Laser Ammo's SureStrike is a nifty dry firing training device. Loaded into an appropriate 9x19mm pistol (or .40 S&W, .45 GAP, .45 ACP or .45 Long Colt handgun with the appropriate adapter), it emits a brief red laser dot when the pistol is "fired." Ideal for training and dry firing, the momentary red dot is harmless, but highly visible. SureStrike retails for about $159 (all prices are 2010 MSRP) and is a product of Laser Ammo, Ltd. of Israel. Their web site can be found at www.laser-ammo.com

Here are the features Laser Ammo claims for the SureStrike:

• Safe - Live rounds cannot be loaded
• Cost effective - Best value for the money; 5000 shot, one year warrantee; replacement batteries are only $5.50 from Laser Ammo
• Stable - Aligned, fixed in barrel and doesn't fall out
• Reliable - Activated by firing pin, not vibration
• Practical - Low profile design allows a whole range of drills; no installation tool required

For this review, I chose the basic 9x19mm SureStrike, which I used in Kahr PM9 and Glock 19 pistols. Adapters to configure the SureStrike for .40 S&W, .45 GAP and .45 ACP pistols are $7.99, while the .45 Long Colt adapter is $14.25. There is also a 12 gauge shotgun adapter for $39.99.

SureStrike is supplied in a wallet size, zippered Cordura case. Inside the fitted foam interior of the case is the aluminum Laser Ammo "cartridge," LR726 battery, barrel pipe, barrel pipe extension for long barrels, red plastic safety nut, User Guide and six highly reflective (2.5" square) laser targets you can tack or tape to the walls in your home. The latter are a nice touch, but not necessary, as the laser dot is easily visible against most household surfaces. Visible range is about 50 feet indoors or outdoors in the shade and about 1000 feet at night on a highly reflective surface.

A laser bore sighting end cap adaptor ($34.99) is optional. This replaces the "momentary on" laser cartridge end cap with a version that comes on with the first firing pin strike and is turned off by the next firing pin blow. It is a convenient way to bore sight your pistol, if your pistol was supplied with adjustable sights! Naturally, any type of bore sighting must be refined at the range before a pistol is truly sighted-in. Also available are shotgun shell adapters that accept the SureStrike.

The heart of the SureStrike system is the laser cartridge, which comes with an internal microprocessor and a 5,000 shot guarantee. This is essentially an aluminum replica cartridge with a laser emitter in front and a snap cap, instead of a primer, in back. The laser cartridge has no rim, to prevent its being ejected when the slide is retracted. If your pistol has a true double action trigger, or is a single action model with an external hammer, you can simply drop the laser cartridge directly into the chamber and dry fire at will, since you will not need to cycle the slide to reset the trigger. Each time you pull the trigger, a brief red laser dot will hit where the gun was pointed. (Note that Laser Ammo recommends use of the barrel pipe at all times.)

If your pistol requires cycling the slide to reset the trigger, it is easy to install the barrel pipe and safety nut ("UhrSecure System") to keep the laser cartridge safely in the chamber. First, lock the pistol's slide open, ensure that the pistol is empty and chamber the laser cartridge. Then, slide the barrel pipe (a hollow aluminum tube with three bore diameter guide rings and threaded ends) down the barrel until it contacts the laser cartridge. Use a finger to press the laser cartridge in place and screw the barrel pipe into the front of the laser cartridge. There are only a couple of threads on the laser cartridge, so be gentle. Finally, screw the plastic safety nut onto the end of the barrel pipe protruding from the pistol's barrel. The laser cartridge is now securely retained in the pistol's chamber by the UhrSecure System. You can rack the slide and dry fire without worrying about the laser cartridge falling from the chamber. The supplied User Guide describes this process in detail and includes illustrations.

In my two test pistols, the SureStrike hit quite close to the point of aim indicated by the iron sights, with or without the UhrSecure System. SureStrike is certainly accurate enough for realistic indoor practice.

I found my point shooting results particularly interesting. SureStrike lets you experiment with various point shooting and "flash" front sight picture aiming methods, as well as conventional sighted fire. I had fun practicing my quick draw and shooting at the various knick-knacks on the shelves in my living room, as well as the supplied laser targets. The latter reflect brilliantly when hit by the laser.

All experienced shooters practice by dry firing and learn to call their shots. The Laser Ammo SureStrike makes dry fire practice a lot more fun and rewarding. No guesswork with the SureStrike. My only complaint is that SureStrike is not available in the popular .380 ACP, or magnum revolver calibers. At a minimum, I would very much like to see SureStrike introduced for .38 Spec./.357 Magnum, .41 Magnum and .44 Spec./.44 Magnum.

Laser Ammo's SureStrike is the best and most entertaining dry firing training aid I have ever used. I'm keeping my test sample and I suggest that, should you call Laser Ammo (516-858-1262) and order one for yourself, you will not regret it!