Laserlytes Compact and Effective Laser Training System.

FOG HORN a Twobirds Flying Publication

13 January 2011 By: Sal Palma (Follow me on Twitter)

Laser Training Comes to Main Street With Laserlytes’s Laser Training Target and LT-Pro Laser Module.

There certainly is no lack of hackneyed clichés with regards to the training experience.

However, the bottom line is providing the trainee with a means of acquiring skill sets and their application. The object is to have a trainee internalize skills so that he or she can successfully apply them in scenarios that were not anticipated during the training process.

The emphasis on limited engagement, low intensity conflicts, such as those executed by our special operations forces, placed demands on military trainers that until recently went unmet, or perhaps the better description is awkwardly dealt with.

Once the need surfaced, some very creative folks addressed the challenge with computer aided simulation and laser technology.

One such company is Laser Shot Incorporated who has garnered a worldwide reputation and customers for their many laser-training products, in particular the Digital Modular Shoot House.

Working in concert with the Laser Shot Virtual Shoot House (LVS) software, the trainer has the ability to run endless simulations and conduct live fire exercises with complete safety.

simulations and to say that I was thoroughly impressed is a complete understatement.

Along with creating any conceivable training situation, using this technology, the trainer can also simulate the effects of a hit on a soft target; in so doing, providing some level of conditioning to the psyche.

What then would you give to have one of your own?

This isn’t the proper venue for me to respond to that question, but I’ll simply say that I only have two!

Fortunately, the concept of laser training has spilled over to the commercial markets and there are now three or four quality solutions available to you, at a reasonable cost.

One such product is Laserlyte’s Laser Training Target and LT-Pro laser module. When used in conjunction, the system delivers a decidedly portable and highly effective training tool requiring no special setup.

As of this writing, it is the only reactive laser trainer available, to the commercial market, at a 1 price point of under $300 .

But, why do you need one?

Let’s start with cost savings. A typical day at the range consists of $12 - $20 range fees, cost of transportation to and from the range, and 100 – 150 rounds of ammunition. If we tally that up for a typical 9mm shooter, you’ve probably spent about $85.

Range Ammo Transportation Total

I was fortunate enough to have had the opportunity to run through some of those

1

$ 15 60 10 $ 85 2

$199.95 for the Laserlyte Training Target and $99.95 for the LT-Pro 2 Figures are estimates and will vary with the market.

Copyright 2011, Sal Palma, d.b.a. Twobirds Flying Publication, All Rights Reserved.

FOG HORN a Twobirds Flying Publication

If my figures are representative of an average range visit, you are looking at a payback of three to four range outings.

Because there is no special setup required, you can use the Laser Training Target and LT-Pro from the comfort of your easy chair if that suits you or you can find a more permanent installation like your basement.

Moreover, it’s a family affair. A wife, who was once skeptical or frightened of a firearm, will gain confidence as she learns in a safe and relaxed setting. Your children will also learn basic skills and safety.

Last but not least, since the instruction is laser based, beginners, like a wife and children, learn without experiencing recoil or muzzle blast, and did I mention it will also help old dogs get rid of bad habits.

I’d say these are compelling reasons to own one.

Many of the laser training devices in the commercial space are acoustically or impact activated laser modules, which when fired by the drop of the hammer, project a laser dot on a reflective surface.

Although intrinsically there is nothing wrong with that approach, the better line of attack is to use a target that reacts to a laser light; thus, enabling the trainee to observe his or her point of impact as they would in a live fire situation.

With that in mind, let’s take a look at Laserlyte’s elegant solution in detail.

LT-Pro Laser Module

Laserlyte offers a variety of laser training modules ranging from .17 HMR to 50 BMG. You can also purchase laser modules for a specific caliber, like a .40 S&W, or you can choose the LT-Pro, which gives you the flexibility of using it on a variety of platforms ranging, in caliber, from .38 special to .45 ACP and everything in between. The only requirement is that you have a barrel length of at least 2 inches.

The LT-Pro operates on (3) 377 batteries that are easily installed and are good for about 3000 shots. Laserlyte recommends that you remove the batteries when the LT-Pro is not in use.

The LT-Pro is installed on the weapon through its muzzle. There is a nylon insert that attaches to the rear of the laser housing, adjustable via a hex screw to create a snug fit inside the bore.

Test platform muzzle view.

Some shooters will have a concern about inserting a metal housing through the muzzle.

To those falling in that category, I’d like to assure you that your custom barrel is quite safe.

Simply follow the manufacturer’s instruction.

The LT-Pro is sound activated; nothing impacts the laser housing. I used it with snap caps and it worked flawlessly. Occasionally, bringing the hammer back would fire the laser but that was a non-issue.

After installation, I checked the LT-Pro for accuracy against my iron sights and a laseraiming device; as expected, it all tracked extremely well. It’s obvious that the laser is centered at the factory but since it protrudes

Copyright 2011, Sal Palma, d.b.a. Twobirds Flying Publication, All Rights Reserved.

FOG HORN a Twobirds Flying Publication

less than .25 inches from the muzzle it remains concentric with the bore.

At this juncture, some readers may feel they have everything needed for a successful laser training experience, and that certainly is true; however, if you stop here, in my view, you will be missing out on what truly makes this system so unique and, in fact, so effective. So to complete the system, you need the Laser Training Target.

Laserlyte’s Laser Training Target is packaged in a plastic enclosure that measures approximately 1/4 1/4 1/8 6 W x 9 H x 2 D. The target window is 5 inches in diameter striking an excellent balance suitable to target practice and defensive shooting drills.

windows on the front panel; one labeled “Display” and the other “Reset.”

Firing the laser at the “Display” window lights up the target window to show the points of impact from your shooting session, as shown in the figure below, which indicates six rounds fired and their corresponding point of impact on the LTT. At first impression, I wondered why not simply light the point of impact as you shoot; however, in retrospect, I feel that Laserlyte’s implementation was well thought out. All too often while shooting, I allow myself to be influenced by the last point of impact and that detracts from good form. So, not lighting the LED as you go is the better approach hands down.

Once you review your points of impact, you can clear the target area by firing your laser at the “Reset” window clearing the target area for your next round.

Laser Training Target Front View After installing the batteries, I placed the LTT at the end of a long room that gave me a clear firing lane of about 30 feet. A perfect setup, I thought.

In addition to the power on/off switch and target area, there are two laser sensitive

Copyright 2011, Sal Palma, d.b.a. Twobirds Flying Publication, All Rights Reserved.

Six Shot Group (30 feet from the target)

FOG HORN a Twobirds Flying Publication

Conclusion Laserlyte has over twenty years of experience delivering innovative laser based products that enhance the shooters experience. Their move into laser training technologies is a natural outcome of their success.

The company has done a superb job of developing and delivering a training system with considerable depth and breath.

The LT-Pro and Laser Training Target fills an need previously vacant; it is as applicable to the new shooter, just working on the basics, as the advanced or professional marksman honing unsighted fire, shooting from the holster, shooting from the weak side or a covered position, indexing and defensive techniques.

The system is effective, safe and reliable. It is a must have for teaching your wife and kids, and in the long run saves you a ton of cash.

It will never be a substitute for live fire but I will bet you dollars to doughnuts you’ll see measurable improvements in your scores. Seek out your Laserlyte dealer and give it a test run.

For additional information please visit Laserlyte at http://www.laserlyte.com -SP.

Copyright 2011, Sal Palma, d.b.a. Twobirds Flying Publication, All Rights Reserved.