First let me state that I hate video games, so when it was suggested I try the simulator for training I sort of dismissed it.  But after having some issues at a recent USPSA match I said why not give it a try.  It was a way to very cost effectively fire many rounds with a professional trainer and get some good feedback on what I needed to brush up on.  For those not familiar with the simulator it is basically a high definition video projector that fills a huge wall with lots of shooting scenarios.  They range from target shooting, to bank heists, traffic stops, and many more.  The computer monitors your course of fire from a non-visible laser that is in a real gun.  It also monitors what the bad guys shoot at you.  The magazine contains compressed gas and cycles the slide as you shoot, simulating recoil to some degree.  The gun I used was a real Glock, a 19 I believe.  The trainer operates the computer and then plays back how you preformed the scenario and provides critique.  I was very impressed and found it to be a very cost effective way to improve your shooting.  Feel free to ask questions and I'll try to answer them.

What's the cost on something like this?

They charge $25 for a half hour, which is not bad when you think of what you would spend in ammo for that sort of shooting.

Do you happen to know the name of the machine used?  Would like to look it up...

Sorry I don't know that but I do know it costs big bucks. I am sure if you call and ask they would tell you.

Is there a need for Hearing protection? Just wondering what the noise is like for the shooter in it.

No hearing protection needed. There is no loud noise. You hear the slide racking and you hear the gas going through some sort of valve but it is not loud

The day of the grand re opening of the expansion, they were letting us use the simulator free. I'm not really into video games myself. But this was fun. You really have to move around and duck & cover behind objects in the room to avoid getting shot by the bad guys. I enjoyed it. They have a G19 and Beretta I believe. Probably have more guns now, they said they were getting a 1911, M&P, and a few others. I think I still have one discount flyer coupon for anyone that wants to give it a try. First I'll take it gets it.

 

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Open to the public ???

How many rounds did you fire in the session?

Yes it's open to the public as is the range. Not really sure how many as each scenario ranges from a couple if shots to a few dozen. I know I had to stop twice in the hour to refill the butane tank in the magazine.

I just looked at the discount flyer, it expired 3 months ago.

 

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Deerslayer - note that the price is much lower than it was at introduction, so it is actually much cheaper without the coupon.  Its only $25 for 30 minutes.  When you think about what a box of ammo costs you this is actually a very good deal.

^^^agreed.

 

I highly recommend giving it a try, next trip to the range. I really had a good time when I tried it last. And yes they lowered the flyer advertised price almost immediately after they opened the simulator.

 

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Went back today to put training into practice with my STI Trojan. Went very well, put many bullet holes through bullet holes

Went back today to put training into practice with my STI Trojan. Went very well, put many bullet holes through bullet holes

Come to Shongum!

Went back today to put training into practice with my STI Trojan. Went very well, put many bullet holes through bullet holes

Ya have to wear a condom to shoot there now? Geeze....

 

 

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Ya have to wear a condom to shoot there now? Geeze....

 

 

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Why?  My STI is "Trojan" equipped right out of the box

Whats the range length at Shongum? Is the range out near Hackettstown? I hear people talk about the place but I know nothing about it.

 

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Don't know the length but yea it is Hackettstown and is called the Shongum sportsman's association and their web site probably has the details. They have both indoor and outdoor ranges. Uspsa is 1at Saturday or the month there.

Hi Howard, what types of scenarios did you do in the simulator and what kinds of feedback/analysis did it provide that you were able to implement in your subsequent range session?

I'll email you some info later.

Thanks!

This projector set-up was the same thing Heritage Guild had set-up at the Outdoor Show at Raritan Center back in January.  People were enjoying it.  I'd call it a video game, especially the Zombie scenarios, lol!

This projector set-up was the same thing Heritage Guild had set-up at the Outdoor Show at Raritan Center back in January.  People were enjoying it.  I'd call it a video game, especially the Zombie scenarios, lol!

Well when I tried it out at the grand opening I called it a video game too.  But when you sit down with a qualified instructor who gives you input and corrects what you are doing sub-optimally I would call it much more than a video game.  I don't really like video games, but found quite a bit of value from this.

Well when I tried it out at the grand opening I called it a video game too.  But when you sit down with a qualified instructor who gives you input and corrects what you are doing sub-optimally I would call it much more than a video game.  I don't really like video games, but found quite a bit of value from this.

 

These videos are great for folks who have problems with the basics of grip, trigger squeeze, sight alignment and follow-through.  It shows you how ya "screw-the pooch" without the need to spend ammo that would get pumped into the ground/backstop.  Taken seriously, with a qualified Instructor, it can be a learning experience IF corrections are made and results are improved.  But since Zombies only die with head shots, what I was watchin' for an entire day (workin' the Booth across from them) didn't allow for much instructional input.  In fact I was swept all day long............

These videos are great for folks who have problems with the basics of grip, trigger squeeze, sight alignment and follow-through.  It shows you how ya "screw-the pooch" without the need to spend ammo that would get pumped into the ground/backstop.  Taken seriously, with a qualified Instructor, it can be a learning experience IF corrections are made and results are improved.  But since Zombies only die with head shots, what I was watchin' for an entire day (workin' the Booth across from them) didn't allow for much instructional input.  In fact I was swept all day long............

I agree that zombies are not the optimal training tool   But the they also had IDPA scenarios, and turning targets at various distances and speeds.  Not to mention pepper poppers and other steel arrays.  Is the real things better - maybe.  The thing I was working on was quickly picking up my sights and transitions.  So, for what I wanted to work on I found it highly effective.  Not mention it came with the instructor, basically at no cost.