3-gun equipment questions

[Fat_46]

After playing the cowboy action game I have decided to get into the more modern 3-gun. I'm having a bit of trouble understanding the requirements for the weapons and I'm hoping you can assist.

I plan on using a 16" M4gery with an ACOG for the rifle. I would like to use a commander length 1911 for the pistol, and haven't picked out a shottie yet (leaning towards an 870, if for no other reason than the availability of parts and accessories).

Is there a problem using a handgun that only holds 7+1?

While I would like to go out, and purchase STI, White Oak, and Benelli equipment it just isn't in the foreseeable future right now.

I'm not looking at setting the world on fire, just being competetive, learning something, and having fun.

Can you do that on a limited budget in 3-gun?

Thanks

 

[bofe954]

3 gun is a little confusing because it isn't always played with the same set of rules. I haven't shot a match yet but should be starting this year and have been looking at this stuff too.

http://www.wisconsinshooters.com/documents/3gun/wisconsin_3-gun_match_rules.pdf

The sight above shows international multigun rules- look at the classes.

An optic on your rifle would put you in tactical division. Other competitors in tactical could have full size double stack STI's etc. Semi auto shotguns with 9+1 capacity.

Since you don't have a shotgun yet you could just try and get a fairly high cap semiauto shotgun (ie 1100 instead of 870) vs. a pump.

The single stack will cause a reload or two more than your competition, but big deal. Depending how the stage is set up it might not even matter.

Another option would be to get a pump and a .308 and shoot heavy metal.

 

[Chris Rhines]

There are some local and regional variations, but the two big multigun organizations (USPSA and IMGA) use pretty much the same divisions.

The 3GunRules website has all the different rule sets for multigun competition, as well as an excellent primer on getting started. Here's a link: http://www.3gunrules.com/gettingstarted.php

A couple of comments:

- A 7+1 handgun capacity is going to be a problem, considering that you'll be competing against USPSA Limited guns with 20-round magazines. A Glock 17 or Glock 35 makes for an inexpensive and entirely competitive Limited pistol.

- Some will disagree, but I don't think that one can be competitive against semiautomatic shotguns with a pump gun. You need to be extremely fast on the action and make no mistakes. I'd suggest getting a semiauto if you can possibly swing the money for it. That said, if you already have a shotgun that you like, don't go out any buy a new one.

- Don't forget to budget for ammo carriers for all three guns.

 

[Zak Smith]

Some will disagree, but I don't think that one can be competitive against semiautomatic shotguns with a pump gun. You need to be extremely fast on the action and make no mistakes

There are pumpgunners who are not only competitive, but win against, semi shotguns in 3Gun. Remember that the crux of shotgun in 3Gun is reloading and overlapping reloading with movement.

That said, I do agree that shooting a pumpgun at this level requires a lot more training than with a semi.

-z

 

[another okie]

As mentioned, there are several different types of 3 gun.

Check and see what the rules are. A key question is whether there is major or minor scoring for pistol and rifle. If there is,that changes your pistol choice and may change your rifle choice to a .308.

If it's IPSC 3 gun or multi-gun with major/minor scoring, a high capacity .40 1911 will be what many of the competitors use, but a Glock 35 will be the cheapest and most versatile. If it's what I think is called "international," where you either neutralize the target or not, a Glock 34 or 17 might work just as well. Under those rules, it's either one A hit or two anywhere on the target to neutralize, so high capacity is a big help.

For the shotgun it's hard to beat a Benelli, though I don't have one. They are the most reliable semi autos I've ever seen. I use a Remington Competiton Master, which has 8 +1 capacity and runs fine as long as I keep it very clean and well-lubricated.

 

[boerseun]

Never been in 3 gun, so here's a question:

How ould this setup go?
AK 74 with Irons
Glock 17
Saiga 12

Cheap, reliable and affordable to shoot - acurate as well.

 

[Zak Smith]

The Saiga may put you into Open depending on the particular match rules.

The AK will be fine but the stock sights will be a liability for targets further than 150-200 yards.

 

[boerseun]

Hmmm, interesting about the saiga. They would probably limit your magazine capacity. That little sucker sure cycles fast though!

As for the AK sights...spoke to a buddy of mine over the weekend that has a Romy AK74 with stock sights...he mentioned that he was hitting head sized targets out to 200 yards with it - granted he is a serious High Power shooter (and usually does really well). With practice, it may get better, I guess...otherwise, it is Mojo time.

 

[atek3]

If you're on a tight budget, you could mount this weaver on your AK:
http://www.telescopes.com/reviews/products.php?id=17929

if you've got significant cash, send your saiga to Tony:
http://www.tromix.com/Welcome.htm

he can do some crazy stuff with them...

atek3

 

[g5reality]

My 3 gun setup would be:

Springfield M1A
Remington 870
Glock 17 or 19

 

[atek3]

The only problem with a setup like g5reality's is shooting 308 and 12ga pump you're really only competitive in he-man or "ironman" or whatever the ultralimited class is, and most of those classes require 45 ACP... some even require single stacks

 

[g5reality]

I can just as easily, and probably with better accuracy, shoot my Kimber Raptor II instead of the Glocks. The Springfield M1A would most likely be a National Match.