Virtual Training: Is it Though?

Sig made the below announcement about a partnership for virtual training. This looks like a fun "game", but personally I must advise against such systems. While it may teach you some on fundamentals, I strongly believe any system not using a real firearm is untraining knowledge of your firearm. This is why you may have noticed my alignment with AccuShoot.

My beliefs are simple, but based on my time as an instructor, and perhaps more importantly my time as a student at ITTS, Front Sight, CENTER-T, Thunder Ranch, Guardian Conference, and others where I have done my best to shoot something different in the name of adding to the value of my reviews. Here are my maxims:

Training Scars: Any time you're not firing YOUR gun you are detraining your gun. Every shot fired with the wrong weight, trigger, grip size, grip angle, and recoil is over-writing what you know about your own gun. Yes, you can learn about shooting by trying other guns, but you must then repeat those instances with your own gun to break even, and once more to learn it with your gun.
False confidence: I've experienced it myself by running the same drills with a toy laser gun; smoking the drill easily only to find I do not perform the same with a real firearm. Thsi could lead to a liability in the real world.

These factors combine to make any simulator game not using your own firearm a potential hazard when it comes to quality training that might save your life or the life of a loved one. Just imagine needing to save a family member only to learn that you had false confidence with your real gun and let loose a round too early. Remember, you are civilly and criminally liable for every round fired. Add in the life of a loved one and that could make for a terrible outcome.

We live in a time of incredible advancing technology, and shooting stationary paper or steel targets leaves a lot to be desired, but when you are ready to train for real-life situations it's best done with your own firearm like AccuShoot is designed for. You can learn more about my initial AccuShoot experience HERE.

Original Sig Press Release"

"FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Ace Virtual Shooting and SIG SAUER Launch

"SIG Experience" Collaboration

DALLAS, TX (March 28, 2025) – Ace Virtual Shooting, the leading shooting simulator, and SIG SAUER are pleased to announce an exclusive collaboration to release - The SIG Experience - a new dimension in shooting for enthusiasts worldwide. Featuring SIG replica handsets and VR SIG Electro-Optics, the Ace marksmanship simulator lets fans experience SIG in an all-new, groundbreaking environment. For current members of the thriving Ace community, this collaboration unlocks more opportunity to build skills and connect with SIG enthusiasts from wherever you are.

This Ace/SIG collaboration includes licensed replica SIG P320 X-FIVE LEGION and P365 X-MACRO Comp handsets. Users can equip their virtual handset with a SIG ROMEO3MAX red dot optic or other available options and shoot through hundreds of courses of fire in the virtual world, which will include the SHOOT SIG competition series.

“Together, Ace and SIG share a passion to promote the shooting sports in a fun, safe, and convenient way,” began Robby Johnson, Chief Marketing Officer, SIG SAUER. “This is an exciting collaboration and offers SIG enthusiasts a new way to interact with our brand and with each other while improving their skills.”

Revolutionizing the Shooting Experience

Ace Virtual Shooting develops users’ skills with unlimited virtual ammo to shoot dry-fire drills, mini-games, and skill-building exercises. With the use of a Meta Quest 2, 3, or 3S VR headset, users can track their training, compete against other players, and review real-time analytics of their speed, accuracy, and precision.

“The realism of the Ace Virtual Shooting environment is unlike anything I’ve ever experienced. It’s incredibly fun and parallels the live fire drills I shoot with my SIG P320MAX when I am training,” said Max Michel, Team SIG Captain and World Champion Professional Shooter. “Ace Virtual Shooting is the closest thing to live fire training, and I recommend it to anyone looking to hone their skills or maintain their edge.”

The SIG Experience in Ace redefines how sport shooting enthusiasts engage with their craft. With realistic firearm physics, authentic physical handsets, and AI-driven performance tracking, this collaboration delivers immense value for users of all skill levels.

“Ace is more than a training tool—it’s the start of an exciting new movement for the global shooting community,” said Conor Donahue, CEO of Ace Virtual Shooting. “SIG SAUER has built an incredible legacy of precision, innovation, and performance. Ace is proud to partner with them in offering people a compelling new way to connect with SIG products, enjoy shooting with friends, and build skills.”

Availability

All Ace products, including the SIG-licensed P320 X-FIVE LEGION and P365 X-MACRO COMP handsets, are meticulously constructed to provide a realistic user experience and long-term reliability, and they are proudly made in the U.S.A. in Texas. Handsets start at $199 and an Ace Club Membership is required to compete in the SIG Experience. Visit acexr.com to learn more, purchase a handset, and join the community.

Get Social: follow SIG SAUER on Facebook, X, Instagram, LinkedIn and YouTube for the latest news, product announcements, events, and updates."