Blog - Practically Tactical: Recent Episodes
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The Canik TP9V2 came to the market and a few dubbed it THE GLOCK KILLER as it took the very popular features of the TP9SA and tweaked it a bit. It had some very unique features such as the decocking mechanism on a "striker" fired gun, giving it a Double Action/Single Action type of firearm, large capacity, and a "lifetime" warranty. Not to mentioned you got all of this, with 3 mags, for about $300. Of course as it will be mentioned, the firearm does have second strike capability, but I am not a fan of that for many reasons, but that is another article.
I was intrigued by this handgun as several people in the industry I know got one and liked it. So I traded a couple shotguns I had laying around for one at a gun shop that was a bit away as they were a little hard to find. When the Practically Tactical crew had the chance at our next filming trip down to Alliance Police Training Facility, Jeff and myself recorded a first impressions video where we really liked the gun, as you can see in the video here:
We liked the cost, the features, the accuracy, and the trigger. We thought this gun might be a legitimate firearm that could be affordable and reliable. What we do at Practically Tactical for reviews, is all guns and gear are required to be ran through two training classes before we give a final review on it. So July 30 and 31 of 2016, we had a listener class at Alliance. One day was a handgun class, so I borrowed a few mags and a Squared Away Customs holster from my buddy Scott who had the TP9SA, and got ready for the class.
This being my first class with this firearm, i wanted to make sure I was running the firearm how I think a DA/SA should be ran and carried. It would be carried in the double action, drawn and first shot in double action, then rest of the shots would be single action. Upon completion of a string, I would decock the firearm and reholster. This is where all the happy feelings and thoughts about the TP9V2 ended on the first couple drills.
My Glock 17, chopped by NAF and Slide Machined by ATEi.
The first drill completed and I decocked the firearm and reholstered. The next drill I drew the firearm and got a click. Remedied it with a smash and a rip (way better than tap and rack right? h/t Steve Fisher) and went on. I figured maybe it was ammo, it can happen. Next drill same thing but then after clearing the round, it happened again. Jesse took notice and we found the cleared rounds with the lightest of lightest primer strikes. The TP9V2 only made it through the first 7 drills until the light primer strikes made the gun literally not function. I found it to happen almost immediately after I would decock the firearm. The last magazine had 5 rounds out of 18 get light prime strikes. I decided at that point to go back to my regular carry firearm, my Glock 17 all worked over by ATEi and NAF Solutions (check sponsor page for info and discounts). When I got home, I did tear down, inspect, and checked the striker channel for obstructions and saw no issues.
So, this is where quite a few of us reviewers go wrong (I am guilty of it too): Something breaks and we immediately trash it before giving the company a chance to make it right. Maybe I just got a lemon, with my luck that is about normal. So, I reached out to Century Arms and their "LIFETIME WARRANTY" that I thought came with my Canik TP9V2 and it didn't quite go as expected. Below is my exchange, you will need to start from the last page and work your way to the first page. Also, there are two policies references in the email chain, here are their links:
ConsumerPolicy.pdf
Warranty Policy Canik TP9V2
So, did I follow their warranty policy and register my firearm with them? No. Did I keep a receipt? Nope. Do I want to drive an hour each way to get a copy of a receipt where someone at a gun store will have to dig through over a year's worth of receipts to find a copy of it to give to me? Nope. So, I fully understand and agree that I didn't follow their policy.
This has to be the worst warranty policies for firearms manufacturers. Number one, I am not registering any firearm with anyone, PERIOD. Two, if a product has a "lifetime warranty" why do I need proof of purchase as me having the gun should be proof of purchase. Maybe I am old fashioned, but I try to take companies for their word. If they say lifetime, I figure they should mean it. I guess that just isn't the case anymore and possibly shame on me.
At the end of the day, what does this mean other than I have a $300 paperweight? It means I can't give this gun a good review, in fact, I have to give it a bad review even if EVERY other TP9V2 works perfect. Why? Because if it breaks, there is no one to stand behind it. What about those who can only afford one gun for self defense. What if their only means of protection that they saved up for dies and won't be repaired because someone didn't register their gun? Unacceptable. So, if anyone is still reading this and asking "Should i Buy ANY Canik Handgun?". NO! Because you might be stuck with a "Glock Killer" that is dead.
