Last week’s column was on dry practice, and I mentioned DryFireMag’s “Reset” magazines. I hadn’t actually handled one at that point, but today a student – who is also an instructor - showed up for a revolver class, but brought his Glock 19 and one of the Reset mags to show me. And, I have to say, I’m glad he did. This is one of the best practice tools for semi-auto pistols ever.
Learning how to properly manipulate the trigger – both pressing smoothly and resetting the trigger efficiently - is essential to shooting accurately. It takes a lot of repetitions to learn how to work the trigger properly; more repetitions than most of us can get with live-fire training. The best way to get this practice is dry practice. The problem of doing this with a semi auto pistol is what comes after the “press.” To reset the trigger, you have to hold it to the rear, then cycle the slide, then reset the trigger.
My problem with this sequence? Cycling the slide with your finger on the trigger is a bad habit. In real life it leads to firing a negligent shot, or two. You’re reloading the pistol, or clearing a stoppage. Finger is on the trigger. You rack the slide, and at the same time clench your strong hand, which is holding the pistol. Chances are you’re going to fire a round; often times it’s more than one. Having the finger on the trigger while manipulating the weapon is a bad idea.
The Reset mag solves this problem. After ensuring the pistol is unloaded, insert the Reset mag. The first trigger press is going to be a little harder. After that, you’ve got a standard press, and reset. Draw, while moving. On target, press, reset, press, reset, …. To your heart’s content.
“But,” you say, “my pistol has a custom, match trigger.” No worries. Along with your Reset magazine you can get a spring kit. The kit comes with five different color-coded springs – from 2 ½ pounds to 10 pounds - that allow you to tune your Reset mag to match the trigger in your pistol.
Currently DryFireMag offers Reset magazines for a variety of Glocks and Smith & Wesson M&P’s. According to their website there will are more offerings in the works. It also works with the MantisX system, which is an app that works with your cell phone and can record hits and times.
Dry practice is mandatory to learning how to work a firearm safely, and efficiently. Plenty of dry practice with the trigger is essential to firing accurately and efficiently. One of the best tools to improve your trigger work is the Reset magazine. A small investment will provide you with hours of practice. And, if there is a mechanical problem, DryFireMag has a great warranty. And, let’s say you’re one of those shooters who doesn’t need any practice – I’ve never met anyone yet who couldn’t use more practice – the Reset mag is a great way to introduce new shooters to the proper way to manipulate the pistol.
Tiger McKee is director of Shootrite Firearms Academy. He is the author of The Book of Two Guns, AR-15 Skills and Drills, has a regular column in American Handgunner and makes some cool knives and custom revolvers. Visit Shootrite’s Facebook page for other details.
