Interested in learning more about the exciting world of 3 gun shooting? You came to the right place! Just like many other outdoor sports, 3 gun shooting can seem complicated to beginners. It’s easy to feel like you need the most expensive gear, or that you just need to learn more before getting started. Well, we’ve got you covered! In this article, we’ll cover the basics of 3 gun shootings from the rules to the gear you need to get started.
What is 3 Gun Shooting? The Basics
Many people are drawn to 3 gun shooting because it is a dynamic sport that brings together the best faucets of competition shooting. It’s a sport that requires the shooter to use 3 specific types of guns, a rifle, a shotgun, and a pistol. During the competition, shooters traverse a course while shooting various targets. The person to complete the course in the shortest time and with the best accuracy is declared the winner.
Origins of 3 Gun Shooting
3 gun shooting hasn’t been around as long as many other common shooting sports. It began in the 1980s with shooters using everything early renditions of the AR-15 and pump shotguns. Since its humble beginnings, 3 gun has evolved into a sport that favors more modern types of guns, especially those geared to tactical shooting.
Divisions of 3 Gun Shooting
There are several divisions (or classes) of 3 gun shooting to choose from. Each division is defined by the types of gear that shooters are allowed to use on the course. One division isn’t necessarily better than another, and 3 gun shooters generally choose their division based on personal preference, or what they enjoy the most. We’ll cover the three most common divisions you’ll most likely encounter.
Limited Division
The limited division is most bare bones and down-to-earth division of 3 gun shooting. In this division, shooters are not allowed to use any optics or scopes on their shotgun or pistol but are allowed one non-magnified optic on their rifle. So for example, shooters may use a red dot scope on their rifle but must shoot their shotgun and piston with iron sights.
Most experienced 3 gun shooters will agree that beginner 3 gun shooters start in the limited division, and we agree! If you already own a stock rifle, shotgun, and pistol, you’ll fit right in without feeling like you need to upgrade to a fancy setup.
Tactical Division
The tactical division is very similar to the limited division. The only difference is that shooters are allowed to use one magnified optic on their rifle. However, they still are not allowed to use any optics or scopes on their shotgun or pistol. The tactical division is the most popular division in the 3 gun shooting community. Many feel that the rules of the limited division are just too restrictive and that the tactical division opens up the door to a more dynamic sport.
We recommend new shooters give the tactical division a try after they feel comfortable in the limited division.
Open Division
The open division is the wild wild west of the 3 gun shooting division. As the name would suggest – anything goes! You’re allowed multiple optics (both magnified and non-magnified) on all 3 firearms and accessories like speedloaders are allowed. If you’re looking to put all that extra gear to good use, this is the division for you!
Generally speaking, the open division tends to be the most expensive division to shoot simply because of all the extra gear and optics you’ll need. You’ll usually see more advanced shooters in the open division simply because they’ve had time to collect all the required gear.
3 Gun Shooting: The Gear
The #1 gear rule for 3 gun shooting is to bring whatever you already have! Don’t feel like you need to spend a fortune buying all the latest and greatest! The important thing is to get to the range and soon you’ll be learning from more advanced shooters who are happy to show you their gear and share tips. You’ll most likely have the chance to try out their equipment before your invest in more gear.
1. Rifle
We’ll say it again…you don’t need anything fancy to get started. if you have a basic, barebones AR, it’ll do just fine.
2. Shotgun
Most 3 gun shooters use a 12-ga semi auto and that’s a great place to start. Any duck-hunting shotgun will be fine for beginners, and you’ll even get by with a pump action shotgun for starters. As you get more competitive, you’ll want an extended tube to limit reload time.
3. Pistol
Most people start with a Glock 17 or a Glock 34, but anything will work, so bring whatever pistol you already have. Ideally, you’ll want a few extra magazines as well.
4. Pistol Holster
Whatever holster you choose needs to hold the pistol securely through a range of motions. 3 gun shooting is a dynamic sport and the last thing you want is to have your pistol falling on the ground mid-round.
5. Shotgun Shell Holder
There are a ton of options when it comes to shotgun reloading. It all comes down to preference. Shotgun cadies work well for beginners, but feel free to see what others are using and try out a few varieties before investing in your own setup.
6. Rifle Magazine Holder
This depends on the style of magazine you’re using, but anything that holds the magazine securely will do.
7. Magazine Pouches
You’ll need a few magazine pouches to hold your spare pistol magazines.
8. Belt
And finally, you’ll want a sturdy belt to carry everything with you on the course. Your belt will hold the pistol holster, shotgun shells, rifle magazine, and magazine pouches, so it needs to be sturdy! There are a lot of good options out there, but the main thing is to find something that feels comfortable and won’t shift around as you move through the course.
How to Get Started In 3 Gun Shooting?
If you’re looking to get started with 3 gun shooting, the best place to start is at your local gun club. If you’re not sure where the nearest gun club is to you a quick Google search should provide answers. Most clubs will host local matches and this is the best place for beginners to get their feet wet. If you’re hooked after trying a few matches, the next thing to do is to find a local league so you can start competing more regularly and build relationships in the 3 gun community.
Also, be sure to let the range officer overseeing the match know that you’re a beginner. They’ll most likely give you some extra tips and pointers before the match begins. You’ll feel more comfortable while keeping everyone safer.
The main thing to remember is that you don’t need any experience to start, just an open mind. Don’t expect to win your first match and be ready to learn from the veteran shooters who are always willing to share their knowledge.
If you’re looking to hone your skills beyond the local club, check out major matches They are the PGA of 3 gun shooting world and feature shooters from all over the country.
How Much Does 3 gun shooting cost?
Cost of Gear
The cost of gear varies wildly depending on what guns you already have and how much you want to invest in the sport. If you already have a rifle, shotgun, and pistol, you can get everything you need for a few hundred dollars if you stick with barebones gear. More expensive setups can easily range into the thousands of dollars range.
Match Fee
Local matches usually have a $20-$50 entry fee, while more advanced matches or major matches can cost $100-$350 to enter.
Cost of Ammo
This depends on what caliber you’re shooting and how many shots you have to take! Buying in bulk will help save money in the long run.
Key Safety Pointers
Now that you have a basic understanding of how 3 gun shooting works, here are a few key safety pointers to take with you to the range.
- Listen to the range officer. He’s the final say at the range.
- Never handle your firearms until you’re instructed to do so by the range officer.
- Treat all firearms as if they are loaded.
- Don’t get out of control. Speed is important, but don’t sacrifice safety.
- Don’t put your finger on the trigger until you’re ready to shoot.
- Ask questions if you’re unsure of anything.
Also, be sure to let the range officer overseeing the match know that you’re a beginner! They’ll most likely give you some extra tips and pointers before the match begins. You’ll feel more comfortable while keeping everyone safer.
3 Gun Shooting: Final Thoughts
And there you have it – everything you need to understand and get started in the world of 3 gun shooting. If you only remember one thing it’s this – bring whatever gear you have and be ready to learn! You won’t win your first match, but everyone has to start somewhere. Make a few friends at the range and try out some different gear before investing money in your own.
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