UPDATE 11/4/16:While we were down at Alliance for the last Listener Class of the year, we were hanging out and I was explaining the issues to Steve, Cory, and the rest of the PracTac crew when we started finger banging the gun fast, we could get the trigger to go dead, multiple times, consistently over and over again. Check out the video from our Instagram Feed:
This gun just keeps getting worse.
Added 10/15/16:
A fan of the show posted this information on our Facebook page:
Of note, there seems to be someone else with a similar issue, but got his "fixed" and is still having issues, as you can see here:
So let’s say you came to me and said “Jesse, I want the most badass rifle money can buy! All I ask is that it be 100% American made, undoubtedly reliable, and remarkably accurate. I need it to have a rock solid platform, with a rail that doesn’t quickly overheat, but at the same time, it has to all remain ultra lightweight. It, of course, has to be M-LOK compatible and ideally suppressor optimized. On top of all that, it should come with a full lifetime warranty on everything, including the barrel. Last and most importantly, it has to look the absolute tits.”
Let me introduce you to the Modern Outfitters (http://www.modern-outfitters.com) MC6 Modern Carbine. Designed with the serious shooter in mind, everything excluding the the furniture (stock and grip) is manufactured in house. This ensures quality control is maintained at the absolute highest standards, and allows for optimal unification of all components. With no portion overlooked, let’s take a detailed glimpse at what goes into manufacturing this premium rifle.
From the moment I received the MC6 it began surpassing all my expectations. Packaged in a quality nylon soft case, it’s definitely a welcomed addition over the traditional cardboard box. Upon opening the smaller of the two main compartments, I found the typical owner's manual as well as an included 30 round PMag. Moving to the larger main compartment I found my new Modern Carbine properly secured with the internal straps (again details matter). The first thing about the rifle that catches your eye is the incredible cerakote job. I opted for the distressed MRD (Multi-Regional Dispersal), but they have multitude of colors and patterns to choose from. While it really adds no functional value to the rifle, I feel it’s definitely a nice touch that gives the rifle personality and a custom feel.
Starting at the business end, I opted for a Griffin Armament Taper Mount Hammer Compensator pinned and welded to the spiral fluted 14.7" .223 Wylde barrel. The Hammer Comp makes for an easy suppressor mounting system for compatible Griffin Armament cans. It also does a great job of controlling muzzle rise, while not emitting a large flash signature or overly aggressive muzzle concussion. Built with harmonics in mind the barrel utilizes a medium profile, that is machined from 4150 Chrome Moly Vanadium (CMV) steel. It is coated with a Melonite corrosion resistant finish, as well as a NiB coated M4 feed ramp. The Button rifled 14.7" QPQ coated barrel is pinned to 16.1" OAL with a 1/8” RH twist. Coming with the industry standard 1/2x28 TPI threading, the rifle operates on a reliable Mid-length gas system. The barrel has a minimized gas port diameter to reduce blowback and improve service life of the rifle. Lastly, each barrel is air gauged and complimented with a low profile melonite coated gas block.
The spiral fluting on the barrel helps to dissipate heat and reduces weight.
Covering that barrel is a 13in M-LOK compatible rail system manufactured from an Aircraft Grade aluminum extrusion. The MC6’s rail design allows for a continuous picatinny interface on the 12 o’clock portion of the rifle. It features four limited rotation QD Mounts (front and rear) and is attached via a proprietary barrel nut design. The MC6 features a barrel nut lock up system that is free from contact with the rail. This allows for a true free floated barrel assembly which is not dependent on a timed barrel nut that contacts the rail.
Why does this matter? First, it makes for less heat transfer. With no barrel nut transferring heat directly to the rail system, the rail stays noticeably cooler during sustained fire. The second biggest benefit to this system is that bipods and other accessories no longer impact accuracy. Since the rail does not come into direct contact with the barrel nut or barrel extension, no matter how much force you exert on the rail there is zero POI (point of impact) shift. Lastly, as the barrel nut is not the anchor point for the rail system these two components can be made lighter. All this makes for an inherently more accurate system, when compared to more traditional rifles.
