UTM, the company that makes marker conversion kits for military and law enforcement training, has announced a civilian derivative, utilizing lower powered non-marker ammunition for increased safety:

 

UTM RBT RELEASES THE NEW ALTERNATIVE TO LIVE FIRE PRACTICE! FOR THE FIRST TIME EVER, CORE TECHNOLOGY ONLY PREVIOUSLY AVAILABLE TO THE MILITARY, LAW ENFORCEMENT AND PROFESSIONAL TRAINING ORGANIZATION IS NOW AVAILABLE TO ALL SHOOTING ENTHUSIASTS! The UTM RBT Civilian Training Ammunition (CTA) is the safest, most reliable and accurate alternative to live ammunition – ideal for beginners, recreational and competition shooters without the need to go to the range. CTA Allows you to: Easily convert your AR-15 style weapon to fire CTA in seconds Simple Bolt Carrier Group exchange – No Gunsmithing The converted weapon will not fire standard .223/5.56mm – mitigating accident, injury and potentially catastrophic incidents Safely shoot virtually anywhere – no range needed Freedom from most live fire restrictions Virtually NO weapon fouling, Non-Toxic, Lead Free, Environmentally Friendly! Normal weapon function, recoil and realistic & consistent cyclic rates Intended for all responsible gun owners, Novice to Professionals Train those new to firearms in weapon safety and basics Replaces dry fire and enhances live fire practice for professional & recreational shooters Improve your skills & proficiency safely with your own weapon: accuracy, trigger & breath control, sight alignment, clearing malfunctions, magazine reloads and more… TECHNOLOGY With lower velocities and projectile weight, the Civilian Target Ammunition (CTA) is designed for complete safety and reliability, bringing target practice with your weapon to a whole new level – without the need for a range and free from live fire restrictions. The CTA utilizes the same core technology the U.S. Military, Special Forces and Law Enforcement Agencies have been using in their operational weapons during training for nearly a decade. Plastic projectile weighs less than 1 gram Average velocity of 375 fps at the muzzle Outstanding Short Range Accuracy, .223/5.56mm ammunition = 30mm (1.18”) group at 30m/32yds (mean radius) No Need for Hearing Protection – 113db No Gunpowder – primer actuated systems UNIQUE patented, proprietary and exclusive dual primer system and projectile driving band system. The UTM RBT Civilian Target Ammunition (CTA) Conversion WILL NOT fire standard .223/5.56mm live rounds because of its offset firing pin design Cartridge technology has over a 99% reliability as certified by the U.S. Army’s Picatinny Arsenal What’s Included in the CTA Target Shooting Kit? We’re glad you asked! The answer… A LOT! 1 UTM RBT Universal AR-15 Style Bolt Carrier Group Conversion 1 Magazine 100 Rounds of UTM RBT Civilian Target Ammunition (CTA) 1 Bottle of Gun Lubricant 3 UTM RBT Paper Targets with Nylon Coated Vinyl Holder 1 Steel Projectile Trap (fits behind target) 1 Projectile Puller 2 Bungee Cord Target Holders Introductory Price of $349.00 for all Pre-Orders! 30% DISCOUNT! Additional Target Ammunition sold separately $29.50 per box of 50 rounds

UTM is clearly very enthusiastic about this introduction, but I wonder how much success the new product will achieve. At $0.60 a round, most civilians will find, I think, that normal target practice is cheaper.

It does, however put more realistic threat simulations and experiments within reach of casual hobbyists, opening the door to a whole new kind of YouTube gun channel.