One of the first things I learned when I first started shooting, years ago, was the importance of dry-fire practice. Not only is it a very inexpensive alternative to live fire, but it also allows you to focus on the fundamentals without the distraction of the sound and the fury. The only thing better than dry-fire practice is dry-firing on a dynamic, reactive range you construct in your own home. Laser Ammo offers exactly this with its i-MTTS Arena – Target Training System.
Home Range: The Laser Ammo i-MTTS Arena
The Interactive Multi-Target Training System (i-MTTS) Arena allows you to build a range in your own home, your way. Available in various package options, you can choose from a 1 Pack all the way to the 5-in-1 Combo Box. Likewise, there are two full combo boxes, including targets and a controller: a 3-in-1 combo and a 5-in-1 combo. I got the 3-in-1 combo for this review, but will likely expand it eventually.
The full system is easy to set up and get started within minutes out of the box. Just install the batteries (3 AAA), place the targets where you want them, pick a shooting mode, and start shooting. The wireless targets themselves are compatible with Laser Ammo’s SureStrike™ red or infrared laser cartridges exclusively.
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Each target features a base and four 3–5-inch cards, including a ¼-scale IPSC and 1/5-scale B27 target. The 3-in-1 combo box includes the IPSC, B27, 5-inch, and 3-inch circle targets.
The target sizes are perfect for my office because I can only create a 3-yard range. At this distance, the 3-inch target is the approximate equivalent of a 10-inch target at 10 yards. Similarly, a 1/5 B27 target at 3 yards would be approximately a 2/3 scale B27 target at 10 yards. So, even in close quarters, you can simulate a 10-yard range.
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Training Programs
The controller is surprisingly flexible and easy to use. According to the website, it offers six different training modes: Standalone, First-Shot Timer, Steel-Plate, Chase-the-Ball, Shoot/No-Shoot, Double Tap, and even Mag-Change Timer.
However, the training modes on the system that I received are: Stand Alone, Steel-Plate, Chase-the-Ball, Shoot/No-Shoot, Shoot/No-Shoot Double Speed, Multiple Tap (number of hits displayed before start), and Drill Timer (split-time drill).
Finally, the controller lets you toggle auto/manual restarts, random or countdown starts, required hits, light and sound feedback, group configurations, and more—all without a phone. Likewise, the controller displays split and elapsed times to the hundredth of a second.
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SureStrikeMAG and SureStrike Cartridge
The SureStrikeMAG merges Laser Ammo’s SureStrike laser cartridge with the Smart DryFireMag, which forces a trigger reset after each shot. This lets you train with your own firearm without swapping the trigger or racking the slide after each trigger pull. However, you may want to swap the spring in the DryFireMag if you have a quality aftermarket trigger.
I am using the training system with my recent Glock 17 Gen3 build. It has a Timney Alpha Competition Series trigger with a 3-pound pull. The spring that came installed in the DryFireMag was stiff in comparison. However, once I replaced it with the included lighter spring, it was much closer to the feel of my trigger. I was getting an average pull of 4.5 pounds on my Wheeler Trigger Pull Gauge.
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It is worth noting that the first trigger pull is very stiff, but subsequent pulls are lighter. So, before you start running drills, I recommend pulling the trigger once to get past the initial stiff pull.
Every pull delivers tactile and audible feedback, synchronized with an eye-safe laser pulse. The laser is available in either visible Red for standard targets or Infrared (IR) for use with reactive systems. To ensure safety, the patented UhrSecure system locks the cartridge securely in the chamber. This not only blocks live ammo insertion, but also ensures that the laser hits true every time.
The thing I like most about this system is that it doesn’t require attaching anything to my firearm. The mag and cartridge install like standard mags and cartridges. So, I can run my training from the holster for a well-rounded training experience.
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Running Drills with the i-MTTS Arena
Although not a drill, the first mode (standalone) is an untimed hit counter. So, you can take your time and focus on the fundamentals: stance, draw, grip, sight picture acquisition, trigger manipulation, etc. If you want to step it up a bit, the Steel Plate and Chase the Ball modes were fun drills. Likewise, they delivered a responsive shooting experience.
My favorite mode was the Shoot/No Shoot drill because it incorporates critical thinking as well as fast on-target times. However, for this drill, you are better off monitoring the split time function rather than the elapsed time. Part of the point of this drill is its random nature. So, the system can take time to feed you a “Shoot” target. This will impact your overall elapsed time, whereas the split time will be less significantly affected (but still slightly).
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I averaged a split time of about 1 second between the B27 targets at three yards apart. If these were full-size targets, on a full range at 10 yards, they would be approximately 10 yards apart.
The first Shoot/No Shoot mode is best from the holster. However, the second Shoot/No Shoot mode is double time, so it is best from a low ready position. In this mode, I was averaging .60 second splits because it was feeding the “Shoot” targets faster (double time).
The final mode was the Drill Timer, which is strictly for drilling split times. I averaged .45 second splits.
Something I noticed is that it counts hits that are near the target (around an inch), even if they are not actually on target. However, since it is equivalent to a 2/3 scale B27 target at 10 yards, the misses it is picking up would be within a full-size B27 target at 10 yards.
At Home on the Range with the i-MTTS Arena
Anyone serious about firearms for concealed carry, competition, or home defense should prioritize dry-fire training. It is by far the best method for practicing the basics at home. While picking a spot on the wall and dry-firing is suitable, having a system that provides feedback will enhance your training immensely.
However, it is important to remember what this is. It is a hit/miss self-defense training aid. So, it won’t track scoring. You hit the bad guy, or you didn’t.
I have become a fan of the i-MTTS Arena for its simplicity and immediate feedback. It is so quick and simple to use, I can run a few drills from my desk while taking a short break. It’s certainly better than wasting time on social media. Not to mention, it helps me continue to strengthen the foundations of my shooting technique without leaving home.
We all have areas for improvement. The i-MTTS Arena from Laser Ammo not only helps identify those areas, but it also helps work through them. The whole system, with the DryFireMag, is a little pricey, at a total combined cost of $609.95 (3-in-1) or $709.95 (5-in-1). However, it is hard to put a price on skill development. My family is worth too much for me to risk falling back on a lack of training.
Laser Ammo i-MTTS Target System Modes (as tested)
- Standalone
- Steel-Plate
- Chase the Ball
- Shoot/No-Shoot
- Shoot/No-Shoot Double Time
- Multiple Tap
- Drill Timer
The System Controller i-MTTS Arena Features
- Wireless communication up to 20′
- Immediate score display, with hundredths of a second accuracy
- Split and elapsed times display
- Remote push-button change and selections
- Choice of automatic or manual drill restart
- Choice of countdown or random drill start
- Control sound and light response
- Set of 4 changeable target cards for each target
- May be used as standalone targets
- Activated by both red and IR (infrared) lasers
- Scrolling through all the scores
- Change and set drill parameters
- Extended range
- Pair and define multiple target groups
- And much, much more
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