior Member Join Date: September 12, 2002 Location: Twin Cities, MN Posts: 5,313	Interesting. I was impressed with the fact that with their laser installed you cannot load a live round in the gun. With their laser reactive targets I think it would be fun and helpful. Being an old guy I have to add 'it's no substitute for real shooting' but I know you already know that. Once again it looks like fun.