Dry-fire training is excellent for maintaining and improving our pistol skills.  Mike Hughes, a former patent attorney, USPSA shooter and a contestant on “Top Shot,” founded Next Level Training in 2010.  Hughes invented a professional-grade laser-training pistol that offered similar handling characteristics as a loaded pistol.  The pistol features a “Shot Indicating Resetting Trigger,” hence the name “SIRT.”

SIRT pistol dimensions are so exact that they fit holsters designed for the live-fire pistols.  Weight is also similar, which adds to these pistols’ realistic handling.  The SIRT Pro 107 replicates a full-­size Smith & Wesson M&P pistol, and the SIRT Pro 110 resembles a Glock 17 or 22, two popular models among law enforcement agencies.

The simulated weighted magazine is removable in the same manner as the magazine in a live-fire pistol.  Front and rear sights closely replicate the sights on a Glock or Smith & Wesson M&P, so the aiming process is familiar.  The features that set the SIRT pistol apart are the resetting trigger and red or green laser indicators.  The resetting trigger is a benefit to training because the slide doesn’t cycle between shots.

SIRT pistols have two lasers. The first is a red take-up indicator, which is illuminated by pressure on the trigger which reinforces proper trigger prep and reset.  The second laser is the red- or optional green-shot indicator.  This laser is illuminated when the trigger breaks, and it represents where the shot would have impacted.  A dot indicates a smooth trigger press while a dash indicates trigger control that needs work.

Firearm Instructors can use the SIRT pistol as a demonstration tool to illustrate the fundamentals; as a practice tool, allowing students get repetitions in class; and on the range to diagnose any shooting deficiencies, commonly trigger control and sight alignment.

Shooters have experienced significant increases in performance in their shooting abilities after training with the SIRT pistol.