NRA Shooting Education Update: Product Evaluation - BEAMHIT 110 System

MPRI, of Columbia, MD., is well known for its computer-linked, laser training devices. When operated in a classroom, they enable an instructor to teach shooting fundamentals without using live ammunition. The latest BEAMHIT trainer, the 110 System, is an extraordinarily compact unit, consisting of a laser transmitter, a laser rod - adapted to a particular bore diameter - and a computerized target system that detects the laser beam. The laser transmitter is powered by four hearing aid batteries with a usable life of approximately 5,000 shots. The laser light is FDA approved and complies with eye safety standards.

In use, the laser transmitter rod is attached to the laser transmitter. Laser transmitter rods are available in a range of calibers, from .177 (for air guns) up to 10-ga. With the gun unloaded and the chamber empty, the transmitter rod is inserted into the bore of the firearm. Plastic rings on the laser transmitter rod can be adjusted to assure a snug fit in the bore of the gun. The MPRI 110 system can then be adjusted so the beam falls at the point of aim.

The BEAMHIT 110 System's computerized target system is powered by four 1.5 volt batteries, or the unit may be plugged directly into a 110V outlet. The target system includes an aiming bullseye mounted in a case that contains system operating circuits, an interval timer and start/stop buzzer for timed exercises, and a display that shows the number of hits registered on target. The location of each successive hit can be observed by both instructor and student as it appears on the target. As user proficiency increases, one of a set of masks can be over-laid on the target to make the laser-sensitive area of the target smaller.

The BEAMHIT laser is activated by the vibration of the hammer as it falls. In our trials, we could not detect a meaningful lag between hammer fall and projection of the laser beam onto the target. We did notice that a target system, placed in an area of bright light, would sometimes fail to register a hit. Locating the target system in a shady area corrected this problem, which is mentioned in the unit's operating instructions.

The BEAMHIT 110 System has some real advantages when used to conduct the dry-firing stage of an NRA Basic Firearm Course. The laser transmitter can be easily installed in the students' handguns, so that the students practice with their own firearms. When students are practicing sight alignment and sight picture for the first time, the instructor can leave the laser light on to see if the muzzle is pointing in the center of the target. This is helpful to the instructor because some students' failure to understand is hard to detect in a dry-firing exercise.

Using the BEAMHIT laser system, students can learn shooting fundamentals without the annoyances of the noise or recoil of actual firing. The 110 System, however, is not a substitute for live firing.

The 110 System retails for [contact MPRI] plus shipping & handling. NRA-Certified Instructors who purchase MPRI 110s are eligible to receive two laser transmitter rods (caliber specific) instead of one. MPRI will also make 110 Systems available so that NRA-Certified Instructors can sell BEAMHIT 110 units to their students.

For more information contact: MPRI, 10220 Old Columbia Road, Columbia, MD 21046. Telephone: 1-800-BEAMHIT.

-- Posted on Friday, September 10 2004