Fake it till you make it doesn’t apply to firearms.
You either know how to handle one…or you don’t.
And when the stakes are real, guessing isn’t an option.
That reality is exactly why, after SHOT Show, our conversation with the Mantis team stuck with us.
They weren’t talking about shortcuts or gimmicks. They were focused on something far more important: showing shooters exactly what’s happening every time they press the trigger, and how to fix it.
If you haven’t heard about Mantis or the revolution they’re driving in firearms training, consider this your sign.
Let’s begin
This article is for informational purposes only and focuses on firearms training technology and safety-oriented practice. It does not provide tactical instruction. Always follow applicable laws and seek qualified professional training when handling firearms.
Training With Accuracy From the Start
A lot of shooters feel like they’re doing everything right, until the data says otherwise.
One of the most common issues around firearms is, of course, the anticipation of recoil.
Even before the shot breaks, there’s often a subtle dip or movement that the shooter doesn’t notice in real time. The Mantis system catches that instantly.
The sensor tracks the gun’s movement as the trigger is pulled.
When there’s a dip before the shot, the app flags it and tells the shooter exactly what’s happening, and more importantly, how to fix it.
We were left impressed.
What Is the Mantis System?
Okay…but what exactly is the Mantis system?
Glad you asked.
The Mantis system is a training tool built to show you what your firearm is actually doing every time you press the trigger, not what you think is happening.
It uses a small, rechargeable sensor that tracks movement before, during, and after each shot. That information is sent to the Mantis app, where it’s turned into clear, visual feedback you can actually understand and use.
What the system does especially well:
- Detects subtle movements, such as anticipation of recoil or inconsistent trigger pulls.
- Shows gun movement in real time, not just a score or pass/fail result.
- Explains why something went wrong and how to correct it.
The app lets you:
- Set up specific targets and distances.
- Run built-in drills based on skill level or training goals.
- Review past sessions to see improvement (or where things still break down)
One of the biggest advantages is being able to train at home.
You can work on fundamentals without burning ammo or rushing range time, which makes it especially useful for newer shooters or experienced ones, tightening things up.
What We Saw in Action
Identifying Anticipation Before the Shot Breaks
One of the first things that stood out was how clearly the system catches anticipation of recoil. As the trigger is pulled, even a slight dip in the firearm shows up in the data.
It’s the kind of movement most shooters don’t feel in the moment, but once you see it on screen, it’s impossible to unsee.
Breaking Down Movement in Real Time
The app visually maps the gun’s movement leading up to every shot.
You can see when the shooter starts to slow down, when they speed up, and how clean or chaotic the path to the target really is. That makes it obvious whether someone is snapping to the target, overshooting it, or easing in too early.
From Feedback to Fix
What makes the system effective isn’t just that it points out mistakes. It shows exactly what happened during the trigger pull and then provides clear instructions on how to correct it.
That same feedback loop applies to a wide range of common shooting issues, not just one specific problem.
Tracking Progress Over Time
Every shot and every session is saved.
If you get excited over constant feeds of data, you’ll love to start seeing patterns over time, where things are improving, where they aren’t, and what actually needs attention.
After all, visibility is where real progress happens.
Mantis Blackbeard X: Turning Your Rifle Into a Training Rifle
What is the Blackbeard X?
The Mantis Blackbeard X is an add-on system designed specifically for rifle training. It replaces the bolt carrier group and uses a rechargeable, battery-powered magazine, effectively turning your rifle into a dedicated training platform.
It allows you to practice at home and work on fundamentals without firing live ammunition, while still maintaining the feel of your actual firearm.
Trigger Reset That Feels Real
One of the biggest differences with the Blackbeard X is that it physically resets the trigger after every shot. That means you’re getting the same trigger break weight you’re used to, not the artificial feel most dry-fire setups create.
This matters because you’re not training around bad habits. Reps feel consistent, and consistency is where fundamentals stick.
Shot-by-Shot Feedback You Can See
Every trigger pull is tracked and recorded. The system shows:
- When you start lining up the shot (blue line)
- When you begin pressing the trigger (yellow line)
- The exact shot break (marked with an “X”)
- Simulated recoil (red line)
You can see exactly how much you deviate from the target on every shot, which makes diagnosing issues straightforward instead of subjective.
Instructor-Style Feedback and Drills
The app includes multiple drills, from basic accuracy work to dynamic shooting drills focused on multi-target engagement.
Those dynamic drills are especially useful for spotting over-travel and deviation from a straight path, things that are easy to miss without visual feedback.
Simple Setup, All-Day Use
Installation is straightforward: slide out the bolt carrier group and slide the one-piece Blackbeard X in. The system can be calibrated for elevation and windage using a small onboard tool.
The battery-powered magazine is built to last, running all day on a single charge, which keeps the focus on training instead of managing gear.
Why This Matters?
Firearms training isn’t something that you can approach blindly.
Real improvement comes from understanding what’s actually happening and fixing it, rep by rep.
That’s what makes the Mantis system so impressive.
It gives shooters clear, visual feedback, helping bridge the gap between practice and performance, without replacing live fire or relying on shortcuts.
The ability to train at home, track progress over time, and focus on fundamentals makes every range session more intentional. Whether you’re new to shooting or refining existing skills, the goal is the same: better habits, better feedback, better results.