Keeping with the ultra lightweight theme the upper and lower on the MC6 are manufactured from a single piece of billet aluminum. The meticulous attention to detail is obvious as weight has been reduced at all the non-critical points, without sacrificing any of its strength or reliability. The lower receiver features a true wire EDM cut mag well that allows for precise tolerances and has a slight flare that makes feeding magazines a breeze. I have currently only used Magpul Pmags and a D60 with the rifle, but they have fed great even with 28 rounds loaded on a closed bolt. The MC6 also comes standard with all the nice to have accessories including a billet magazine release, an enhanced bolt catch, a Magpul MOE grip, and an ambidextrous safety. Another nice touch is the billet one-piece design dust cover. This design is 1/3 the weight of the traditional mil-spec dust cover and because every ounce matters the dust cover rides on a clampless carbon fiber dust cover rod.
The heart and soul of any rifle is the Bolt Carrier Group, and the MC6 definitely did theirs right. Using a8620 Carrier and a Carpenter 158 bolt it is magnetic particle inspected, as well as High pressure tested for integrity. The Bolt is properly heat treated, shot peened, and post heat treat ground with the headspace being held to half the blueprint specification. They come equipped with a 4340 Cam Pin & Extractor, are finish pass machined on all surfaces, and of full billet construction. They have the latest 15k round extractor spring design, and a Crane O-ring for increased extraction reliability in extreme conditions. They come with a Billet machined gas key that is installed with permatex and properly staked. The entire system is fully Melonite coated to help prevent corrosion and make carbon removal a breeze.
The enhanced bolt carrier group was designed to reduce carrier tilt during recoil, and has fewer points of contact. With less friction area and a slight increase in mass, it extends the dwell time to ensure reliable extraction. The rear travel for the bolt carrier is also enlarged so that it fits precisely into the buffer tube. This ensures it locks into battery consistently and tightly every time to enhance the rifles accuracy.
The SL-K stock compliments this rifle perfectly with it’s lightweight compact design
Speaking of the Buffer Tube. The MC6 uses a Maritime Receiver extension, as well as a proprietary buffer that was designed specifically to increase reliably when shooting both suppressed and unsuppressed. The proprietary enhanced H3 (4.5oz) buffer has been precision machined to reduce bolt speed, as well as reducing felt recoil. The increased buffer weight helps minimize suppresser blow back due to a slower rate of fire, and allows back pressure to dissipate when shooting suppressed. The Maritime buffer tube helps to port gas and shed debris through the rear of the rifle, instead of in your face. An integrated QD end plate is attached via a self locking castle nut, and it is all capped off with a Magpul SL-K stock.
Another way the MC6 helps diffuse gases is with the ambidextrous charging handle. Made from 7075 aluminum, the charging handle has an integrated bleed-off port in the rear that helps move excess gas away from the your face. It has slightly over-sized handles that easily clear optics and can be manipulated with gloves, however not so large to become a major snag point on shirts and kit.
Last but certainly not least is the Trigger. While the MC6 usually comes standard with the proprietary TIN coated 3.5 lbs adjustable single stage match grade DMR trigger, I opted for my MC6 to come with the Geissele SD3G. Having tried the proprietary trigger I can say it most certainly compliments the rifle, I just personally favor the SD3G's flat faced design.
So now that you’ve heard all that goes into manufacturing this rifle, “What are my initial thoughts?” Well in a nutshell, I’m impressed. When you’re a training junkie like me, your rifle is a workhorse and that horse gets rode hard. Knowing even quality gear will eventually fail if worked hard enough for long enough, having that lifetime warranty definitely helps make me feel all warm and fuzzy. The rifle is super lightweight and while that is definitely appreciated by my body. It also lends to me being able to drive the gun much faster and easier than my previous rifle. The rail is rock solid and it’s thin ergonomics feel amazing. Usually thin is code for "gets hot quick", but I never once noticed the rail getting overly warm during sustained rates of fire. That said, for a little added traction and even more sex appeal I will probably still throw on a set of Rail Scales. Going from a 16in barrel with a carbine length gas system to the 14.7in barrel with a mid length gas system has also been a major improvement. Not only does it help attribute to less felt recoil and muzzle rise, it also seems so much more manageable in confined spaces. Having worked the rifle primarily suppressed, I can honestly say it disperses the gasses away from the shooter better than any other rifle I’ve shot to date. It has had no problems reliably feeding UTM ( Universal Training Munitions ) and like a true boss kept spitting them out even while suppressed. With just over a thousand actual rounds on her currently, we’re pretty much just starting to really get acquainted. I will say that so far I really dig what Modern Outfitters is putting down, and am drinking the proverbial Kool-aid. I am excited to work this gun hard over the 2017 training season, and will be sure to follow up with a full review. For now lets just say in this budding relationship, things are getting pretty serious.
