Great New Practice Tool

[BuckJM53]

Someone sent me a link a couple of months ago regarding a new laser practice system from a startup company called iTarget (Note that I have absolutely no connection or interest in this company).

After reviewing the prototype video, I plunked my money down during the "Pre-production/development" stage to secure one of the systems when they were actually completed (a bit of a risk but hey it's only money). They provided email updates during the interim (including 2 manufacturing delays) and finally started shipping this week.

I received mine today and after attaching the target to the "sled", setting it up on the dining room table, downloading the iTargetpro app from the Apple store, measuring off 7 yards from the target, placing my iPhone in the sled, and centering up the target picture, I loaded my SR1911 with the laser cartridge and gave it a whirl. It worked exactly as advertised and made for a very enjoyable dryfire practice session (even has sound effects ).

The setup is pictured below along with one of the targets. When you finish shooting the round count of your choice with the touch of a button it automatically downloads a picture of the completed target to your iPhone (or Android) picture folder. I give it a thumbs up

 

[BuckJM53]

UPDATE ... I've now had the iTarget laser shooting system for about 3 weeks and must say I've had a great deal of enjoyment with both target shooting and dryfire drawing exercises.

While the actual drawing application (which will have an integral timer) and silhouette target insert are not available from the manufacturer yet, I made up my own target insert as shown below. I set the 8.5 x 11 target at the height that would cover from the bottom of the ribs to the neck on a 6' man. The target below is the result 25 single shots off of the draw with my CZ 2075 RAMI at approximately 6-7 yards (some distance variance as several draws were from angles and on the move). All shots were fired using point shooting technique.

While my goal is to keep all shots within the inner target, I had 4 flyers that were still at least "in the neighborhood" . Anyway, the big winner over the past three weeks has been my wallet and ammo supply as I have cut my live fire range time by roughly 50% .

 

[daniellawecki]

Very interesting looks like you are enjoying yourself. And improving your shooting skills at the same time surly a winner.

 

[BuckJM53]

Very interesting looks like you are enjoying yourself. And improving your shooting skills at the same time surly a winner.

Daniel ... I had looked at several laser systems in recent years primarily for use in improving my self defense training / drawing skills both stationary and on the move. For me this simple and inexpensive system was the best fit, Plus, as you point out it is indeed very enjoyable to use

 

[BuckJM53]

UPDATE #2 .... I've now had my iTargetPro laser training system for a little over 5 months and this is my third installment which covers the new "Quick Draw" iPhone/Android application that was released earlier this month

While I have been using the trainer to practice my draw stroke and point shooting before release of the new "Quick Draw" application (as discussed above), the new app integrates the laser system with a shot timer that allows you to evaluate both accuracy from the draw as well as exact time from draw stroke to initial shot. The photos below (point shooting from 6-7 yards) show the target as well as the time of each draw for three of my 5 shot strings from earlier today (one for each of my carry pistols). This thing is a blast to use and provides great practice in the comfort of your home.

It is noteworthy here that my times with the RAMI were consistently the fastest with an average time of 1.29 seconds, the Micro-Compact clocked in second with an average of 1.38 seconds, and the Hi-Power consistently finished the slowest with an average of 1.63 seconds (all averages were calculated on the basis of 20 draws with each pistol). The .34 second spread between the RAMI and Hi-Power is likely the difference in time required for the larger Hi-Power to clear the holster and maybe a slight difference in manipulating the safety (all three pistols are carried condition 1).

CZ 2075 RAMI

SPRINGFIELD 1911 MICRO-COMPACT

FEG HI-POWER

 

[ADulay]

Very interesting stuff. Thanks for the update.

AD

 

[BuckJM53]

Very interesting stuff. Thanks for the update.

AD

You're welcome. The draw times and accuracy are consistent with my results and experience during my typical live fire exercises. The real benefits IMHO are the opportunity to draw on the move and from multiple positions. Additionally, it has already more then paid for itself in the ammo savings alone.

 

[daniellawecki]

That is just the greatest shooting tool for practice I've ever seen good post.

 

[BuckJM53]

That is just the greatest shooting tool for practice I've ever seen good post.

Daniel ... It is indeed a winner in my book. I only wish I had been smart enough to develop an app like that