Is The Smart DryFireMag the Best Option for Dry Fire Practice?

Let’s just cut to the chase here… The Smart DryFireMag offers a simple way to train without using real ammo. This training tool helps you practice trigger control and sight alignment right at home.

I’ve heard so many times of people complaining that the cost of ammo is expensive and doesn’t allow them to get to the range as much as they’d like. I hear you. Trust me. When I pull the trigger at the range, I don’t hear a *bang* but instead hear *ch-ching*.

When I first saw the Smart DryFireMag, the price somewhat shocked me. Then I started thinking about how much money I spend going to the range. Do the math, and if you dry fire at your home even a few times throughout the year, you already saved money.

Never mind the fact that if you try to get to the range monthly or take a class where you need to take 1,000 rounds, you nearly paid for the Smart DryFireMag right there. And no, I’m not telling you to skip taking classes and just run this dry fire tool at home. You need both.

But the Smart DryFireMag is changing how I dry fire at home. No more do I need to rack the slide every time I pull the trigger. The laser cartridge goes right into your firearm, as does the actual DryFireMag, and the auto-reset feature allows you to continually pull the trigger without having to reset it. And with each trigger press you see with a red dot from the laser where you hit was.

It’s pretty awesome if you ask me. But let’s dive deeper into the Smart DryFireMag and unpack why I believe this is a much better option than something like a SIRT pistol or other dry fire training tools on the market. (And that’s coming from someone who trained with the SIRT pistol for years!)

If you want a closer look at the Smart DryFireMag, you can click here or visit their website.

Key Takeaways

  • The Smart DryFireMag costs $299 and works with many popular guns like P365 and Glock models. It lets you practice at home without using real bullets.
  • The auto-reset trigger helps you train faster without touching the slide between shots.
  • The tool saves money on practice ammo and works with laser training systems. You can do 100+ dry fire shots in just 15 minutes of practice time.
  • While pricey compared to $15-30 snap caps, it offers more features than basic training tools. The device needs no batteries (other than what is provided for the laser cartridge) and helps build proper shooting skills.
  • Some limits exist — can’t help with reload drills or fixing gun malfunctions.
smart dryfiremag in Sig Sauer P365XL

Key Features of the Smart DryFireMag®

The Smart DryFireMag has some really cool features that set it apart from standard dry-fire tools in today’s market.

I tested this innovative magazine with my Sig Sauer P365, and its auto-reset trigger system makes practice sessions faster and more efficient (and, dare I say, FUN?).

We all know how boring dry fire training can be sometimes. Pull the trigger… rack the slide. It repeats over and over again. Unfortunately, that builds a bad habit of after every trigger press, you instinctively go to rack the slide.

1.     Automatic Trigger Reset Functionality

The Smart DryFireMag auto-reset feature makes dry fire practice smooth and natural. Your trigger resets instantly after each pull, giving you that real firing pin release feel and sound.

No more manual slide racking is needed between shots — just pull and practice.

This smart design lets you focus on perfecting your double taps and trigger control. You’ll hear and feel each trigger break, helping build proper muscle memory for actual shooting.

Many users love how the tactile feedback matches their Sig 365, P320, Glock pistol, or any other compatible pistol’s factory trigger weight.

The Smart DryFireMag fits a wide range of P365 models right out of the box. You’ll find perfect compatibility with the P365, P365XL, P365 Macro, P365 SAS, and P365X series. I tested it with my P365XL, and the fit was spot-on.

The mag also works great with newer models like the P365-XMACRO. You also get various magazine spacers to ensure the magazine fits perfectly with your model firearm.

That said, not all P365 variants play nice with this training tool. For instance, it won’t work with the P365 Legion California model or the P365 380 RAINBOW and P365 ROSE 380 (because, let’s be real, California is a stupid anti-2A and anti-freedom state anyway, and their gun laws are unconstitutional).

Still, most P365 owners can grab one and start dry fire practice right away. The mag clicks in place just like your standard magazine, making practice feel real and natural.

3.     Integration with Laser Training Systems

Smart DryFireMag works great with laser training systems like Mantis Laser Academy. You can see your shots on target without racking the slide after each trigger pull.

I love how it shows exactly where my shots land during practice sessions, and if you have the Mantis app, you get even more feedback.

This setup saves your pistol’s firing pin while making dry fire practice more real.

Your laser ammo fits right in, and you’ll see instant feedback on shot placement. No batteries needed — just pop in the DryFireMag, add your laser cartridge, add the Mantis X10 Elite to the bottom of the Smart DryFireMag, and start improving your shooting skills.

Benefits of Using the Smart DryFireMag for Training

smart dryfiremag

The DryFireMag saves you money on ammo costs while letting you practice shooting skills at home. Your trigger skills improve faster because you can do 100+ dry fire shots in just 15 minutes without manually resetting your trigger by racking the slide.

The automatic reset feature builds proper muscle memory through consistent, repeated motions. You’ll master proper trigger control and sight alignment without spending $50+ on practice ammo each range session.

