Tips for my first 3-gun match?

[ny32182]

I'm hoping to participate in my first 3-gun match a week from today.

The problem is, I have no idea what to expect. What is the standard format for a match, and what sort of gear will I need? (not that I'll have it by this weekend in any event). Any other tips? Thanks.

 

[TarpleyG]

You need slings on both long guns. At least, the way we do it you will. We do a lot of transitioning from long gun to side arm and vice versa. If you have shot IDPA or IPSC, the format is usually the same. Just take your time and BE SAFE first and foremost. They don't need any cowboys out there.

Greg

 

[ny32182]

This will be my first shooting competition of any kind. I know ABSOLUTELY NOTHING about the format, or what to expect.

So I will transition between handgun and long gun(s) on the fly? Guess I should work out how I'm gonna do that before Sunday. Will I need to carry both long guns at the same time? I have a standard sling on my AR, and standard hip holster for my sidearm. I don't have an appropriate shotgun, so I will be borrowing one from somebody.

Also, unless there is a better option by this weekend, I'm going to be going with the "extra mags stuck in the belt line" approach. I should really be looking like a pro, all things considered.

 

[ny32182]

Also, at what range are the targets normally placed? I envisioned them up close, but like I said, I know nothing and that was just my initial assumption. Scope or irons on the rifle?

 

[Correia]

Here are my tips for getting started in 3gun:

www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?s=&threadid=57770&highlight=3gun

 

[ny32182]

Thanks, Correia. Helpful post in that other thread.

 

[lmccrock]

at what range are the targets normally placed

So I will transition between handgun and long gun(s) on the fly?

Scope or irons on the rifle?

My general suggestion is talk to the match people about these questions. You could be talking about targets from contact distance out to hundreds of yards, but it depends on the facility and how the match wants to run it.

Also, about slings. The worst safety violations I have seen were when people attached slings to long guns, then allowed the muzzle to swing any which way during the COF (after a transition to handgun). It takes a bit of training and practice to use them. So ask the match operators.

Other good questions are ... how many rounds? Birdshot allowed or required for the shotgun? I have been to matches ("tactical") where birdshot was not allowed; all shotgun stages were buckshot or slug. Most matches require or recommend birdshot only, with some stages or targets using slugs.

ttbadboy, have fun and give us a report.

Lee

 

[ny32182]

Good suggestions. I am going to talk to the match director on the phone this week sometime. Thanks.