3 gun variations

[Ruger745]

Hey everyone,

Long time since I've been able to post, got a question regarding the variation with in three gun competitions. I've been wanting to get into this sport for a while, as a matter of fact, I finally got my shotgun and I'm still saving up for the rifle for the third time (third time's the charm isn't it?). Anyways, I was reading Bryce Towsley's article on the MGM IronMan competition (http://www.shootingillustrated.com/...n-the-toughest-3-gun-tournament-in-the-world/) and I noticed that he mentions that a long range rifle is needed, and I was wondering if there are other variations that can require one, or if there are some where other firearms can be required like a carbine? Any info is great, please share if you've been though any other variations in a three gun match.

Thanks

 

[GCBurner]

We just had our very first 3-gun match at the local IDPA club. Due to range restrictions, the long gun was limited to either .22 Rimfire or pistol calibre carbines, and the shotguns required #8 birdshot. Rifle and shotgun targets were limited to 25 yards. It was fun, even without any long range work. I used a .22 conversion unit on my AR-15, there were some other rimfires, including Rugers, and a couple of 9mm and .45 cal carbines. Rifle targets were all paper, pistol and shotgun targets were a mix of paper, steel plates, and clay pigeons fixed to target holders. We just had three stages set up for this first match, instead of the usual IDPA five or six. One stage required rifle, pistol, and shotgun, one was rifle and shotgun, and one was pistol and shotgun.

 

[waktasz]

I think the Iron Man is a special match in that it allows you to use a different rifle for a long range stage. I don't think one is required, but I would imagine having something other than a .223 would help on that stage.

 

[lmccrock]

Ironman is unique. It is a rare 3-gun match that requires long range accuracy. The trend is to 4 MOA steel targets at distance, so 200 yds = 8", 300 yds = 12", etc, which are achieveable with irons or a 1x reflex scope and a 16"-barreled M4-style carbine. Most matches top out at 300 yds or so, few go to 500. One club I know shoots 500+ but that is unusual.

Have fun.

 

[ACP230]

The last one my son and I shot had rifle targets from 150 to 375 yards.
He shot it with my M1A with National Match iron sights.
Did pretty well till he ran out of .308 ammo. I should have grabbed a can of Aussie .308 on the way to the match. Both of us missed a bit more than we planned to.

Lots of other folks ran ARs of some stripe. Most I saw had scopes, a few had red dots of some kind. I used my target-prepped AR with the standard peep sights. But DNF'd
before the long stages. Next time I plan to have a flat top with a 2-7 power scope on it.

 

[gotigers]

I shot the AAC last year. Stage 1 had rifle out to 450 yards. All shooters used the same AR for all rifle portions. Other than that match i only shoot local club 3 gun matches. The local 3 gun matches rarely go over 300 yards, even that is not very often. 200 yards is quite often.

I have been told, by those that have shot the matches with a long range gun, that the shooters will share a the 4th gun with those that don't have one or one is provided.

 

[Zak Smith]

Some I have been involved with (or shot):

PRTC, 2006 Rifle, Carbine, Pistols (team)
CGIMG, 2007 Rifle, Carbine, Pistol (individual)
ITRCRifle, Carbine, Pistols (team)
TBTC, 2011+, Rifle, Carbine (team)
24HSAC, Rifle, Carbine, Pistols (team)

 

[taliv]

man Zak, I gotta get out to some of your team matches