Three Gun Competion

[LoneRider]

Sorry to ask the FNG question, but I'll ask it anyway. What exactly does a 3-Gun Competition entail? I first heard about it when I read a Guns and Ammo special issue on the AK-47. In it a noted competitor in 3-Gun tried his hand at using an Iraqi Tabuk variant of the AK.

From the Wikipedia article it states that it's: "A practical shooting event where a rifle/carbine, shotgun, and handgun." are used.

Is it kinda like the reaction shooting, CQC type courses with some variation of the standard US Army pop-up target engagements? (I've done some of very basic target recognition engagement training and pop-up targets at a TRADOC post before deploying downrange to the Sandbox).

 

[stubbicatt]

This site should get you going. It will link you to your state or local organization so that you can find schedules etc.

The game can be a whole lot of fun.

Brian Enos hosts a chat forum where you can learn from others what works, and what doesn't work so well.

 

[LoneRider]

Thank you very much.

I'm not thinking about competing once I've gotten my AR-15 DMR built and zeroed and broken in (yet), but I'd like to look into practical training methods other than simply plinking at paper targets downrange. I'd like to be proficient with my weapon in all respects.

 

[ny32182]

It is similar to IDPA and other pistol competitions in that it is dynamic shooting/reloading on the move with a score based on a combination of time and accuracy, and all three guns are used rather than just pistols. It is not all close range though. Unfortunately they only have a local match here about once a year. I have shot out to 100yd in that match, but I think some of the other ones around the Southeast may take shots out to 600 yards.

 

[Justin]

3 Gun/Multigun is basically a form of "practical" shooting competition where you must safely run a course of fire engaging steel and cardboard targets at distance from nearly contact out to 500 yards. The entire point of multigun is to challenge your skills with handgun, rifle, and shotgun.

You can read more about it at Zak Smith's website.

I've also got some videos up on YouTube here.

While some will say that multigun competition isn't the same as defensive shooting (and they're absolutely right!) competing will teach you how to really run your firearm in an induced-stress situation.

Plus, it's a ridiculous amount of fun.

 

[LoneRider]

While some will say that multigun competition isn't the same as defensive shooting (and they're absolutely right!) competing will teach you how to really run your firearm in an induced-stress situation.

Plus, it's a ridiculous amount of fun.

The former is more a compelling arguement than the latter for learning about the three gun competition. Where could I train for things of that nature? What sort of ranges allow for that sort of tactical movement/engagement training?

 

[Jim Watson]

Much 3-gun and Multigun shooting is run by USPSA clubs.
Look for a club in your area at:
http://www.uspsa.org/

There are rules on that site for pistol, rifle, shotgun, and multigun.

I don't know if the language has mutated away from the definitions I learned but to me, if it says "3-gun" that means there are separate pistol, rifle, and shotgun events. The place I used to shoot would typically have one rifle event, a couple with shotgun and three or four with pistol.
I take Multigun to mean that two or three guns are used on the same stage within a match. Shoot your rifle or/and shotgun dry and finish the stage with the sidearm. Or use your sidearm to "fight your way" to a shoulder weapon. Match rules and procedures require safe staging of the different guns, a rack or box is provided to pick up a loaded rifle or shotgun (unless you start the stage with it in hand) and another to put it down empty.

Naturally, if you attend a match in your area, you are somewhat jumping into the deep end of the pool. You might consider starting out with the basic USPSA/IPSC (or IDPA) pistol only events until you get a handle on the rules and procedures.

Shooters are helpful and you will get a lot of pointers. Maybe somebody would give you a back issue of the USPSA publication 'Front Sight" where you will see advertisments for training.


If you get into IDPA circles there is an unofficial equivalent, Defensive Multi-Gun, DMG.

A search on multi gun video will bring up a lot of scenes of shooting of varying quality.
Zak Smith has some good scenes. Look at his stills of the Ft Benning shoots and his helmet cam video of a looong field course there.
http://www.demigodllc.com/
http://demigodllc.com/photo/FB3G-2008/
http://www.demigodllc.com/video_serve.php?id=fb3g2008

 

[briansmithwins]

Locally there are a couple of '3 gunish' matches. The local 'Practical Rifle' match has targets from contact to 300 yards or so, with shooting and moving. There is also a 'Tactical' match where pistols, rifles, and shotguns are used, often pistol/rifle or pistol/shotgun within each stage. Due to range limitation the Tactical match has to be shot with pistol caliber carbines, not full power rifles.

If you have a good zero on your weapon and have reasonably proficient weapon handling skills, go out and shoot! Every match I've been to had a strong emphasis on safety, which is exactly how it should be. You'll be able to watch other shooters and see what works as well as what doesn't.

If you're ever in the PDX area come out to some of our local matches. Lots of fun and if you aren't careful you may learn something. BSW

 

[LoneRider]

Well first I've got to obtain and build my AR-15 first. The link to the thread about my AR (I've decided on simply buying a Sabre Defense SPR out of the box and putting a Nikon 1x6/42" telescopic sight onto the weapon). I'm gonna work on getting a good zero first and then I'll start looking into further training beyond simply plinking at targets on the range.

 

[Justin]

If you're more interested in defensive trainig that competition, seek out some of the guys who teach defensive classes. Guys like Pat Rogers, Louis Awerbuck, or Larry Vickers. The cost of the classes will generally run a few hundred dollars, but can be well worth it.

If this is your first rifle I would strongly suggest seeking out others who can teach you proper technique. "if you want to learn how to shoot better, shoot with people who are better than you" was the single best piece of shooting advice I ever received. It doesn't matter if it's a training class or shooting local matches and asking questions. Either ofthose will help you to advance your skill level.

 

[LoneRider]

It'll be the first rifle I've purchased and/or kitted out on my own, but it isn't the first rifle I've owned. And as previously stated I've used AR variants in service (and at my parents' house where they have an AR). That being said, I can always be better.

I will look up the individuals you mentioned once I get stateside though and I also figure some competition might help my weapons handling in addition to military training.