DECISION TARGET SYSTEM - DRY FIRE TRAINING FAQ

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The Decision Target System is a video based self defense simulator. The DTS is a training tool designed for armed citizens, and concealed weapon carriers. It features live actors portraying armed threats, victims, and bystanders in realistic self defense situations. See video here

The Decision Target System simulator uses video depictions of self defense situations. It features dozens of realistic scenarios, including: home invasion, assaults, armed robbery, road rage, active shooter, and shoot/don’t shoot. The scenarios are presented in a random sequence with a 5 second pause between each one. Each scenario is different and unrelated, requiring the user to respond as required by the situation depicted in the scenario. The scenarios are grouped into “Target Sets”, each containing 15 scenarios.  

Dry fire training is safely practicing the use and operation of a firearm without live ammunition. It is widely recognized as essential to developing skill with firearms.  Military, Law Enforcement, and professional competition shooters, use dry fire training extensively to develop their skills.  Virtually all defensive firearm related skills can be practiced with dry fire, such as: grip, stance, trigger control, drawing, reloading, malfunction clearance, moving, using cover, shooting on the move, using verbal commands, and much more.  

You train with the Decision Target System simulator by reacting to what is developing on the screen in front of you.  You should react just as you would if the scenario was actually happening to you. 

You get the chance to see how well your knowledge, skills, and reactions hold up in the realism of the simulator.  You will learn the value of moving, and using cover. Also, you learn when you should draw your weapon, and when you shouldn’t.  Armed citizens, who have tried the DTS tell us it’s a sobering eye opener. See video here

The Decision Target System is intended for home use with non-lethal, designated training weapons such as SIRT laser pistols. However, many armed citizens do use their carry weapons for dry fire training. Responsible users follow strict safety procedures to prevent any chance of a negligent discharge while dry fire training.   See video here

The Decision Target System is not a game, and it does not generate scores. However, you can evaluate your performance in a scenario by how well you avoid what we call an “F-E”, or “FATAL ERROR” 

• F-E number 1: Taking incoming fire while you are not moving, or, not behind cover.
• F-E number 2: Shooting, at someone who is not a legally justifiable threat.
• F-E number 3: Drawing your weapon, and pointing it, at someone who is not a legally justifiable threat.
• F-E number 4: Any unsuccessful attempt to draw your weapon. 
• F-E number 5: Missing with all shots attempted, on any attacking threats. 

 One FATAL ERROR is enough to rate your performance as a failure, for that scenario. In a real life encounter, any one of these mistakes would likely result in a undesirable outcome 

In real life, the only score that matters is your returning home to your family, alive and well.

Many non lethal, or designated dry fire training weapons feature laser units that fire a laser pulse when the trigger is pulled, and can indicate the point of impact with a red dot on the display screen.

For those using a real firearm, laser cartridges are available that function the same way. These laser cartridges are inserted into the chamber of the firearm, and emit a red laser pulse with each trigger pull. They come in all popular calibers.

As an armed citizen who carries a weapon in public, you need to train for real life situations, not just the range. In real life you won’t be facing stationary paper targets. Instead, you will be facing threats that are far more complicated and dangerous than paper targets. 

Real threats move at amazing speed, and many times they are unpredictable, deceptive, and aggressive. In real life, you have only a fraction of a second to react to what a threat is already doing. You won’t have the luxury of time to think about how you will react.  You will have to react instinctively and properly for the situation you find yourself in.

You can’t train for this at most live fire ranges. With the DTS simulator you can, with dry fire training, in the privacy of your home.

The Decision Target System simulator is designed to let you preview a wide variety of self defense scenarios. You can train, make mistakes and learn from them in the simulator without consequences.  Making the same mistakes in real life could result in your being dead, injured, or in prison.

You are not alone. Normal human beings are not comfortable with using lethal force against other human beings. As armed citizens, we carry weapons to give ourselves a fighting chance to survive a sudden, and life threatening assault. That threat is most likely going to come in the form of a fellow human being. If in real life, someone is threatening imminent death or great bodily injury to you, or your loved ones, how will you respond?  Dry fire training with the Decision Target System simulator will give you a chance to answer that question before you face it for real.

The dry fire training version of the Decision Target System simulator is designed to be used with a DVD player and a big screen TV, or you can use it with a Projector capable of DVD input,. It can be used for home dry fire training, or for classroom training or instruction.    The simulator is easy to setup and use.  No cameras, computers, or other equipment is required to use the system. See the “Training Area” video for information on setting up your dry fire training area.

• A. Study and consult with experienced, qualified experts to ensure you are training properly. Find a training class with a good instructor. If you have questions about certain DTS™ scenarios, show them to your instructor and get their perspective on the scenario.
• B. Know and incorporate your State’s self defense laws into your training. Every state has specific requirements for the use of lethal force in self defense. You should know, and follow these laws as you train. 
• C. When you seek additional training, look for a class that covers the legal aspects of self defense, as well as tactical aspects such as, weapons handling and accuracy, movement, and use of cover. Always be sure to employ proper techniques and information when training with the Decision Target System™.