This training tool offers adjustable trigger weights to match your actual firearm’s feel. You can practice double taps and rapid-fire drills safely in your living room. The Smart DryFireMag works great with laser training systems to give instant feedback on your shots.

Your shooting fundamentals get better fast through regular dry fire practice at home. The compatibility with popular Glock 9mm models means you train with gear that matches your carry gun perfectly, not something that only resembles it. Your ability to train with your EDC or competition gun is a massive win in my book.

I not only incorporated the Mantis system with the Smart DryFireMag but also some dry fire cardboard targets that I’ve reviewed and talked about in other content.

Add in the fact that I have a Mantis BlackbeardX, and I now have the ability to use laser trainers for both a primary and secondary weapon system safely in my home.

This combination is truly insane as it allows for transitions from rifle to pistol seamlessly and allows me to get in trigger presses without needing to rack the slide or charging handle during my dry fire practice at home.

The unit comes with a USB-C cord so that you can charge the magazine and two batteries for the laser cartridge (one for the cartridge and a spare when the other dies).

Potential Limitations of the Smart DryFireMag

smart dryfiremag

Ok, let’s get the elephant in the room out of the way now that I have hyped up this training tool. The Smart DryFireMag costs $299.00, making it a pricey choice for many shooters.

My testing shows it lacks key training features like reload drills and malfunction practice. You might notice the trigger feels ever-so-slightly different from your real gun’s pull. But it’s honestly negligible.

Laser bullets don’t work with this system, which limits your training options. If you want a laser cartridge, you must have the one that goes with the Smart DryFireMag system.

During my practice sessions, I found the Mantis X training system had trouble tracking some shots with the Smart DryFireMag. This issue made it hard to measure my overall progress accurately. Your dry fire practice stays basic — just trigger pulls without the full range of skills you need for complete firearms training.

Also, I found the laser was slightly off from my red dot on my P365. A major downside is that the laser cartridge is unable to be fine-tuned to move the laser so that it’s zeroed at the same distance as my red dot. Inside yards, the laser cartridge seems pretty spot on. But when you move back outside of 10 yards, the laser from the cartridge is way off.

I’d prefer to be able to change the placement of the laser to match my pistol’s zero. But, I’m nit-picking things as I’m not going to hide the fact that there are a few flaws with the system.

But overall, the Smart DryFireMag is worth every penny — even with the minor limitations mentioned.

Comparison of the Smart DryFireMag with Other Dry Fire Training Tools

I tested three popular dry fire training tools — let me break down the key differences in a clear comparison.

FeatureSmart DryFireMagSIRT PistolSnap Caps
  Price  $299.99  $239.99+  $15-30
  Trigger Reset  Automatic  Built-in  Manual
  Realism  Uses actual firearm  Training replica  Uses actual firearm
  Laser Integration  Compatible  Built-in  Requires separate unit
  Maintenance  Minimal  Low  Replace periodically
  Setup Time  < 60 seconds  None  < 60 seconds
  Durability  High  Very High  Low
  Training Value  Excellent  Very Good  Good

Smart DryFireMag offers the best balance of price and features. SIRT pistols excel in dedicated training, but you don’t get to train with your actual firearm. Basic snap caps work fine for simple dry fire practice, but after a few training sessions, you may find they are beaten up or broken.

I Love My Smart DryFireMag® for Sig with Red Laser

smart dryfiremag

The Smart DryFireMag stands out as a clear winner for dry fire practice. Your training gets better with its quick trigger reset and laser system features. The price of $299 brings good value through its solid build and USA-made quality.

This tool helps you master shooting basics without the costs of live ammo, making it a smart pick for both new and skilled shooters. I like that I can work on my draw and time to first shot. But all in all, you can do everything with the Smart DryFireMag that you can do at the range, except for changing mags and working on malfunction drills.

Would I recommend the Smart DryFireMag? Without a doubt. It’s worth every penny, in my opinion. Go ahead and grab your own!

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FAQs

1. What is a Smart DryFireMag?

The Smart DryFireMag is a special magazine that allows you to practice your dry fire technique without having to remove your support hand to cycle the slide of your pistol. The internal auto-reset allows your trigger to reset without manipulating the slide.

2. Which gun types work with Smart DryFireMag?

It works with most Glock models, Sig Sauer P320, P365 models, and Smith & Wesson M&P frames.

3. Does the Smart DryFireMag need batteries?

Yes and no. Batteries are included for the laser cartridge, but the Smart DryFireMag comes with a USB-C cord to charge the unit.

4. Can I return the Smart DryFireMag if I don’t like it?

You can get a full refund within one month if you’re not happy with it.

5. Is it good for learning shooting basics?

The Smart DryFireMag helps you practice shooting fundamentals safely at home, and it’s specifically designed for both new and skilled shooters.

Matt Weik

Matt Weik, BS, CPT, CSCS, CSN, is the Owner and Head Keyboard Banger of Weik Fitness. He is a well-respected, prolific writer with a global following and a self-proclaimed fitness and supplement nerd. Matt’s content has been featured on thousands of websites, 100+ magazines, and he has authored over a dozen published books.