What do you think about firearm simulators?

[Krayzcolt]

I have never used a firearm simulator, but I would try it. Some of the videos on YouTube look cool.

Would you pay for range time if it was a virtual range?

[Merc1138]

Depends on the simulator, and how much it costs. There are plenty of things that could be practiced without actually sending lead down range if the sim is accurate enough.

[echoThreeOneSix]

Depends on the simulator, and how much it costs. There are plenty of things that could be practiced without actually sending lead down range if the sim is accurate enough.

same. it really all depends.

[E.T.]

I've gone through several and like them. They just need a lot of different scenarios so you don't get complacent by knowing what to expect

[TeddyBallgame]

recoil duplication would be my concern

but, i'd still go just for the hell of it; sounds like fun

[Snoopy47]

I don’t like the army one. They ues compressed air to actuate the bolt and simulate recoil. So the firearm is connected to a hose.

Secondly, the laser light travels at the speed of light. So a lot of soldiers get comfortable resting the rifle on the magazine. As such it doesn’t simulate inaccuracies while the recoil moves the rifle while the bullet is still traveling down the barrel, so actual range scores plummet when they shoot for score. Hmm..... I wonder if it could be calibrated to delay the laser light the exact time it would take the bullet to clear the barrel. That way the recoil starts to actuate BEFORE the laser light flashes on the target.

It’s great for manual of arms familiarization.

[hermosabeach]

The fats is good as the operator can change the outcome of a scenario a dozen ways.

Based upon your commands the bad guy can comply, stall, attack, run.

The newer ones also allow the shooter to move and not stay static while shooting. You cannot move very far but cover and concealment can be present.


The simulator is good as-
It gets you exposed to a variety of scenarios that you could encounter.
It also tracks your hits, misses and times for shooting.



If you have never been in a shoot house, it is not surprising for 60% of the people to shoot at the gun. They see the great and fire.

They don't shoot the center of mass of the threat. They scan and when a threat is identified, they don't stop and shoot center of mass of the bad guy.


So recoil management is not the purpose behind the simulator.


It is having the opportunity to go through a dozen scenarios that one could face.

The OODA loop is a wild thing. When you encounter something new, the decision process takes a lot longer...

[hermosabeach]

Airsoft can also be good but for a different reason. Indoor airsoft that is....



How do you advance down a hallway and pie all of the openings while moving out of the funnel of a hallway?

You know you will face armed people and shoot them... So that decision is already made.

It does keep you moving while shooting and thinking how to clear areas.

[BumBum]

I've been to the Artemis Defense Institute in Lake Forest a couple of times. I think it is a great tool for anyone with a CCW. They have three simulators, the best one being a 300-degree surrounding screen. They use Glock 17s with CO2 cartridges to simulate recoil (no hoses). I feel it is a great way to keep on your toes and to realize the great responsibilities (and potential consequences) associated with concealed carry and being called upon to use your firearm. In truth, you cannot get this kind of experience in a controlled shooting range with strict gun safety rules.

[liberallyloaded]

I can't see why I wouldn't. Never say never! It's always cool to try something new... especially if its firearms related, lol

[geoint]

agreed, army simulations suck. Plus they are never zeroed correctly. Guys that get 38/40 at the range fail the simulation all the time

[PyroFox79]

ISMIT is fun to train on. We used to do stupid scenarios and mow down digital enemies. Also no guns to clean afterwards.

[Can'thavenuthingood]

Sounds like it might be a good business to start up.
No DOJ or ATF&E hoops to jump through I'd think.
Just get your local anti gun fanatics convinced its better than real lead.

Could do about a dozen or so separate simulator rooms/bays.

No lead concerns for employees either.
Could be open 24/7 for everyone.

Hmmmm, more research needed.

Vick

[T6pilot]

Used the OCSD trainer, pretty much a eye opener, good training, not a substitute for live fire though

[Wrangler John]

I don't know about firearm simulators, especially anything digital, but I do know about developing handgun skills. What I did back in the day was practice with the actual firearm I intended to carry or compete with. This required hours of dry firing and firing with plastic or wax bullets at close ranges. Quick draw was all the rage then, so I dabbled with it. Eventually I could draw and fire a 7.5" Super Blackhawk and place two rounds of practice ammo on target at 15' - 25' in about a second. Same with the double action revolvers I carried. The 1911 was a single shot with practice ammo, as was the 9mm Browning HP and S&W M-39, but first shot accuracy was my main goal, and subsequent range work with live ammo developed rapid fire accuracy and reload efficiency. The fact that I worked at a firing range made a difference.

This type of practice also allows developing a point shooting accuracy, where the trigger finger points and acts as a sight. Consistent hits are possible at close range.

At home I had a detached garage that was insulated and sheet rocked, so neighbors never complained.

Dry firing never effected the various firearms, although one Colt DA revolver had a failure where the hammer spur broke off. More likely due to metal fatigue, it was repaired and continued in service for a decade. Because I was doing a lot of competitive shooting I learned how to repair each firearm and had a stock of parts on hand.

Here is a source of primer powered plastic bullets and cases http://www.speer-bullets.com/product...g_bullets.aspx

Actual use of the pistol or revolver in training develops muscle memory, much as playing a musical instrument, so that drawing and firing becomes something that is instinctive. Today I would be hard pressed to match those performances, as time takes its toll, but being old and creaky with a gun is better than being a victim. Good shooting guys, practice makes perfect.