The Second Amendment of the Constitution of the United States guarantees that the right of every American citizen to keep and bear arms shall not be infringed. It ensures that American citizens have the right to own firearms for virtually any reason they want. The most common reasons for gun ownership are self-defense, hunting, and sports shooting.
During the past couple of years, Americans have had to deal with civil unrest caused by the COVID-19 pandemic lockdowns and mandates, the question of election integrity, and George Floyd’s death plus the deaths of several others that triggered often violent “peaceful” protests and calls for defunding the police. In addition, the current administration’s position on gun control and market factors have driven the prices of ammunition through the roof. These events have left many feeling exposed and unsafe.
Record gun purchases have been made during this timeframe, especially by first-time gun owners. Unfortunately, ammunition has been extremely difficult to find and, when it is found in stock, it has been incredibly expensive. That makes it difficult, if not impossible, to practice target shooting. Some people are unable to practice shooting at home and must pay to go to a shooting range to practice.
These are some of the main reasons why the development of in-home dry fire shooting simulators would be an amazing boon for gun owners.
New gun owners could use such simulators to learn how to safely handle their new guns. New and experienced gun owners alike could use such simulators to practice shooting and hone their skills in a variety of simulated situations.
Since no live ammunition is being used during the simulations, it is naturally safer, and the shooter is not literally burning money with each pull of the trigger. Yes, there is the initial expense for the simulation software and equipment and the likely future expense of upgrades, but the shooter can practice as often as they want, any time they want which will save money over time.
They can use a target simulator, a hunting simulator, or an active shooter type simulator that actually shoots back. There are options for software to analyze data produced by the simulator and related equipment which provide feedback to help the shooter to improve their skills. It is truly amazing what can be done. It just all depends on how much money one wants to invest in such a simulator system.
This is where more advanced simulated firing ranges come in. One could invest in the software and equipment, set it up as a commercial business versus in their home, and charge others to use it, much like a traditional firing range, but safer and with less zoning restrictions and permit requirements.
Virtual shooting ranges may very well be the future of target shooting; however, there is ultimately no true substitute for learning how to handle your own firearms comfortably and safely than when using live ammunition under real-life conditions. When that is impossible, unaffordable, or when dealing with new gun owner training, dry fire shooting simulators are an excellent alternative and are definitely worth considering.
