What the heck is a 3-gun match?

[natedog]

All I know about these competitions is that you use 3-guns, a shotgun, rifle, and handgun. What are the rules on equipment, what are the matches like, etc. I finally have a gun from each category now. Centerfire rifle: Mini-14. Shotgun: Model 12 20 gauge with 4 (5?) shot magazine, and a Colt Officers Model .38 Special. Yes, a lot of these guns are dated, so I would probably get stomped going up against uber-custom auto-shotguns, custom 1911's, and tricked out AR-15's. still, it sounds like fun!

 

[Ian]

I don't shoot 3-gun (yet), but I have shot some IDPA, IPSC, and cowboy action with...ah...less than ideal equipment. I'd say if you can find a match near you go for it. Plan on coming in mid-to-low on the rankings, and just have fun!

I also like this guy's idea - if you don't have the best guns, make the most out of the guns you do have :

 

[alan]

natedog:

While that particular type of competition is not my "cup of tea", unless I'm mistaken, you could enter with the battery mentioned.

You likely would not do all that well, but you could probably compete.

 

[Carnitas]

You could definately play and have fun with that battery but you'd have to make some changes before you started to take home any money, er,,,ah plaques.

At this point 3-gun rules are still evolving. USPSA has rules for long guns but it seems like most clubs are doing their own thing to greater or lesser extent.

Probably the most restrictive set of rules would be the USPSA Limited class. The most liberal would be the USPSA Open class. Kind of in between is the "Tactical" type 3-gun rule sets, a good example of which is here. http://www.vikingtactics.com/3Gun/5th/MatchRules.htm

Probably the biggest change you could make to be more competetive would be a longer mag tube. Feeding the SG fast is very important. Even better to start with 8 in the tube insted of 4. Depending on where you shoot the mini could be a problem. If the shoot longer stages the limited accuracy of most mini's could be a problem.

 

[Andrew Wyatt]

For the SWAT magazine 3-gun match, you'd need a 12 gauge shotgun.


other than that, you're cool.


www.wc3gun.com

 

[Tacblack]

What the heck is a 3-gun match?

A damn good reason to buy 2 more guns!

A lot of fun, everyone should try at least one match.

All kidding aside I think the other people got it covered.