During our test of the Laser Ammo CQB in a Box portable reactive target system, we also had the chance to test a very interesting sound effect add-on device built by Scenario Trainer, Inc., a USA based company specializing in firearms training aids. Interestingly enough, all of their products are distributed by Laser Ammo in EU.
The Gunshot Box is an electronic audio device that creates realistic, on demand gunshots and explosions sound effects, executed at ear-safe but still adrenaline-inducing loud volume levels, up to 125 dB. This device generates unlimited amounts of simulated gunshots and is powered with a standard AC power connection. No consumables, such as gas or powders are needed.
This device is hosted inside of a .50 caliber Steel Ammo can, down to the removable lid and clasp, is very portable, either by itself or contained in its standard tough Storm Case for added protection, easy to use, and can be set up in seconds provided an AC socket is available nearby.
The Gunshot Box is very flexible as it can be used stand-alone using a supplied, multifunctional remote control, it works with a number of Laser Ammo compatible firearm replicas – we tested it primarily with the SF30 pistol from Smart Firearms, which accurately replicates weight, balance, ergonomics and trigger of the real gun – and also with a recently introduced concussion and flash-bang training replica.
Gunshot Box: how it works
Well, it’s a portable lightning generator. Literally… a battery of capacitors powers a set of six percussion chambers with electrodes, each capable of producing a very bright and loud spark, basically a miniature lightning with related thunder. Due to the very nature of the physics effect, the produced noise is an incredibly realistic explosion or gunshot. Firing the spark chambers in succession can even simulate automatic fire! It needs to be connected to the AC grid, and the version we tested is compatible with 220-240V. Obviously, this version is intended for indoor use.
Using a proprietary closed digital wireless system, that does not require Bluetooth, WIFI or internet, the Gunshot Box can be remotely controlled by specifically enabled Laser Ammo replicas, the included remote, the SF30 pistol, the 729T-M Training Bang flashbang replica (this one with a dedicated receiver unit that connects to all GunShot boxes built after 2022 featuring a DIN connector, separately sold) and more, at a distance up to 50 m indoors, even through walls.
It can be used with, and integrated in, existing training simulators, including laser Ammo’s Smokeless Range and its professional modules like the VST-P 2.0, and the company’s laser based dry fire and reactive target training systems.
Gunshot Box: testing with Laser Ammo CQB in a Box
We tested the Gunshot box in a training facility using the Laser Ammo CQB in a Box system. While we recently reviewed the system, the short story is that it’s a portable humanoid size reactive target kit that works with all laser based training gear from the manufacturer. It’s available as a base kit that includes 3 humanoid sized targets, each with 3 reactive hit zones, all contained in a special carrying case.
Scenarios included an active shooter initiating an attack, room clearing, entry simulation using the flash bang with shoot/no shoot enabled targets. The active shooter scenario specifically surprised for the startling and uncomfortably jarring effect the unexpected “gunshots” had on the trainees. The loud bang is quite annoying, uncomfortable but not painful, although your ears will ring after a number of shots are fired.
In every instance, adding the Gunshot Box to the same drill always resulted in slower execution times and even new errors, proving that the added stress and surprise the gunshots force on the operator are invaluable from a training standpoint. It definitely adds an unprecedented level of realism to the training scenarios, especially indoors as the blast bounces off the walls making it difficult to pinpoint the source. The GunShot Box is also a great way to train K9, as it is a very controlled dB level noise source, engineered to never exceed safe levels, preserving the service dog’s precious and very sensitive hearing.
While we tested the standard Gunshot Box, that is connected to AC mains, there is an off-grid version called Gunshot Box GO and a derivative version called RAS-Pack that allows the system to be carried as a backpack on an “active shooter”, that can move in a scenario to train LE and operators to, i.e., rapidly locate the source of gunfire from afar and move towards the threat to neutralize it.
The price in EU for the GunShot Box from Scenario Trainer, Inc., may seem quite steep, as it is approximately 2,700 euro for the device, it is however appropriate for the specific market and end users; the SF30 pistol, ST Training Bang and optional receiver unit, and Laser Ammo CQB in a Box system are all obviously not included.
The Scenario Trainer, Inc., GunShot Box device is intended for, and available to, professional users only. It is distributed in EU by Laser Ammo. Note that further information about all the products featured in this article and final offers can be obtained contacting Laser Ammo: info@laserammo.eu.
For more information please visit the Laser Ammo website.