So what’s this set-up going to run you? Well as with most high quality items, it comes with a little bit of a price tag. Currently this configuration of the MC6 will run you right around the $3,000 mark, but models start at $2,500. As most veterans of the “martial path” know, when it comes to quality gear you “Buy Once and Cry Once.” However with a lifetime warranty on top of the smorgasbord of premium features, I don’t see you sobbing over this decision long.
If the MC6 is still a little out of your current price range, I would then highly recommend taking a look at Modern Outfitters MC5 line of rifles. The little sister to the MC6, the MC5 maintains the synonymous theme of quality and reliability. The MC5 features many of the same welcomed upgrades as the MC6 while coming in at a very economical price point.
Whichever model you choose, we at Practically Tactical want to ensure you to get the best deal possible on your rifle purchase. Modern Outfitters has been kind enough to offer our subscribers a 10% discount with promo code PT10.
For more information on Modern Outfitters and the Modern Carbine, please visit:
http://www.modern-outfitters.com
https://www.instagram.com/moderncarbine/
https://www.instagram.com/modernoutfitters/
https://www.facebook.com/shopmodernoutfitters
If you live in the Meridian, MS or Dallas, TX area, you can check out their stores in your local area.
Modern Outfitters
1632 Irving Blvd, Dallas, TX 75207
Modern Outfitters
3700 MS-39, Meridian, MS 39301
Five years ago today, I woke up on a deflated air mattress in the back of my SUV in Lewis, Indiana for my first firearms training class after having driven 6 hours overnight to attend. This would be my first step down the martial path that has led to amazing experiences, friends, mentors, and training. I wouldn’t say my first step down the martial path was the best step, but it was still a step forward. The very ironic thing about being an “alumni” of the infamous RangeTime, is how it shaped my outlook on training and how I view instructors immensely.
I AM GENERALIZING MY BLOG POST TO FIREARMS INSTRUCTORS/TRAINING AS THAT IS WHAT I PRIMARILY TAKE CLASSES INVOLVING, HOWEVER, THIS SUBJECT IS REALLY SELF DEFENSE. SO MUCH OF THIS CAN BE APPLIED TO OTHER AREAS OF SELF DEFENSE AS WELL. JUST WANTED TO BE CLEAR. A FIREARM IS ONLY A SMALL PART OF SELF DEFENSE.The very first lesson I learned was to NEVER confuse a large social media presence or large following as adding credibility to an instructor. I saw Cory and Erika’s YouTube channel with a large following with awesome videos and just figured if so many people are following them, they must be credible. That was an incredibly dumb mistake on my part. Sadly, from looking at the industry now, I think it is even worse for new folks than when I started looking at firearms training due to more platforms now with Facebook, Instagram, etc. Let me tell how just how that feels to look back and realize how poor of a decision you made. Specifically, with RangeTime, Cory was a stolen valor asshat. I attended a training school where the instructor eventually got busted for faking his whole military medical story. Do you know how bad that feels as a student? To realize all the things you thought about that person where wrong? Then realize you gave them money and your time, which you can never get back? Then in your mind, it turns into: “If he lied about his background, is he lying about his methodologies?” What I now realize knowing the whole story, he never cared about the students, it was all about the money. An “instructor” who is willing to lie to their students doesn’t have their best interests in mind. Which to be a good instructor, that is literally the first requirement. Train with the best instructors you can afford. Train with those that are known for their training, not for their YouTube channel or Instagram theatrics. You will thank me later.
Now, before I start the second point which can be a rabbit hole, it is important to understand that there are different types of firearms instructors. There are the types where all they are going to do is show you how to load the gun and shoot paper at 10 feet at an indoor range and not kill yourself and others. There are others that offer very specific training like Vehicle CQB, or CQB, Foundational Carbine/Handgun, Combatives, Less Than Lethal and everything in between. So from a student aspect, please understand that not all instructors are created equal and that is okay. This is why it is YOUR job to vet the instructor and select the right instructor for you and where you are at on your path. Just because their Instagram profile stays “_______ instructor”, it doesn’t mean they are one or the right one for you or that they are any good.
