Mantis X training

Is anyone using a Mantis X system for dry fire training?   Lots of bars and charts and I don't know how to interpret the results...other than the "score" it provides.

I use one for both dry and live fire.
I do not really utilize the scoring portion. I look more at the arc of movement, and the feedback on trigger control. Specifically when the trigger breaks and follow through. Effort is to apply the same consistency to live fire as I do in dry fire. 

There are some resources on the Manis site, as well as a couple of videos on you tube.

I have used it for dry firing on a 45 wad cutter gun. Mostly monitoring score. For each individual shot and the average of a 20 rd string.
One issue I have had is the system sometimes counts cocking the hammer as a shot.

bwoodc12 wrote:I have used it for dry firing on a 45 wad cutter gun. Mostly monitoring score. For each individual shot and the average of a 20 rd string.
One issue I have had is the system sometimes counts cocking the hammer as a shot.

Rotate the pistol to horizontal then cock the hammer and that issue will go away...

Foundryratjim wrote:

bwoodc12 wrote:I have used it for dry firing on a 45 wad cutter gun. Mostly monitoring score. For each individual shot and the average of a 20 rd string.
One issue I have had is the system sometimes counts cocking the hammer as a shot.

Rotate the pistol to horizontal then cock the hammer and that issue will go away...

You can also point the pistol upwards, it's supposed ignore things that would otherwise trigger the sensor when it is rotated horizontally or when the muzzle is pointed up or down.

Thanks, I will try both methods

For how to interpret the results:

Look at the trace just before and after the trigger fall. If the trace moves more suddenly in the last 1/2 second or so then you are disturbing the sights when you are pulling the trigger. You need to work on a smooth continuous trigger pull that does not make the sights jump.

Look for patterns in the movement. Does your hold take a big swing out of the black, then come back in and stay in the black for a second or two then take another big swing? Is it just continuously moving? Is your hold better for the first second or two, then get bigger? Do you overshoot when settling into the black and drop down and bounce back?

If you overshoot the center and then come back when you settle on the bull, you need to work on slowing down as you enter the black so it settles in the middle. If you see a pattern, then look for it when shooting. See that big excursion and instead of panicking, know that a better hold is coming. If your hold is better in the first few seconds then work on getting the shot off in that time and if you don't get it off quickly, abort, rest and start over.

If the normal range of movement is big, then you need to work on your hold. Holding exercises like dry firing with a weighted magazine, LIGHT weigh training (2-3 lbs, no more than 5 lbs) holding the weight out in firing position, wrist and grip strengthening exercises may help.

I haven't spent enough time with a Mantis to know if there is more information available to work with. The few times I used one it didn't have the resolution or statistics that a SCATT, RIKA etc. provides.

Thank you all.

Someone in my league asked about using Mantis during competition. My thoughts as league president were that it had no effect whatsoever on performance nor did it disturb others on the line. It isn’t external coaching for the shooter either. But that wasn’t a good enough explanation so they went to the NRA who said it wasn’t allowed. I don’t have one of these but my feeling is anything that helps them improve and instills more interest in our sport then l am for it. Now we have some people who had to be right and others who are now pissed off. Good shot man. Id like some further thought and consideration of the issue. What say you?

I’m disappointed to hear this news. I also have a Mantis X and feel it would be a good tool for improvement. The ability to see what happened for analysis afterwards should be helpful. Especially in a generally consistent environment over a period of time. I’m often confused by the mindset of some people. As a fellow shooter in the league you mention I don’t understand the inability to accept or embrace change. Except when (for some people) it is perceived to give an unfair advantage. I have watched accomplished shooters argue nearly every target for a point or two. In a friendly casual league I feel this is unwarranted and generally off-putting especially to the rare new shooter. Presenting new shooters with the camaraderie and good sportsmanship we all enjoy, those aspects that have not only drawn us to this discipline but have kept us here when other more “exciting” options beckon, is vital if we are to keep this sport alive.

I would have no issue with it at my match as long as they weren't holding up scoring by fiddling with their phone when they should be loading magazines and making their pistol safe.