This nifty training device from LaserLyte installs into the muzzle of your handgun and fits tight using a patented plastic arbor and taper system. When installed, the red anodized aluminum body of the LT-Pro extends only about ¼" from the end of the barrel, so it is nearly a flush fit. This allows realistic training, including the use of nearly any type of holster. The mounting system firmly retains the LT-Pro in the handgun's barrel during practice and it works with two-inch or longer barrels in calibers .35 to .45.

A sound activated switch inside the LT-Pro causes a red laser dot to be projected for 100 milli-seconds from the muzzle when the gun's hammer or striker falls. Powered by three #337 hearing aid type batteries (included), the LT-Pro is good for approximately 3000 shots before battery replacement is required. Here are the specifications and features:

• Product # - LT-Pro
• Calibers - .35-.45 (including .380 ACP, 9x18mm Makarov, 9x19mm Luger, .357 SiG, .38 Special, .357 Magnum, .40 S&W, 10mm Auto, .41 Magnum, .44 Special, .44 Magnum, .45 Glock, .45 ACP, .45 Long Colt, .454 Casull and others)
• Laser power output - 5 mw, class IIIA
• Batteries - 3 ea. #337
• Battery life - 3000 shots
• Activation - sound of hammer or striker
• Weight - 1.3 ounces
• Minimum diameter - 0.1 inch (5.08mm)
• Maximum diameter - 0.5 inch (15.49mm)
• Length - 2.1 inches
• 2009 MSRP - $99.95

Before installation, the LT-Pro looks something like an aluminum golf tee. The only assembly required is to attach the black plastic arbor to the pointed end of the LT-Pro. An Allan wrench is provided to tighten or loosen the tiny machine screw that secures and adjusts the arbor. Then, unscrew the front of the unit and remove a small plastic insulator from the battery compartment. (The batteries are already in place in the body of the LT-Pro.) Note that even when the device is off there is a drain on the batteries, so they must be removed when the LaserLyte is not in use.

Once the arbor is adjusted for a firm fit inside the gun's barrel, simply slide the LT-Pro into the bore from the muzzle until the flare at the wide end prevents further entry. LaserLyte recommends the use of snap caps when dry firing your pistol. Cock the pistol, pull the trigger and you should see a red dot briefly appear on your target. The laser dot is bright enough to be easily visible even in a well-lit room.

Following the simple instructions provided, I initially installed the LT-Pro in the barrel of a 6" Colt Python .357 revolver. I discovered that, in addition to dropping the hammer, cocking the hammer would fire the laser, as would the click when the trigger reset after firing. The sound activation system is very sensitive! The laser dot appeared about an inch low from the Python, probably due to the height of the target sights.

Switching the LT-Pro to a 9mm Glock 19, I found that partially retracting the slide to set the trigger fired the laser, much as cocking the Python had done. "Firing" the Glock across my living room (about 18 feet) produced a red dot slightly below the top of the sights. My conclusion is that the LT-Pro aligns accurately with the pistol's bore.

Playing with the LT-Pro at home demonstrated the limitations, at least in my case, of point shooting. Point shooting with the gun held below my line of sight in my strong (right) hand and focusing on the target rather than the front sight, I could pretty consistently keep the laser dot on the lid of a shoebox placed across the room. Taking the time to see the front sight against the target ("flash" sighting) would consistently get me within a couple inches of my intended point of aim.

This discrepancy was magnified when I did some left-handed practice. (Being right handed, I don't point much with my left hand!) However, my left-handed laser dot "groups" were comparable to my right hand groups when I looked for the front sight.

Using a two-hand Weaver grip and properly aligning the sights consistently put the laser dot right where I wanted it to go. To paraphrase Bill Jordan, "Speed is wonderful, but accuracy is deadly."

LaserLyte claims that training with the LT-Pro improves trigger control, unsighted fire / point and shoot, shooting from a holster and unorthodox shooting positions. Except for the fact that I didn't try the latter, unless you consider shooting from an office chair "unorthodox," I completely agree. Everyone should know by now that dry firing is an important part of pistol training and the LT-Pro definitely makes dry firing more fun, as well as more instructive.

LaserLyte is the shooting and hunting division of P&L Industries. You can see their line of competitively priced lasers and other firearms accessories on the LaserLyte web site: www.laserlyte.com