By Michael A. Black | Contributing Writer
I was first introduced to MantisX, an innovative company based in Oswego, Illinois that specializes in developing products designed to improve one’s shooting skills at the SHOT Show several years ago.
You might say they’re the perfect merger of technological devices and firearms training. Since my first introduction, Mantis has continued to produce new products with each passing year that keep enhancing training techniques for firearms shooters. They are establishing a sterling reputation working with numerous police departments and the U.S. Military. I was fortunate to be given the opportunity to examine and review one of their latest products, the TitanX Laser Pistol.
At this time the TitanX comes in three different replica models that closely resemble the actual Glock pistols. These laser guns securely fit in holsters designed for the actual Glocks. You have your choice of models, choosing from the Glock 17, the Glock 19, or the Glock 45. I chose the Model 19 because that was my old duty pistol.
Addition models are in the development stage right now, including laser pistols that will match HK, Sig Sauer, and Walther pistols in size and dimensions. The TitanX comes in a handsome, zippered carrying case and has two 2 weighted magazines included. These dual magazines enable the shooter to incorporate reloading drills into his or her training regime. The magazine release button is ambidextrous and may be moved to either side of the grip.
Made from solid molded plastic with a black slide affixed to a bright orange lower frame, the Titan X is designed to be an inert training device, and cannot fire live ammo, but the texture of the grip is very similar to a real Glock pistol. The trigger has a safety blade, just like an actual Glock, and the trigger pull is similar to the actual pistol. The TitanX also is optic-ready with a RMR/Shield RMS/RMSc footprint, and a molded plastic rail for the attachment of additional devices, if desired.
While this laser pistol is lighter than an actual Glock pistol, the magazine is weighted to add a bit of heft to the TitanX to give it an authentic feel. The laser pistol can be easily linked with the free MantisX Pistol/Rifle app, which can provide instant feedback and advice on the shooter’s trigger pull, grip control, sight alignment, stance, and breathing control.
Once linked to the Mantis X app, this computerized analysis is instantly available on your smart phone along with advice on how to correct any recorded shooing problems. The TitanX is also compatible with other simulation products such as the Mantis Laser Academy (which is sold separately). The Laser Academy offers a variety of different shooting programs.
Basically, the TitanX is a standalone training device specifically designed for dry firing exercises, which are a proven way to improve shooting skills in a safe manner without the expense of shooting live ammunition. Additionally, this dry fire practicing can be done virtually anywhere in a safe manner because no actual pistol or live ammunition are used. While the slide on the laser pistol is non-functioning and immobile, this is offset by an automatic trigger reset function that allows the shooter to continue to shoot without having to rack the slide back after each trigger pull.
Despite the non-functioning slide, the laser pistol allows the enhancement of basic shooting fundamentals, such as sight alignment, and trigger control in a manner akin to live fire. Motion sensors and analysis algorithms measure even the slightest movement of the barrel.
The TitanX emits a visible red laser from the barrel so the shooter can judge the accuracy of each shot. Pressing the small button on the top of the slide can make the laser stay on continuously, allowing the shooter to check his stability during his dry-firing. Dry firing is an established training method for improving your shooting skills. It helps to build nerve pathways and builds muscle memory that, through continuing practice, become automatically integrated into your shooting routine. Remember, in a crisis situation the way you train is the way you’ll react, and you can never have too much practice. Shooting skills, unfortunately, are a perishable commodity unless properly maintained.
To complete this evaluation of the TitanX, I was fortunate to enlist the assistance of my friend and Illinois police officer Marshae Harvey. She was already familiar with the MantisX device and has trained with it for several months. As a result, she has become a very accomplished shooter.
A left-handed shooter, she was particularly impressed by the ambidextrous safety. The switch-over was easily accomplished using the kit-provided hex tool and a small screwdriver. You merely press in the mag release button and hold it in that position, using the hex tool to keep it in place. Then use a small screwdriver to push the button all the way over to the opposite side of the grip.
Officer Harvey went through several dry firing drills that incorporated a magazine change as well as drawing and re-holstering drills. She commented that the emitted red laser helped her to concentrate on the basic fundamentals of squeezing, not jerking the trigger, maintaining a good grip on the pistol, drawing techniques, sight alignment, and controlling her breathing. She also commented that the trigger pull of the TitanX was very similar to the actual Glock 19.
All things considered, we found the TitanX to be a valuable training tool for shooters, and certainly well worth the MSRP of only $200. More information can be found at the MantisX website, www.MANTISX.COM.
Michael A. Black is a regular and long time freelance contributor to GunMag.Com. His latest novels are a thriller, A Dark Reflection, and a western, Retribution Trail.
