First post here....but thought I might weigh in on my personal experiences.
First off - hello everyone!
I use the iTarget system at home (consists of a laser bullet, and a phone/target stand, and a downloadable app for Android/iOS). I have found it enormously useful...the laser inserts into the bore, its hit is recorded by the phone. Very straight forward.
First things first, perfect practice makes perfect. In most public ranges, it is nearly impossible to accomplish this - whether its rules around holsters/presentation, or movement restricted by lane....either way, this system allows unrestricted first-shot presentation and deployment. While no recoil is felt...this is immaterial to the first shot...it leaves the barrel before the shooter experiences any felt recoil. I would argue very heavily that in any defensive situation, smooth presentation (smooth makes fast), and accurate first shot is 95% of the fight. The placement of that round will likely stop the threat. The consumer grade laser products generally speaking are fantastic at facilitating an inexpensive, repeatable activity that can dramatically improve hit probability. Follow-up shots are of course likely a better live-fire activity, as they are 100% recoil/recovery dependent.
I can't speak for anyone else, but I for one am a more proficient shooter when I dry fire practice (nearly daily). That and malfunction clearing and mag swaps!