Though this is definitely a very innovative idea to dry practice, it is still in its early stages, and there are obviously a few glitches/problems to address. However, for a $400 tool, I prefer NOT to be a guniea pig in its testing. As such, am sharing what I have posted in another forum (that is more local to my location).
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UPDATE:
So, took the opportunity to head out to the yard and try out the Cool Fire Trainer (I'll call it CFT going forward) for some drills.
To start, I would have to say that last night's "test" was ARTIFICIAL, and may have been premature. I knew I was looking for recoil / muzzle flip. And obviously, there wasn't much! But then... Taking the trainer out for some drills did I see a few benefits:
- It forces you the correct mechanics of a high-speed draw. This would be relaxed when taking out the pistol, and once you're about to fire, "tense" the grip. Obviously, we all know what a poor grip can do to our shots.
- Even if there is minimal recoil to the CFT, if the grip is not precise, the sights won't come back to its original position. This is NOT good for follow-up shots. And most apparent with target transitions!
- Even if there is not much of a muzzle flip, there is SIGHT movement!! In the midst of follow-up shots, target transitions, etc. If one is NOT focused on the front sight, you will MOMENTARILY lose sight of it... Although it is NOT like live fire, it is better than nothing (especially where I live - very strict range rules).
- The sight picture of the A-zone at 10-yards is quite thinner than a G34's rear sight post. If one is NOT careful with the grip, etc. the CFT can impact sufficient movement that you won't be hitting the A-zone. At the least, it keep the routine HONEST.
- The resetting trigger, the sound, and the recoil adds sort of a realism to an otherwise BORING dry practice routine.
I did THREE (3) drills this morning:
- Draw to Pairs - Target at 10-yards. Par at 1.2-secs.
- Draw - Shot - Reload - Shot - Target at 10-yards. Par at 2.5-secs.
- "Custom" El Presidente. 3 targets (IDPA, USPSA Classic and USPSA Metric) at 10-yards side-by-side. Draw and place one round L to R, R to L, C-L-R, C-R, L, etc. Par at 1.9-secs.
Hhhhmmm... Whether I could get by with a blowback airsoft, etc. remains to be seen. At least for now, I can practice with my own pistol (both my match G34, and HD G34).
Cheers!!
--- Original Post ---
I think that it is common knowledge that to get better, constant, consistent and correct practice is required. However, none of us have unlimited time and money to go to the range and burn through thousands of rounds. Hence, came the idea of dry fire or dry practice (for the more semantically-inclined folks out there).
Well, in reviewing my performance over the past couple of years with firearms, I feel that the next thing for me to improve on is the tracking the front sight in rapid shots/follow-ups - fundamentally, calling the shots.
Mark Burkett shows a good "calling the shots" drill in one of his ol' DVDs (which I got for $5 in a clearance bin). Unfortunately, again, this requires burning through live rounds, as dry fire doesn't simulate recoil. So, what to do?
And lo! A product comes to the market: CoolFireTrainer...
https://coolfiretrainer.com/
And since I am very serious in improving my skills, I got one for about $399.95 (inclusive of 10% off discount and shipping).
Trying it out yesterday ---
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RchMxevHuq4
PS: BTW, took out the laser insert. I wouldn't want to introduce the bad habit of focusing on the target instead of the front sight.
Was like "MEH..."
With the correct grip - recoil becomes so minimal that there wasn't enough muzzle flip for practice my eyes in sight tracking. *ugh* :facepalm:
Might as well revert to my GSG 1911 in .22LR...
I have reached out to the private forums/groups of one top national competitor that endorses this product - to ask for a suggested training plan.
But until I get a reply, I feel that $440 just went down the drain (yeah, the additional $40 was for buying a pre-filled CO2 tank)... More like a new gimmick, a new fad in firearms training! :facepalm:
Cheers...
_