Wanting to get into 3 gun

ehunter96

Member
Rating - 100%
10   0   0
Location
regina sk
I've been thinking about getting into the sport of 3 gun and I have been trying to put together a list of necessities. I already have my handgun and three mags but I'm wondering what other gear and such that I will require. I'm not looking to break the bank (just yet) so my question to you guys and gals is what would be a great set up for a beginner who would like to give the sport a try! Would love to hear your opinions!

Thanks a lot,

Evan :)
 
For TRYING it out, I suggest you attempt to get by with as limited amount of gear as possible. It's expensive, and gearing up to something you may not do is not wise.

If you can, ask some members if they will borrow you additional magazines, etc. You can easily get away with running shot shells in pockets, or better yet a simple drop pouch which somebody can borrow you. You won't be blistering fast, but it gets the job done.

Try before doing if you can. Generally people are very willing to share gear at matches. They will understand the requirement to get into the sport and very likely somebody borrowed them gear at one point.
 
Thanks a lot! Ya i watched a few videos and all of them say that 3 gun has a great community! do you have any recommendations on some beginner firearms? I wouldn't mind getting those before i know if i like it since i do know that i will still enjoy taking them to the range regardless.
 
You'll need a rifle and a shotgun. ARs are the standard, but you can run a SKS or a Mini 14 or Benelli MR 1 or any other centerfire light cartridge (you could in theory run a m1a, but why handicap yourself THAT much)?

Shotguns can be pump or semi.

Forget the vest. Run everything from a belt. It's faster and allows more movement. Shotgun shells are also easier to carry and access, and in 3 gun, your shotgun reloading speed will and often times does make all the difference. Your mag pouches should be open at the top.

Personally, I run a pencil barrel AR for faster transitioning from target to target and easier to run around on the COF with (I'm lazy that way). You're not sending hundreds and hundreds of rounds downrange at a time, so heat build up and corresponding opening up of groups is a non event.

I also use a 870 pump for the shotgun in Canada, because I can use a +4 extension to get me to the 3gun legal maximum of 9 shells in the tube and still remain good with the Law. In the US, I run a semi because I can load that to the legal max without getting to be a guest of her Majesty's Prison
 
I think youll be fine using your plate carrier for the time being.... Since u already own it, the belt stuff is worth considering when u decide you want to get serious into 3 gun. Id certainly recommend something in .223 for a rifle.... Cus finding ammo that is allowed for matches is much easier in this caliper , unlike say 7.62x39....

If u go Restricted, a cheap AR 15. Is an obvious choice.

If u go non Restricted, depending hugely on ur budget, guns like the T97, SU 16 and maybe a used MR1 are about as affordable as it will get. A much bigger budget = more options open up.
 
For a shotgun, I'd recommend something simple, but atleast 18+" long in the barrel. And practice reloading it ALOT. Knowing what I know now, unless u get real competive, a hunting shotgun will work just fine.
 
Use your plate carrier to start, if it does work for you you can upgrade later. Your gear will also depend on how competitive you want to be. I have seen guys use carpenter pouched as drop pouches for shotgun shells, their jean pockets for rifle mags, etc. A pump shotgun with a short tube is more than suitable but if you want to be serious competitor you will probably want a semi.

If you know which club you will be shooting at contact them and see what they allow. Some clubs have rim fire division. Also see if they have a league night. That can be a good chance to see a variety of gear and talk to people about their gear, guns, etc.

A bit of a drive and short notice but Prince Albert is having a 3 gun tomorrow.

Whatever you guns you decide to use be comfortable with their operation, loading, unloading, how the safety works etc. Test your gear out all at once and make sure it is compatible. If you put gear on your belt and don't test it with your plate carrier you may find they don't go together.
 
Just missed out on our local multigun match. I think we are having another one late September?

Here are some videos I found from the match.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-bDkyCUBbTA
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CA-S1o4f1rc
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tb05xzMj0NY
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FvI5ZYEaSTA

I know we had a squad of about 5 Regina guys. Not sure how to get ahold of them or if they do any other multigun in the Regina area.

Edit: this is my favourite vid.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dLwknLD_94I
 
Last edited:
Thanks for all the info I guess I'll just use my PC. As far as a rifle goes I'm thinking about picking up a type 97 so now I just gotta decide if I want to use my Hunting pump or invest in a different one. As far as holsters go I'd just need a mag hoster for my Jericho and something for the shells anyone have any good retailers for those shell holders? Preferably something that works with a molle system (if there is such thing) and if any of you are in the Regina area pm me as I would love to know when and where some of these competitions are happening!
 
T97 are BRUTAL for gun games! The ergos suck, the trigger is crap, and the mag well is a pain for rapid changes. You can get a budget AR for T97 money.

There's a reason why every top 3 gunner runs AR...
 
Here's an announcement of the next Saskatoon match:


The September 3Gun match will be held at the new outdoor ranges on September 25th.

There will be a mandatory safety briefing at 9:30AM, first shots at 10:00AM. There will be a dedicated RO on each stage to ensure that each competitor.

Round count will be approximately 200 mixed pistol/rifle/shotgun. Target distance will range from 2m to 300m. Details to follow when stage design is finalized.

As always, we can use help after the match with cleanup of brass, stage props, etc.

Registration is open on Practiscore at https://practiscore.com/srrc-3gun-september-25th/register

Squad under Sunday Competitors squads 1-4 only, squad 5 is reserved for the Range Officers who will pre-shoot Saturday.

Thanks, we'll see you there!!
 
I've been thinking about getting into the sport of 3 gun and I have been trying to put together a list of necessities. I already have my handgun and three mags but I'm wondering what other gear and such that I will require. I'm not looking to break the bank (just yet) so my question to you guys and gals is what would be a great set up for a beginner who would like to give the sport a try! Would love to hear your opinions!

Thanks a lot,

Evan :)

Most of us who does 3 gun on a regular basis started off with the basics of a pump, reliable 9mm and standard .223. After you get hit with the 3 gun bug, you will most likely want to upgrade every piece of equipment you have to keep up with everyone. It's an expensive hobby...

My first match gear looked something like this:

CZ Shadow
Remington 870 with extending mag tube
Core15 AR-15
Battle belt with 2 AR mag pouches + 3 pistol mag pouches + taccom shot shell caddies

This set up worked for the first few matches and then I upgraded everything... $$$

Good luck to you, it's a great hobby to get into!
 
Back
Top Bottom