Grand Rapids, MI
The RedCat is ideal for realistic dry fire training because it allows for the free manipulation of the safety switch. With that change, the controls act exactly as they would with live rounds.
…but locking the bolt back does the same thing…so why would you need the RedCat? Good question. Locking the bolt back is certainly a valid technique for dry fire training.
Nevertheless, there are advantages to using the RedCat – specifically related to the bolt-locking technique:
1. The main advantage over the open bolt technique is the RedCat’s ability to focus your training without any restrictions. Orient, move, manipulate, configure your rifle any way you see it, focusing on what is important — improving your handling, speed and accuracy. With the RedCat, the options are limitless…and at your fingertips, anytime, anywhere. The more you train the better you will be when it counts.
As you practice basic techniques you also become more proficient in the administration of the rifle and more confident. Not only are you safer, you also begin to “look the part.” On the surface, this may sound like I’m kidding; but looking the part means using less bandwidth in your head on basic tasks that you have mastered. That’s more bandwidth to train on role-specific and advanced techniques and more bandwidth for real-world events that will take every ounce of skill have.
2. Another advantage over the open bolt technique is that the RedCat eliminates the risk of having the bolt slam forward unexpectedly. With the bolt locked back by the bolt catch, the buffer spring is fully compressed. Any small amount of pressure on the paddle, a jarring of the weapon, or any force that pushes the on the bolt release or the bolt, will release the bolt sending it forward with a tremendous amount of energy. As you are training, or even when you’re taking a short break from training, your fingers may end up in the path of the bolt as it returns to battery that could result in serious injury.
It’s easy to prevent the bolt from slamming forward by adapting your training technique to mitigate the risk, but that limits what you can do while training. For instance, allowing your rifle to hang against your body by the strap would risk the paddle being pressed. You can practice normal shooting stances like standing, kneeling, prone and off-hand. Techniques such as transitions, shooting on the move, and many supported stances run the risk of either jarring the rifle or hitting the paddle, slamming the bolt forward. Less commonly used techniques such as weak-hand, weak-side or rolling using the open bolt technique present a high risk of the bolt slamming forward during training.
3. Another advantage the RedCat has is the use of dummy rounds. The RedCat allows the action of the AR to operate fully so you can practice loads, unloads, reloads, clearing, malfunctions and configurations. These can be incorporated into any training scenario regardless of duration or complexity.
4. Finally, the RedCat renders the rifle inert – which is an additional layer of protection. The rifle is not inert with the bolt locked back – so if you’re practicing mag loads and mag dumps and for some crazy reason there’s a live round in the mag, there’s a higher potential for a negligent discharge.
Instructors in group settings have shown a keen interest in this. As they teach the class the basic techniques found in the manual of arms for the AR, they can rest assured their students won’t inadvertently create a dangerous situation. This in turn allows instructors to focus more on teaching and students to focus more on learning.
The other group that will benefit is the professional operator. As they rehearse for missions, the controls act realistically. They can shoot, move and communicate exactly as they would during the mission…having one less variable to contend with during dry fire training.
For $19.95 the RedCat is a very affordable and effective solution – especially since you don’t have to remove parts from your rifle.
Visit RedCat22.com to learn more — and buy the RedCat from one of our dealers.
Visit M22 Tactical to learn more about M22 Tactical or join our dealer network.
Written by Alex at M22 Tactical