The second lesson that I have is understanding what a firearms instructor should be to a student. I have lost track of the number of classes that I have taken or assisted with, but it is probably somewhere in the 50-75 range. Obviously, I have experienced quite the spectrum of firearms and self-defense training in regards to quality, or lack of. As a student, you should have expectations of your instructor. You are there paying them to learn, so they should be facilitating that experience. Here are some fundamental rules:
- If the class/range isn’t safe and you don’t feel safe, just walk away. No class is worth someone getting shot over. No one should be muzzling other people. No student should muzzle another student. No instructor should be muzzling students. No instructor should be muzzling other instructors. They should have a safety plan and a medical brief. You would think this is a no-brainer, however, it isn’t.
- You should be getting feedback on how you are doing in the class. That is the teaching part of the instructor. If they are having you work a draw stroke, reloads, movement, or whatever teaching point, they should be giving you feedback on how you are doing. If you don’t know you are doing something wrong, spend all day doing it wrong, and leave the class doing it wrong, what was the point of the instructor even showing people?
- The instructor needs to have a laid out, systematic approach to what they are teaching, referred to a POI (point of instruction). Now, we all know POIs can change based on the class (sign of a good instructor), but there needs to be a deliberate and obvious progression of what is being taught. The previous step needs to be built upon in the next step. A class that is called “Concealed Carry 101” that has day one working on draw stroke to the next day working on fighting from a vehicle is absurd. While it sounds cool, you aren’t getting the necessary information on any of the subjects being “taught”. You aren’t getting the reps needed to implement what is being taught into your brain. Honestly for this example, probably sets a student up for major failure as working in and around a vehicle isn’t a subject that can be covered in just one day.
- The instructor needs to provide you context to what is being taught. Now, I’m not looking for war stories, I am looking for trends in data, tons of videos showing the same thing working over and over, multiple first-hand examples, etc. If they aren’t explaining the WHYs of what is being taught, then you have to ask them, WHY is this being taught? An answer of “well, this is how it always has been” or other junk like that, that doesn’t cut it! Students need to ask WHY about everything being taught and an instructor should be explaining the WHY about everything being taught.
Next lesson: Be Humble (Humble Pie Patch). You aren’t as good as you think you are and get rid of your ego. I remember rolling into my second ever class called “You Suck Its Not The Gun” with Trek from MDFI and thinking I was about to blow this shit out of the water cause I was ready for bigger and better things…Nope. Didn’t do that shit at all. Not. Even. Close. Thankfully I had a Jesse with me and we were smart enough to realize “Fuck, this shit isn’t about the gun at all”. Going to the range and shooting ammo doesn’t mean anything without a purpose. Going to the range allows you to work fundamentals of shooting. That is all. It doesn’t prepare you for a 360-degree environment. To steal a line from my good friend Functional Gentleman, “All I Know Is That I Know Nothing”. If you follow this motto, you will always be improving, you will also be learning, and you will always be getting better. That is the goal of training right?
I can’t think Swat Jesus enough for the mentors that I have. Get a mentor. It doesn’t have to be in regards to firearms training, but having a mentor in life will help you immensely. Find a person who shares the same values, morals, and approaches to life as you. They don’t have to be rich or famous, but if they are successful at what they do and they are living a good life, you should be asking that person questions because they have information that could stop you from making the same mistakes they did. Find a mentor, ask them questions, see what drives, and LISTEN when they are speaking. For some reason, I have managed to stumble into having some amazing mentors. When they talk, I shut up.
Do This and Do This Early: I have become a better student and a better shooter because I started training in a 360 degree environment early in my training path. Shoot houses with Steve from Sentinel Concepts, Force on Force Trek from MDFI and Joe from Alliance Police Training, Vehicle CQB with William Petty showed me that square range stuff doesn’t prepare you for all that life can throw at you. And it doesn’t prepare you at all for the information processing when you start training in a 360 degree environment. If you carry a gun every day, you better start preparing to win the fight of your life in a 360 degree environment because I don’t know too many gun battles that happened on square ranges, or timers for drawing, or gunfight with everyone on the same line and no one down range. We are accountable for everything we do: better be able to do it right the first time because of training instead of figuring it out on the fly with no training experience to pull from when its for all the marbles as Petty says.
