3 Gun.. Newbie

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LBatata

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Hey CGN Community!

I'm looking to run my first 3 Gun match and I need some guidance here... Newbie over here. I've done Handgun matches before but never 3.

What equip I'm planning to run:

Handgun - CZ TS2 OR P10F

I read in the match rules you cannot run a race holster - in my case I have the DAA Racemaster for the TS2. Is this mean a no go with this holster?

Rifle - APC 223 with scope


Any recommendations on what mag pouches to run? Also, how many are needed?

Shotgun - 1301 Competition Pro


Same thing over here - Any recommendations on what mag pouches to run? Also, how many are needed?


Lastly, is there anything I should keep in mind given it's the first one?
 
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Regarding your holster, only the match director can answer that question - there are no "standard" 3gun rules regarding holsters so it comes down to each match and their director to decide.

Regarding rifle mag and shotgun shell retention, it boils down to personal preference. Buying good gear can be costly, better to talk to others and see what works and what doesn't before committing imo.

And lastly, what to keep in mind for your first match? Don't worry about speed, instead focus on having fun and learning as much as you can. And as the late Pete Degan taught me when I was starting out, lead by example, be the first to jump up to help reset the stage, and don't take yourself too seriously.

Enjoy your first match!
 
LBatata said:
Hey CGN Community!

I'm looking to run my first 3 Gun match and I need some guidance here... Newbie over here. I've done Handgun matches before but never 3.

What equip I'm planning to run:

Handgun - CZ TS2 OR P10F

I read in the match rules you cannot run a race holster - in my case I have the DAA Racemaster for the TS2. Is this mean a no go with this holster?

Rifle - APC 223 with scope


Any recommendations on what mag pouches to run? Also, how many are needed?

Shotgun - 1301 Competition Pro


Same thing over here - Any recommendations on what mag pouches to run? Also, how many are needed?


Lastly, is there anything I should keep in mind given it's the first one?
Click to expand...

That is definitely a race holster, it´s literally in the name, I would get a different one

Mag pouches. It really depends on what sort of shooting zyou want to do, if you want to do IPSC style shooting where there is very little practical/robust/realistic (choose which ever word works best for you) shooting then race pouches work but if there is any physical element or other such thing then you should move towards pouches with better retention.
 
A lot depends on stage design and the local rules.

For holster, I prefer Safariland GLS - it has level 2 retention, so the pistol won’t go flying as you run around and do other stuff (don’t ask how I know…) GLS Wide should accommodate both the TS2 and the P10F (eBay or Amazon, bonus points for the long slide version). Pistol pouches are Ghost 360.

Bladetech double pouch for STANAG mags.

Invictus Practical Quad series caddies for 12GA, mounted on Safariland ELS quick detach forks. “Ammo on table” stage start = click, click, go.

Also Fiocchi dummy 12GA rounds to practice quads at home.
 
Guelph and Niagara put on great matches. You already have good kit so that's an advantage. Source 10 round AR magazines, Cross are good if they'll run in your gun (they didn't in my Bren), I like 3-4 pistol single pouches or 2 doubles, double AR belt pouch and shotgun rounds from a chest rig (easier to take off during stages that don't require shotgun), buy dummy rounds to practice loading shotgun, red dots on pistol give an advantage. Battle belts are easier on the hips vs competition belts but either work fine. Think of what class you want to shoot in. I went from Standard to Open because I like having all the kit options. Results wise standard usually wins matches so it's really down to the shooter and not kit.
 
Race holsters- depends on the rules for the particular club/match you're shooting. At our matches (CDTSA) you can run whatever you want, as long as the trigger guard is completely covered. The only thing you need to worry about after that is retention; if your gun comes out of the holster and you're not in control of it, you get match DQed and sent home. You'll likely be doing a lot of moving around (Running, potentially jumping, laying down prone, etc), so you need to make sure the pistol stays in the holster.

Rifle mag pouches (Just mag pouches in general- rifle and pistol)- I like HSGI Tacos. It's tough to get the right amount of retention with hard plastic pouches; I've seen mags fall out because they're too loose, and I've seen guys have a hard time getting their mags out because they're too tight. I like the rifle/pistol stacked ones; rifle mag in the back, pistol mag in the front. That way you have both mags close to the front of your belt. How many you need really depends on the match designers, and the round count. If you're running 10rd mags for rifle and pistol, I'd plan on having 4 of each on me (1 each in the gun, 3 each on the belt). Adjust based on stage specifics (Less if the stage is round count limited or you know you won't need them to save weight, or more if you get a real ambitious stage designer).

