By Michael A. Black | Contributing Editor
It’s been about four years since I last visited Mantis, a burgeoning weapons system company in Oswego, Illinois, so when I received an invitation to check out their latest product, called Blackbeard, I didn’t need to be asked twice.
Located about 50 miles west of Chicago, Mantis is a small but innovative company in the gun industry. They specialize in using high tech apps to help a shooter improve his or her skills with weapons. The company president, Austin Allgaier, is a regular at the annual SHOT Show in Las Vegas and is looking forward to being at this year’s show both on the convention floor and at the Industry Day at the Range event in Boulder.
The company was established in 2015 and is run with impressive energy, enthusiasm, and efficiency. As you walk into the facility, you can’t help but notice there’s a large graffiti board in the front office next to the administrative assistant’s desk where employees are encouraged to sign in and leave a positive message. It’s emblematic of the company’s spirit of team work.
In a previous article back in 2017 I highlighted the MantisX, a unique sensor device that attaches to the rails and trigger guard of a firearm. This MantisX smart sensor continuously tracks the movement of your firearm before, during, and after every shot to provide an immediate computerized analysis. The device then simultaneously sends this data to your smart phone, tablet, or computer precisely detailing the exact movements and patterns which allows the range instructor’s simultaneous evaluation. Even the slightest variation is tracked and sent depicting the shooter’s trigger pull and movements allowing the range instructor to see what needs to be corrected or adjusted.
The sensor device fits on virtually any pistol or rifle, slipping onto the rails of the gun, and is secured it in place with a set-screw. There is also a special adapter kit available that fits on the magazine for weapons that do not have rails. The sensor is then turned on with the press of a button, and takes a few seconds to calibrate after connecting with the special app on your tablet, smart phone, or computer. Immediate, detailed analysis is instantly provided. The MantisX is available not only for pistols, but also for rifles, shotguns, and archery.
Shortly after my arrival this time Austin came out of his office with a wide grin carrying an AR-15. He immediately broke open the weapon and removed the charging handle and bolt assembly.
“This is our new Blackbeard,” he said, showing me an orange bolt carrier group and solid magazine made of a durable polymer. “It’s the ultimate AR trigger reset machine.”
The device sends instant data to your smartphone.
He then slipped this new bolt carrier into the rifle, locked the rifle with the cotter pin, and slipped the mag in place. This entire process of removal and insertion only took about 10 to 20 seconds. After shouldering the AR-15, he pointed the weapon at a wall across the way and pulled the trigger several times in rapid succession. Amazingly, there was no need to reset the trigger between each shot.
“Normally, with dry firing you have to reset the trigger each time,” he explained. “With Blackbeard it’s electromechanically reset, just as if you fired an actual round.” He paused and pointed toward the beige wall on the other side of the room. “There’s also a laser that shows you where you’re hitting.”
I looked as he fired again and saw the red dot appear momentarily, and then vanish.
You can fire up to ten dry fire shot per second, depending on your finger dexterity. The magazine, which contains a battery pack that powers the dry firing, is good for 75,000 shots.
“It requires no gun modifications and has the same trigger weight, break and reset,” he said.
The MantisX device that fits on a handgun
He then let me try it. It was a unique experience being able to dry fire the weapon without a manual reset. I could instantly imagine the realistic training scenarios this apparatus would provide.
“It’s ideal for military and police training scenarios, like building searches or room entries,” Austin said. “Raid personnel can use their actual weapons, and with the Blackbeard in place, there’s also zero chance of having an accidental discharge during a training session.”
Because of this built-in safety factor, Blackbeard can be used in virtually any location, not just on the range or in specially built live-fire houses, without the danger of doing any damage. The device also offers realistic, hands-on training without the expense of using live ammo. With the current high prices and scarcity of ammunition in the current state of our nation, being able to save money is always a big plus.
Blackbeard is available to civilians, military, and police at a price of $220 to $250, depending on the type of laser included. The laser modules come in red, which costs the least amount, and green, the more expensive color. There is also an infrared laser module option.
“All of our products are designed and manufactured in the USA,” Austin said with pride. “This includes the micro chips in the devices.”
Score another one for MantisX.
For more information on Blackbeard go to MANTISBLACKBEARD.COM or visit the Mantis website at WWW.MANTISX.COM.