My last point is for instructors out there who might be reading this. Here is some information that I feel is important to help you be a good instructor from a student perspective.
- Go Get Training. If a student is coming to you to get better, why aren’t you continually trying to get better? Keep training, keep evolving, and keep learning. Being a better student will make you a better instructor. Anyone can open a firearms training company. LITERALLY ANYONE. There are no rules for it. There are no laws. There are no standards. Don’t be the bare fucking minimum with the NRA Basic Instructor. Honestly, that shouldn’t even count.
- Be able to look at your POI and answer the WHY about EVERYTHING you are teaching. Context is the most needed information for students a lot of the time. If you teach concealed carry classes, shouldn’t you be able to explain why we have retention and offer context for when to use it and when not to use it? Why and Context need to apply to everything you teach, no matter what you teach. A student leaving your class not knowing WHY something was being taught will never stick with them.
- Be humble and give the respect the word instructor deserves. Students are paying you money and taking time away from their lives, families, and kids. That is an amazing feat, so do it humbly and with respect. Don’t think cause you wear a red vest that says “Instructor” on it that you are better than your students. You need to be an instructor, a leader, and a teacher, not an overlord. A true leader supports not yells commands.
- Don’t ask your students to do something you can’t. Demo The Shit Out of Everything. Seeing is believing and most people learn by seeing. Now, there might be some subjects where this can’t be done due to various reasons, but students need to see it can be done. How to do it. And know that if they do what they are being taught, they can do it to with practice and effort.
- Stay In Your Lane. I get sent a lot of videos from people looking for training, DERP videos online of “instructors” teaching some bullshit, and instructors teaching stuff they obviously have no clue about. Don’t be that fucking guy. Teach what you are good at, teach what you can explain to your students, and teach what you are contextualizing to your students. There is nothing wrong with teaching fundamentals. There is nothing wrong with teaching just your niche subject. You will get more students from staying in your lane because other instructors will notice that, respect that, and probably mention you if a student is in your area or looking for a class in your expertise. Or maybe that instructor will send a new student to you first to get squared away before that student goes to him. Nothing will ruin your reputation faster than a student who thought they learned some subject from you, then take training with someone who actually knows what they are talking about and opens the eyes of the student that you were BS.
This has been an amazing 5 years for me in regards to how I have progressed. I have come so far, yet still have so much farther to go. I hope this blog post helps those on the path, about to start, or to those that help students on their path. At the end of the day, just remember that as a student be smart and don’t fall for the same mistakes that I did that led me to RangeTime. You want every dollar you spend, every minute you burn, and every round, punch, movement, and thought to be making you better.
Instructors, this is a pretty simple job. Never do anything that would make your students feel ashamed to have trained with you and where your certificates are now a joke and not a good memory for your students:
I hope I conveyed the WHYs to all my lessons and covered what most might have questions about in 5 years without going into specific classes or moments. Everyone’s path is different and I can’t say the path I did is the best for everyone or the classes I have done are for everyone. But I think if people learn from my mistakes and take my experiences as a student and apply them, it might be able to help them in some way.
I recently moved and have been looking for good local ranges. However, I not only wanted to prevent going backwards on my skills in the interim, I also wanted to be ready for an upcoming class in Alliance with Joe Weyer. We all worked for a year to prepare for the class, and going into the class cold was not where I wanted to be. Mantis helped me have a way to isolate skills to prep for the upcoming class.
SafetyBoth the Blackbeard and the Laser Academy are dry fire training tools. As such, proper dry fire safety procedures must be observed. Unload any firearms in your dry fire training area. Also ensure that the space is not contaminated with any live ammunition.
BlackbeardThe Blackbeard is a long awaited setup. You simply remove the charging handle and bolt carrier group from your rifle and insert the Blackbeard bolt carrier group. Then you insert the Blackbeard battery into the magazine well. You can look on their site (https://mantisx.com/products/blackbeard-the-auto-resetting-trigger-for-ar-15) and see a host of options such as red, IR, green, and no laser modes.