Shotgun shells- learn to at least double load, and get some shell caddies. I use Invictus, but there are nice ones in a few different styles. Some use magnets, etc. Keep in mind that shotshells like to yard sale themselves if you have to go prone though; the Invictus caddies are a bit better at holding on to them. I have 2x 8 round caddies on my belt (16 rounds total), and a chest rig with 3x more of them for when we do mondo shotgun stages.

Also, get a dump pouch and put it at the back of your belt. Once in a while you'll come across a stage where you'll have to retain your mags, ooor you can use it to store some extra shotshells just in case. Also makes it easier at the end of a stage when you're unloading your guns and showing the RO clear, you have a spot to put your mags/loose rounds instead of just awkwardly trying to hold them and your rifle/shotgun at the same time.

Those guns are all primo for 3-gun though; they'll take you as far as you want to go. Just gotta get good at using them; knowing how to run your gear is half the battle. Shotguns especially, matches are won and lost with shotgun loading and manipulation sometimes.
 
Sounds like solid choices for firearms all around.

For pistol, either seems like a solid option although I personally prefer a striker fired, no need to apply a safety when grounding because there isn't one. As for holsters, something better than a race holster is preferred, as you may be doing a considerable amount of running around before drawing your pistol. I'll plug Grey Fox Strategic here. Dumping it and being DQ'd in your first match would suck. Also, three or more mags for pistol.

For rifle, I hope the APC's optic is an LPVO, a lot of the shooting may be done in close, like, within 25 meters. Either way, a piggy back or offset red dot might be a good option. And for rifle, depending if you are running five rounders or ten rounders, but say at least twenty rounds bare minimum, but ideally thirty rounds depending on the stage and shooting capability. As for mag pouches, I like ESSTAC or ESSTAC style. That is to say open top with a Kydex insert for retention. I personally use Gear Dynamics, another Canadian company.

Good choice for shotgun, same as what I recently started using. I use a velcro shell caddy (S&J Hardware, another Canadian company, haha) on the side, with a Head-On Tactical pouch on my belt that holds up to twenty-six shells. That being said, on average you will need less than twelve shells per stage in my experience. Also, if you don't already have one, get a Match Saver and learn to ghost load, and practice your reloads.

As you can maybe tell, my gear is centred more on being durable than giving me a competitive advantage, but I still manage to do alright.
 
I go to have fun.
I use 9mm, AR15 style rifle, and pump shotgun.
I just about all the time throw the shotgun shells in my pockets lol. I have 5 mags for handgun. Find some cross mags or the steel 10 rounders.

Most COF have a handful of shotgun targets so I don't practice loading the shotgun at all.
I use the retention Kydex holster, as mentioned you don't want to be "that guy" and drop your FA while doing other chores.
Simple friction style mag holders.

Our local club has mostly switched out the rifle to PCC's. Will this be the future in Canada? Only the voters know.

If you're early help set up, if you're late stick around and help clean up.

Go, have fun, ask for help if you need it, enjoy the day!!!!
 
Bratwurst said:
That is definitely a race holster, it´s literally in the name, I would get a different one

Mag pouches. It really depends on what sort of shooting zyou want to do, if you want to do IPSC style shooting where there is very little practical/robust/realistic (choose which ever word works best for you) shooting then race pouches work but if there is any physical element or other such thing then you should move towards pouches with better retention.
Click to expand...

Awesome - any pouches to recommend for AR?
 
Babs0404 said:
I go to have fun.
I use 9mm, AR15 style rifle, and pump shotgun.
I just about all the time throw the shotgun shells in my pockets lol. I have 5 mags for handgun. Find some cross mags or the steel 10 rounders.

Most COF have a handful of shotgun targets so I don't practice loading the shotgun at all.
I use the retention Kydex holster, as mentioned you don't want to be "that guy" and drop your FA while doing other chores.
Simple friction style mag holders.

Our local club has mostly switched out the rifle to PCC's. Will this be the future in Canada? Only the voters know.

If you're early help set up, if you're late stick around and help clean up.

Go, have fun, ask for help if you need it, enjoy the day!!!!
Click to expand...

Recommendations on AR pouches? Also, I was looking at Magload and King Caddies for Shell holders. Any recos or number of shells to hold?

Thanks!!
 
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