Blackbeard

Q: What is sight height over bore and what is holdover?
A: Sight height over bore refers to the physical offset between the bore of the firearm and the aiming mechanism (iron sights, reticle in an optic, etc.). This offset will cause the bullet impact to be lower vs. the point of aim when shooting at close ranges. As an example, at 5 yards, using an AR-15 with traditionally configured iron sights, M193 ammo, and a 100 yard zero, the point of impact is expected to be approximately 2.46 inches lower than the point of aim. Holdover refers to the degree to which a shooter must aim higher than their intended point of impact in order to achieve that point of impact at close distances.

Q: The laser adjustment screws wont allow me to move the laser to match my sights/reticle, how can I fix this?
A: Sight height over bore for most AR-15’s will result in the point of impact being lower than the point of aim at shorter ranges (generally 25 yards and shorter). At very close distances, this difference can be significant. Getting the laser dot to match the sights is likely physically impossible because the laser movement is restricted by the bore of the rifle. Even if it were physically possible, setting the laser Point of Impact (POI) to match the Point of Aim (POA) at close ranges is not going to replicate the relationship between POA and POI that you will experience with live ammo. Because of this, we do not view this physical limitation to be a negative. – That being said, if you have a reason for matching POA and POI, you can simulate this setup by using our Laser Academy system via modifications to the SHOOT TO CALIBRATE feature.

Q: What is this beautiful device (aka Blackbeard)?
A: Blackbeard resets the trigger of your mil-spec AR-15, so you can train without using all of your ammo, and without manually resetting the trigger after each shot.

Q: Which configuration/laser is best for my needs?
A: Get the non-laser version if you do not plan to use a laser enabled training system.
Get the red laser version if you want a visual signature and/or you plan to train with a laser based training system (such as Laser Academy).
Get the green laser version for increased visible distance over the red laser variant. In equal lighting conditions, you can see the green laser at further distances than the red laser. This version is also compatible with Laser Academy.
Get the IR laser version if you are using an IR-based training system or if you are using night vision.

Q: How do I adjust the laser?
A: There are two screws located on the side of the Blackbeard housing. These are accessible through the ejection port when Blackbeard is installed in the rifle. See this guide.

Q: Can I turn off the laser?
A: There is no “off” mode for the laser. However, a tactical barrel plug (tissue paper) can be used to block the laser if desired. Be sure to remove any barrel obstructions when you’re done training to avoid catastrophic failure and possible injury during live fire.

Q: Why can’t I see the IR laser?
A: Infrared (IR) light is not visible to the unaided eye.

Q: Can I change the laser color later?
A: No. The laser components are not modular.

Q: Do the laser-enabled variants of Blackbeard work with Laser Academy?
A: The Red and Green laser variants are compatible with Laser Academy. The IR variant is not compatible.

Q: Is Blackbeard compatible with my rifle?
A: If the receiver accepts standard AR-15 Bolt Carrier Groups, triggers, and magazines, then Blackbeard is very likely to be compatible. We have run into a few cases where unusual trigger hammer profiles are incompatible, but this is uncommon. The system does not interface with the chamber. As such, non-223/5.56 chambers should work without issue.

Q: Is Blackbeard compatible with firearms built using an 80% lower?
A: Due to potential deviation from specifications that may result from loose or inaccurate jigs and other variables during the completion of an 80% kit, we cannot guarantee compatibility. If an 80% lower receiver is finished correctly in spec, then Blackbeard should be compatible with that lower.

Q: Is Blackbeard available for PCC?
A: If your PCC receiver accepts standard AR-15 Bolt Carrier Groups, triggers, and magazines, then Blackbeard is very likely to be compatible. Otherwise, a PCC version of Blackbeard is not available at the present time.

Q: Is there a Blackbeard for pistols?
A: Not at the present time.

Q: Does Blackbeard connect to the MantisX app?
A: No. Blackbeard will only reset the trigger and emit a laser shot for laser-enabled models. A Mantis X2, X3, or X10 can be used in conjunction with Blackbeard to collect data in the app.

Q: Do I need Smart Targets to use Blackbeard?
A: No. Smart Targets are primarily intended for use with Mantis Laser Academy.

Q: Do I have to use MantisX to use Blackbeard?
A: No. Using MantisX in conjunction with Blackbeard is encouraged but not required.

Q: What is the max distance Blackbeard can be used at?
A: This depends on the users eyes (or the laser targeting system being used), the surface being shot, and the ambient light. The brighter the ambient light, the shorter the max distance the laser is visible at.

Q: Why can’t I have it in the EU?
A: Due to regulatory requirements, we are unable to ship laser-enabled products to any country in the European Union (EU). The standard (non-laser) Blackbeard is available to ship to the EU.

Q: When can I purchase spare magazine packs so I can train for reloads?
A: We plan to sell individual Blackbeard magazines but there is no ETA at this time.

Q: On the Blackbeard Bolt Carrier Group, is the housing separation along the 6 o’clock side normal?
A: Yes.

Q: Does the Blackbeard kit include access to Laser Academy Pro features?
A: No. A Laser Academy full access code was included with some pre-orders for the Blackbeard, but that promotion has been discontinued as of January 2021.

Q: Is the non-laser variant of Blackbeard compatible with Pink Rhino Laser Cartridges?
A: No. There is no firing pin (or similar) mechanism in place which is required to activate the button on the Pink Rhino Laser Cartridge.

