$1000 3-Gun Challenge - Another Look!

[Chris Rhines]

Okay, so I see this here thread in GD, $1000 3-GUN Fantasy Challenge, and immediately think, "Cool! A 3-gun match with a thousand bucks on the prize table!"

Umm, well, not quite.

But anyhow, the thread gets me thinking. One of the most frequent complaints I hear about 3-gun competition is, "It's too expensive to buy all that equipment!" This is a valid complaint - it's no trouble at all to drop five grand on just the three guns, to say nothing of the magazines, optics, load-bearing gear, and all the other assorted pieces and parts you need to complete a 3-gun match.

What I'm wondering is if it is possible for a newbie to put together a reasonably competitive 3-gun package, soup to nuts, for under $1000US.

Let's make it tough, and say that the package is for the Tactical Optics division. What that entails, for those who might not know:

Pistol - A high-capacity semi-auto in 9mm or 0.40 with a decent trigger, magazine capacity of 17 to 21 rounds, and open sights. You'd need a holster, belt, magazine carrier, and 3-4 magazines.

Rifle - A minor-caliber (.223 or equivalent) semi-auto, 30 round magazines, decent trigger, and a low-magnification scope (1-4x) and mount. 3-4 magazines, and you'd need some way to carry one on the gun or body.

Shotgun - A 12ga. pump or (preferably) auto capable of holding 9 rounds, interchangeable choke tubes would be nice, and open sights. You'd need to be able to carry 18-24 shotshells on the body, some way that is quickly accessable.

Remember, this needs to be a competitive rig, something that would allow a new 3-gun shooter to learn and improve without fighting his gear too much.

It's a tough set of requirements, and it may not even be possible. But I'd like to see everyone else's take on it. What have you guys got?

Thanks,
Chris

 

[browningguy]

For the rifle a Keltec SU16 would be my choice with a Bushnell 1.5-4.5 scope, should be able to walk out of the gun show for $550. I have my "A" model set up like that. Plus 3 mags @$13 ea. and a $5 sling for a total of $594.

Pistol, Daly HP clone maybe for around $400 with three 17 round mags, holster and mag carrier for around $40 so a total of $440.

Nope, can't get there with my choices.

However if you get a Saiga .223 and perhaps one of the Bersa 9's or aTaurus, that would allow enough for a semiauto shotgun. There are several of those out there for $275-325.

 

[Brian Williams]

keltec p11 $239 with S&W 59 mags $100 and holster/mag carrier $100
$439
Used Win 1300 $165, extended tube and clamp, $25, sling $9
$204
SKS with fiberforce stock and 30 rnd mag, 3x9 scope and lots of stripper clips about $300.

If I had to go 223, it would be either a Keltec or build your own AR with others cast off parts bought from the web.

 

[strat81]

http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.asp?Item=77231100
Taurus 92, $375

http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.asp?Item=77905727
Mossberg 590, $288

http://www.aimsurplus.com/acatalog/Romanian_WASR-2_5.45x39_AK_Rifle.html
Century Arms WASR-2 5.45x39, $290


Cash left over $47. Relax the capacity restrictions and you'll get more options such as S&W 5906, Remington 870, & Mossberg 500.

 

[Ian]

Hmm...I think a Glock is definitely the way to go for the pistol. I see 22s going for $400 or so with mags fairly frequently.

Then $150 should get you an 870/1300/500/590.

The rifle is a bit trickier - I would have to skip the SKS. They're just not smooth enough for competition, IMO. What about a SAR-2 in 5.45x39 ($290+shipping from AIM)? Possibly with a 4x POSP scope (another $150 or so)? That doesn't leave anything for extra mags or gear, but I don't see much space to cut costs...

 

[Scottmkiv]

I am sure I would vote for a used Glock 17/22 as the pistol of choice. You should be able to get one for $350 if you are willing to wait for the right deal. Mags/parts are easy to get for little money as a plus.

I think a used 870 would get my vote for the shotgun. You could probably pick one up for $250 including a magazine extension to get you to 8 rounds.

That leaves you with $450 for a rifle. I think the only real option you have is some sort of AK with that money.

I don't think you will really be competive with this setup, and if you have so little money to get started I don't think you will be able to play once you have the guns anyway.

You also need to figure on getting holsters/slings/extra magazines/other random stuff.

Then you need reloading presses and dies for each caliber. If you can only afford $1000 to get started, I'm sure you can't afford store bought ammo. Then you will spend a few hundred buying cases, (I assume you will use range pickup 9mm brass to save money) powder, and bullets. Factor in how much of these supplies you use each weekend along with your match entry fees and $1000 starts to look like a drop in the bucket.


I think with a $1000 budget, you are much better off doing USPSA, and doing it right. You can get use the same glock 17, or maybe pay a few hundred more for a 34/35. Then spend $50 on a belt, about $100 for a holster and mag pouches, and whatever is left on reloading supplies. I think you would end up getting to actually shoot a lot more often with your budget and this setup.