While I was trolling the lanes at SHOT I happened upon a cool little booth offering a system for dry firing with a difference from any other system I had seen on the floor—it enables you to train with recoil.

The system at the heart is very simple—it is a barrel replacement that is basically a CO2 cartridge. Each strike of the hammer actuates a release valve that vents enough gas to reciprocate the slide. The barrel is coupled with a small laser unit that is momentarily activated by the trigger impulse. Totally obvious solution in retrospect. The best part about the system is you use your own weapon, which means you are not stuck training on a replica that is somewhat close.

“Air Barrel” and laser. That is pretty much it…

The system comes with an “air barrel”, replacement recoil/return spring, red visible laser, two slide release inserts (that fit into the magazine and prevent slide lock), and a charging station. It also comes with 3 reflective targets. It is available for a decent number of common guns already (with a bunch more on the way).

Optional extended air cylinder to allow for more shots per refill. It really did not add much weight at all to the system.

Honestly this is the missing link in my personal dry fire training. Working the basic mechanics is great in and of itself, but managing recoil for followup shots is also super important. I think this, coupled with a MantisX system and some sort of laser activated target, is the sweet trifecta of dry fire training.

Barrel installed and the charging station.

You can find more information at their website: http://coolfiretrainer.com