October 11th, 2023
7minute read
In my opinion, the Blackbeard from Mantis revolutionized the dry-fire industry.
An auto-resetting trigger equipment with an optional laser makes dry-fire fun and takes it to a new level.
Today, I plan to take your AR-15 training to the next level.
Training, especially defensive rifle training, can be difficult on traditional ranges. These dry fire training drills can be done safely in your home to keep you skills fresh.
Its the quintessential AR carbine and a perfect match for the Blackbeard.
[Catch Paul CarlsonsSpringfield SAINT Victor review here.]
Lets dig in and get shooting or lasering, if you prefer.
As with any dry-fire training, be sure you are working with empty firearms. When used, the Blackbeard system prevents you from loading live rounds into the gun due to the design of the mechanism.
If we take it indoors, you are closer to the targets, so use smaller ones.
For this, well need our rifle, the Mantis Blackbeard and three targets.
A shot timer is also a must-have.
As shown above, the Blackbeard training system includes replacement parts for the SAINT’s magazine, bolt carrier group and charging handle.
(A phone app shot timer works since we are only using par times.)
First place three targets in a row.
If youre outdoors, set them up three yards apart.
Offset drills can be high-value training opportunities in your home. This will help you understand the rifle’s offset at various distances in your abode for safer shooting if needed to defend your family.
If youre indoors, set them up one foot apart.
[For more information on this dry fire training system, read ourMantis Blackbeard Review.]
Start with your back to the targets with your rifle at the low ready.
Using cover is an important, and often overlooked, aspect of defensive shooting. Here, the author demonstrates a shooting drill employing cover.
Set a par time for 10 seconds.
The purpose of this drill is to work on your target transitions and shot placement under time.
The Offset Drill
Home defense distances are typically less than 15 yards.
The proper use of cover allows you to minimize the amount of your body that is directly exposed to danger.
If you are using an AR at that range, youll need to learn about height over bore.
With an AR, your sighting system sits well above the barrel.
When you are shooting at 25 yards and beyond, thats not a big deal.
Dry-fire training, like this 1 Through 6 Drill, can be done with inexpensive sticky notes or just paper and tape.
As you get closer, youll notice your rounds hitting lower than your point of aim.
At home, defense distances this offset can be measured in inches.
The offset drill allows you to get used to and train for that offset.
For this, I used my Blackbeard-equipped rifle with a sighting system and a small target.
A shot timer also helps, but isnt necessary.
Your optic needs to use your normal zero.
For me, thats a 50/200 zero.
Now, youll need to zero your Blackbeard to your optic.
This is quite easy.
Refer to your Blackbeard manual on how to do this.
Divide by three to establish three different distances.
So, if your longest shot is 15 yards, youll shoot at 15, 10 and 5 yards.
Well start at the longest distance and move forward.
Set your par time to one second and assume a low-ready position.
At the beep, aim and fire a shot while attempting to compensate for offset.
Small targets wont lie, and its easy to see a miss.
Observe and learn the offset.
Using this drill, youll learn a lot about close-range precision shots.
The Mean Lean
Cover is a real lifesaver, a literal one.
Knowing how to use and shoot around cover can be a very valuable skill to have.
Youll need a shot timer as well.
Set the target up at an appropriate distance.
If youre outdoors and using big targets, use a greater distance.
If you are indoors, use a smaller target cause youre a bit closer.
Then, set your par time to 10 seconds.
Youll start standing behind cover.
Youll then immediately take a knee and fire two more shots at the target.
You have 10 seconds for eight shots and four position changes.
You may need to change position from cover.
1 Through 6
In the gun world, we get into this two-shot habit.
Sometimes, it might take more.
Other times, it might take less.
With that in mind, lets do a little more and less.
For this drill, we need seven cards, roughly 3.
This can be index cards or playing cards, or cut out from paper.
Dont get wrapped around the edges too much on the targets.
Youll need your Blackbeard-equipped rifle and a pen.
Dont forget the shot timer.
Take six cards and number them one through six.
Leave one card blank.
Shuffle the cards so you cant see the numbers.
Repeat that pattern until all of the cards are hanging around the blank card.
My example came up 1 4 6 Blank 2 5 3.
At the beep, youll shoot target number one a single time.
The most obvious training in this comes from target transitions.
Youll also be breaking away from the shoot two and move on mindset.
Shooters will need to pay attention and think the entire time.
Its tough to get mechanical with random orders.
Go to forum thread
