Dry fire practice has long been the staple of dedicated firearms training. It remains the best way to practice the vast majority of manipulation. Reloads, stoppage drills, pretty much anything that does not require ammunition and benefits from repetition, including the trigger. However, dry fire practice with a striker-fired pistol requires running the slide after each shot to reset the trigger. So, the good folks at DryFireMag developed a magazine that resets the trigger, keeping you on target during dry-fire sessions.
A Magazine Offering Realistic Dry Fire Practice
Spending years running pistols dry, the only real issue was the need to run the slide on my striker-fired pistols. It’s really not something you want to pattern, and it made practicing transitions less realistic. While replica devices have been around a while, it’s still not the same as running your trigger in your gun.
One of the latest innovations to remedy that is the DryFireMag. It allows you to use your pistol and simulates the trigger break and reset. Using your pistol allows the use of actual holsters, duty rigs, and other support equipment for a realistic presentation.
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Many replica devices do not allow the use of an RDS, and if so, not yours. DryFireMag facilitates the use of your pistol. The company also offers “Smart” versions that activate a drop-in laser, providing a visual reference for aiming or to activate target systems.
Pistol Compatibility
Magazines are available for the most common pistols, with more being added all the time. One of my favorite teaching and training pistols is a large frame Glock (G21). Accessories for the mid-frame are prolific, but not so much for the large frame. DryFireMag offered one that fits, so I ordered it up.
Both the G20 and G21 fit my hands well and allow me to use a system similar to the most prolific duty pistol. My test pistol is a Gen 5 MOS with a factory trigger and grip treatment from Finks Custom Gunsmithing. Trijicon’s RMR Type 2 is mounted, and Streamlight’s new TLR-1 HL-X was used for most of the training.
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Along with standard trigger press training, I was prepping for some training with a new G-Code holster for presentation and transition using my vest and Mossberg’s new 940 Pro Tactical.
Dry Fire Magazine Installation
Installation and use are pretty straightforward. You will need to cycle the slide first, then insert the magazine. Then, slowly press the trigger the first time—it will feel harder than usual.
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Trigger presses after that will simulate your actual press and reset. It uses a spring-tensioned lever to simulate the trigger pull. With two springs, you can simulate a factory pull. Similarly, with the lighter spring, you can simulate some aftermarket triggers.
Running the DryFireMag
Pull and reset were very close to my factory trigger. The first few pulls seemed a bit sticky, but it cleaned up after maybe 20 or 30 pulls. Both the pull and reset are pretty loud, allowing me to track time to target and split times using both the timer on my watch and the handheld.
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Tracking splits is huge, doing so with my actual G21 is even better. Draw to first round is pretty critical, but being able to track splits across three targets is a huge bonus.
There was no need for a laser on the rail, so my WML stayed in place. Most who practice dry already have a timer saving you hundreds of dollars. I’m not a big timer guy, but I regularly practice using a duty rig and pistol.
Another advantage is aiming with my actual RDS and seeing how my press disturbs the pistol. Using the exact same rig I use for teaching allowed me to practice and realistically track performance on presentation, trigger press, doubles, failure drills, even the El Presidente, in the comfort of my shop.
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The ability to practice realistic transitions may be the most essential task for this device. Having to run your slide after each shot patterns an entirely useless movement.
Depending on who my students are, I carry the pistol either in my duty rig or on the actual vest. Using the DryFireMag allowed me to practice using several long guns with precisely the same process as live fire. It really does translate well to my teaching and practice.
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An Easy, Dependable Dry Fire Solution
I’m not sure how many presses there have been so far, but it is well over 1000 without any issues. It is an easy device to install and use, with no need for added lasers or computer tracking programs. It has proven valuable to me and will continue to see use. Especially prepping for training using the G21.
You can certainly get pretty technical with lasers, programs, and the like. However, that is not for everyone, myself included. If all you need is something to reset your striker-fired pistol, this may be just the ticket. It definitely deserves a look.
