One way to train is to dry fire.  With lasers, combining dry fire with the laser has been helpful for me to see if I'm pulling, pushing, flinching, etc., and allows me to train out of those errors. 

I was surfing for a new laser system today and found a new laser trainer system.  Serendipity.

Check it out at http://www.laserlyte.com/New_Products/New_LT-PRO.html

It might be something worthwhile.  Let me know what you think.

I'm still dithering over whether or not to buy one.  I'm so cheap that I'll probably just continue to practice my trigger control with my CTG on my snubbie.  Still, it's only $100.

A good place to start is a diagnostic chart.  I posted the right hand version.  Left hand version is exactly the opposite.

This, of course, isn't the end-all, be-all of diagnostic tools, but it's an excellent beginning.  If you work it, you'll see that eliminating possibilities helps you zero in on the real issues.  Sometimes, you hit a solution right off the bat. 

Using the tool is simple enough, if you think about it.  For example, if you are consistently firing left of your POA, you may be using too little finger on the trigger.  Your finger (according to many/most training experts) is supposed to be half to three-quarters of the way onto the trigger.  If it's not, move it in a little more and shoot some more. 

Over time, you'll be able to zero in on your real issue(s) or solve them. 

Make sense?

AN update:  I've been using my laser trainer almost every night after the kids are in bed for 20 to 30 minutes.  I have pulled the trigger hundreds of times,  maybe thousands and it is STILL going strong!!!  Now when I pull the trigger I see a dot and not a line.  My range time is also a little better too!  I hoped for the better accuracy at "in my home" distances,  and I did get that...But I also got more accurate at 30-40 yds!  I'm guessing that is the result of the "instant results" training I recieved from the laser.  Good deal,  huh?

OOOPS!  Uh,  snap caps?  What a dunce I am .  I'm using a Bersa Thunder 380,  well at least I WAS until I can get snap caps.  Like I said,  the gun was flawless and more accurate the last trip to the range,  wonder if I should have a smith look at it (since I am definately NOT "smith-ish")....

That's great news!  I'm curious about the "and there won't be either" comment.  Is the smithy saying the Bersa can't be damaged by dry fire?  Just curious.

I was curious about this too...and will also have to look up that training...er...uh..."tool". 

So, FWIW, is dry firing ok with pistols like my XD9sc and MK9?

Thanks. 

I do not know anything about laser training, however I found something which is half way between livefire and dryfire. They claim you can use them indoors (though I assume that means in your own home, in a basement or garage, not in a NYC apartment). One instructor recommended them to me.

http://convert-a-pell.com/automatic/

http://convert-a-pell.com/revolver/

These are rounds which allow you to shoot airgun pellets out of your carry gun using only primer as propellant.  Noise and recoil is minimal. You can shoot them at a cardboard box full of newspapers at 20 ft (they shoot a few inches low). They are much cheaper to shoot then ball ammo.

Mine just arrived,  I ordered them with a ring shaped grove around the center.  I spent last night panting the grove with hot pink nail polish so that they will not get mixed up with empty brass casings when on the floor of my range or with live rounds when in my bag.

I will let you know how they are when I get a chance to shoot them.  I just got back from one trip and I am leaving on another one.