Fun laser cartridge drills that make you good

June 2022

You probably already know that laser training cartridges are one of the only ways to train for realistic self defense aiming or for other things that require aiming without using sights. So, you ask, how can I make it fun enough that I'll want to do it often?

I find it endlessly fun to draw and fire one shot from draw position 2 (one-handed retention firing position in the four-step draw). Sometimes I turn, draw, and shoot light sockets up close and at distances. Sometimes I do it from the couch to drill my on-my-back draw or my car-seat/booth draw (it's like a sitting draw but your elbow room is limited).

You can watch TV or listen to a podcast and draw and shoot a target every time you hear a certain word or see a certain person. Maybe use a different word each training session.

Shoot interactive things because it’s more rewarding. Light bulbs light up red when you hit them, and if you’re drilling for perfect trigger control under slow fire, shoot a night light’s sensor. It’ll turn off momentarily when it senses the laser. 

Shoot moving targets. Hang a bulb from the ceiling or a fan blade. Run the fan slowly for a second or two or push it with your hand. Put a white strip of paper on a string in front of a heating vent. Have someone dangle something from a stick and a string. 

Get software. It can be free and simple like the G-Sight free version. You aim your phone camera at your target, shoot the target, and see your groupings because it remembers and shows where your shots landed. G-Sight has come out with several other pay versions that seem worth the price. The ShootOFF App is free and has some interesting features. It uses a computer and any webcam. It also remembers your shot placement, and you can set it up to make sounds when you hit a target. There are even moving targets and more. See a virtual range setup for more ideas.

Draw and shoot yourself in the mirror (but not in the eyes). Understand how shooting from low angles works. If you’ve never shot a FRED target, it’s worth it. 

And that’s it. They’re inherently fun, so it doesn’t take much to keep it fresh and interesting.

As always, follow your safety measures that you select for yourself (with the advice of experts) for making at-home practice safe.