The Blackbeard resets the trigger for follow on shots. While not exactly the same as a live fire shot, the tactile feel is similar and definitely adds value. I am thankful to not have to manually rack the bolt back for each dry fire shot. Also, the Blackbeard gives a laser for reference to where a round would impact. Both are helpful in dryfire and make the experience more fun. The laser feedback is good for gaining a firm grasp of height over bore. Working inside your house can give a greater level of precision. This is true whether taking a shot at only a few feet or at the greatest distance inside of your house. The Blackbeard can also be used to get a dirty zero confirmation with optics and laser sighting systems. None of us get the amount of consistent range time we wish we did. It is important to be certain that our zeros have not had a major shift on our defensive firearms. Using the Blackbeard makes regular checks far easier.
Earlier in the year I attended a class that forced a good amount of shooting on the move. My accuracy was reasonable, but I wanted to improve my pace while retaining my accuracy standards. I started working different rooms of my house with the Blackbeard alone. My pace would increase until the point I noticed a degradation in accuracy. This DOES NOT account for recoil, however the surety of a no fail shot is the key factor I was focusing on. I upped my pace slowly and this allowed for steady improvement. Moving directly towards a target is easy, but moving laterally takes more practice and was beneficial.
Integrating Blackbeard with Laser Academy This is where I began integrating the Laser Academy. Laser Academy has a hostage taker target/drill. The hostage and taker are on a 8.5x11 sheet of paper so your target is very small. I have not perfected the drill, but it has further refined my capabilities shooting on the move. I look forward to seeing what I can achieve after continued practice. This was not the intent behind this target and may only interest a small group of people. However, it works for this purpose as well as its intended draw and shoot or stationary height over bore work.
Laser AcademyThere are many drills and targets that come with the Laser Academy. You can find plenty of detail on what is included in the kit on the Mantis website (https://mantisx.com/collections/laser-academy) . In general, you receive a target pack, tripod for your phone, and a “bullet” that is a laser pointer.
The pointer fires every time the firing pin hits the rear rubber plate. From standard bullseye to specialty hostage rescue targets, each has a learning objective. As noted above, I took some liberties and adjusted the drills to meet different needs. One of the targets is designed to resemble a B8 target. Like many others, my weak hand B8 shooting has seen better days. Using laser academy I can dedicate 15 minutes a day and focus on a certain skillset. My weak hand B8s still have a good way to go at distance, but are far better than when I started.
The picture above illustrates a 10 shot B8 drill. Each shot is recorded and allows the shooter to know in order the accuracy of the shot placed so they can learn to call their shots. The app also allows you to save your drills. This is helpful in seeing a shooter’s progression.
ConsiderationsAny product will have pros and cons. One issue I had was that the Blackbeard would not reset the trigger consistently in one of my lowers. Only 3 lowers were tested and the Blackbeard did consistently reset in the other 2. This is not an issue I have heard of being widespread.
The next issue I found was with using a visible laser. While using a bright green laser it was easy to see my hits. This can be great for some aspects of training. However, at times I found myself looking for the green laser rather than properly aligning via the red dot on my rifle. This is not an issue with the system as much as a reminder for the trainee to ensure they are focusing correctly during their dry fire practice. Another option is purchasing the IR Blackbeard to not rely on the immediate feedback of a visible laser.
The Laser Academy also performed well during my review process. The metal stands for the targets are very handy as you can easily move and orient targets. However, the targets after a while did start to “wilt” and bend, simply due to the nature of the material they were constructed of. Included with the targets was an adhesive that could be used to stick targets to your walls. This worked well, but was more a permanent solution. The best solution I found was to stick 2 targets back to back and then tape the top. This provided enough rigidity and made changing targets easy as well.
Final Thoughts Mantis has provided some products that appeal to any dedicated shooter. Whether it is someone looking for more reps during high ammo prices, or those looking for more details to analyze and improve their skillset, both the Blackbeard and Laser academy work together to provide an affordable and enjoyable option. My main takeaway was also the capability to expand beyond the drills included and improve on specific skills that best fit my needs. Laser Academy also implements some competitive drills designed for 2 shooters. For young or new shooters, both products could generate interest and help build skills before a live round is even fired.
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