Q: Can I use the Mantis Blackbeard in an AR-15 equipped with the Law Tactical AR Folding Stock Adapter?
A: Yes. No change is needed. No filler is needed for the gap between the rear of the BCG and the buffer weight.

General
Q: Do you have a guide for setting up and using Laser Academy?
A: Yes! See our Laser Academy Knowledge Center for in depth guides on all things Laser Academy.

Q: How does Laser Academy stack up against other laser-based training systems?
A: We’ve compared the best laser training systems for you to contrast pricing, what’s on offer, as well as customer feedback to help you discern the value of these systems before you buy.

Q: I received my Laser Academy kit, but did not receive the sensor that attaches to the firearm. Where is it?
A: Unlike our Shooting Performance System, Laser Academy does not utilize movement sensing technology to do it’s job. You can use both systems together but doing so is not required.

Q: What is the purpose of the small Bluetooth remote that is included with the large tripod in the Standard Laser Academy kit?
A: Nothing in particular. The remote is included from the factory but serves no purpose when using the Laser Academy app.

HOW TO
Q: Where are the instructions?
A: Within the Laser Academy app, navigate to Settings > Instruction Guide.

Q: The point of impact of my laser does not match the point of aim, can I fix this in the app?
A: Yes, this can be adjusted using the Ballistic Offset feature. This is a global setting that is changed within any of the drills, and once the adjustment is made, will affect all other drills. To access, open a drill (Open Shooting – Single Target, for example) > click on Settings in the top right, a new menu will appear > Scroll down on the new menu until you see Ballistic Offset > select SHOOT TO CALIBRATE.

Q: Where can I delete a shot or session?
A: Shots and Sessions are not able to be deleted at this time. This will be added at some point in the future.

Q: How do I get a refund for an in-app purchase?
A: It depends what kind of phone/tablet you have. If you contact customer support, we will assist.

Q: How do I get the red coloring to go away?
A: Red color indicates areas that are over saturated/bright and will cause shot detection issues. To prevent problems, the app is programmed to ignore these areas.

Q: Can I add notes?
A: Not at the present time.

Q: Can I designated pistol vs. rifle training?
A: Not at this time. That is planned for a future update.

COMPATIBILITY
Q: What devices are compatible with the Laser Academy app?
A: Android (v7.0 or greater) and iOS (v10.0 or greater). Older devices will have stricter lighting condition requirements due to camera hardware limitations.

Q: Does Laser Academy work with the MantisX Shooting Performance System?
A: The two systems can be used in conjunction with one another. The presence of one system does not change how the other system functions. Two smart devices are likely to be needed; one for each app.

Q: What laser colors work with Laser Academy?
A: Red and green.

Q: Does Laser Academy work with IR lasers?
A: No.

Q: Does Laser Academy work with my laser cartridge? (G-sight, LaserHit, etc.)
A: If the laser cartridge is a red or green laser, then the system is expected to work.

Q: I bought brand X laser, will it work with Laser Academy?
A: We expect most cartridges that emit a visible laser to be compatible with Laser Academy.

Q: Can I use Laser Academy outside?
A: Yes. As long as the camera can adjust to the lighting and the laser is bright enough to stand out above the ambient lighting, using the system outside should not pose a problem.

Q: What is the max range Laser Academy supports?
A: The max range is determined by the phone/tablet camera and lighting conditions. There is no arbitrary max defined by the software.

Q: Can I use my DryFireMag trigger reset system with Laser Academy?
A: No. DryFireMag disables the firing pin function and the firing pin function is required to activate the laser cartridge.

TARGETS
Q: How do I set up the Smart Targets?
A: A flat surface with each corner of the target unobscured (this includes shadows that may fall near or over the fiducial). The distance between target and camera is usually 1-3 yards, but you may find zooming in with the camera allows greater distances.

Q: Can I print out larger targets?
A: Yes. The electronic version of the targets are available HERE and can be used to print larger sized targets.

Q: What is the size/scale of the Smart Targets?
A: Portable Smart targets | Standard Smart targets

Q: Can I get X target in the app?
A: Send a request to our customer service team to request new target types.

Q: Are Smart Targets required to use Laser Academy?
A: No, but they make using the system a lot more easy and intuitive, with automatic target detection and automatic scoring. Laser Academy allows you to define manual hit zones in cases where Smart Targets are not used.

ACTIVATION CODE
Q: Where is my Laser Academy access code?
A: The code card is included in the Laser Academy kit. Be sure to look in the lid of the zippered case, under the foam, and in the retail box. Example full access card.

Q: My Laser Academy full access code doesn’t work, what is wrong?
A: Please contact customer service to troubleshoot code activation issues.

Q: Where/how do I enter my full access code?
A: Go to Laser Academy > Settings > Sign in to the app with a username, and on the same Settings screen, select Manage Account. This will open a browser window where you can enter the code.

Q: Can the full Laser Academy features be used without signing in or using a username?
A: Yes. No sign is required. Download the app. Purchase full access from within the app. If you ever uninstall the app or switch phones, you will need to sign into the app store using the same app store account, re-download the app, then within Laser Academy go to SETTINGS and choose RESTORE IN-APP PURCHASES. If you choose not to use a username within the Laser Academy app, your data will not be backed up. If the app is uninstalled or the phone formatted or lost, all the data will be lost as well.