Range training effectively allows trainees to get used to their soon-to-be on-duty firearm, though it comes with a steep cost—literally and figuratively. Time and money involved with purchasing ammunition, targets and other accessories, combined with the amount of time for driving to and from the range quickly adds up. When departments multiply this for each trainee, the cost and hours become staggering.
Going Beyond the Range for Firearms Training
Rather than train solely on a range, agencies have the option to utilize a firearms training simulator. This training solution not only eliminates the need for constant trips out to the range, but also eliminates transport time, the cost of ammunition, and most importantly, the dangers associated with live training. While extremely beneficial, departments may wonder:
Do weapons used in a simulator accurately replicate on-duty weapons?
The ultimate goal in firearms training is to teach trainees critical skills while minimizing training scars. Departments may utilize a dryfire pistol, but it lacks the same feel as a real firearm. Dryfire has its place for repetition though. It should go without saying: training weapons must have the same form, fit and function as an officer’s or warfighter’s duty weapon to minimize any transition period between training and the real world.
Tetherless Recoil Kits and CO2 for Advanced Realism
To combat this, VirTra designs, manufactures, tests and sells tetherless drop-in recoil kits and CO2 magazines for a wide array of weapons ranging from pistols to rifles to shotguns. Installing the recoil kit is an easy and non-permanent option, allowing trainees to switch their firearms from live-fire to simulation-ready and back again. For rifles, the bolt carrier group is removed and placed with a durable stainless-steel recoil kit. For pistols, the process is just as simple, through the recoil kit comes as a drop-in barrel replacement. These manufactured kits provide the most realistic recoil on the market.
The training realism increases with the addition of our CO2 magazines. Instructors can throw curveballs at students with the special Advanced Skills Magazine, which supports instructor-induced malfunctions. Through Bluetooth Low Energy technology, instructors can jam a trainee’s weapon when they least expect it, forcing them to clear the malfunction while inside the simulation before they can continue effectively shooting.
Combine it with the V-Marksmanship® Training Simulator
These useful hardware tools can be combined with VirTra’s marksmanship training for maximum skill transfer with minimal risk. V-Marksmanship® offers a variety of background and customizable range conditions, including wind, weather, lighting and stance. Multiple firing lanes allow for multiple officers to practice simultaneously, with different target options and perspective accuracy.
VirTra aims to keep training realistic for skill transfer to the field. If you have moved beyond the dryfire practice with no recoil—instead, use your personal weapon and train like you fight. Contact a VirTra specialist to learn more.
