laser training cartridges
This is a training tool that makes a real firearm inert while it's installed. When the trigger is depressed, it briefly fires a laser at your target. In my book, it's an absolute must, and it's the best thing you can do for your training. You can get into laser training at any level from $11 to over $3,000 (for a virtual range setup), and at each level it's worth every penny.
You can get a lot of fun and useful training out of just a generic $11 laser training cartridge, and you'll acquire the skill of intuitive aiming or "point shooting," which is how almost all defensive shooting is done. You can get reactive electronic targets to set up, or you can get the free shootoffapp.com software to practice acquiring moving targets and do speed drills. The software is finicky, but it can be useful and fun. Another option is the free G-Sight phone app, which is useful and worth checking out. G-Sight now has all kinds of inexpensive upgrades and targets that look fun. Many people just shoot the screws on their light switch covers. That's also fun.
Pink Rhino is a good middle-of-the-road brand, but even they sell defective cartridges with electronic or alignment problems - about a third of them in fact. I've used the Mantis X return policy, and they were good about it, but they did seem to question me and made me write a little note about each one.
generic for under $20
Generics tend to be dimmer and won't work with a Smokeless Range, bu they work well on walls, light switches and targets. This is an affiliate link which gives PMT a percentage at no additional cost to the buyer.
Tips:
Use a small square of electrical tape on the cartridge's button to protect it from the firing pin and extend its life. This is the part that wears out if you don't tape it.
Use laser cartridges in conjunction with the 4-stage ccw drawstroke to improve your aim from the one-handed and two-handed retention firing positions.
It's essential to make dry practice fun. This turns drills into games and gives you feedback on where your shots are hitting. Get the green laser if you plan to drill outside in the sun, but get the red laser to save money or use it with certain camera and software tools.