3 gun rig - what are the basics?

The Baron

The Baron

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OK, so I'm going to have a try at some 3 gun competition I think. I did a search to read about gear and found some threads on rifle choices, but nothing about general gear. So, I'm looking for some input on what gear I should be considering. Here's what I'll run for a guns:

pistol - Glock 17 or 22 (have 5 mags for each)
shotgun - 870 with 18" cylinder/bead sight and +2 mag
carbine - 14.5" Norc with either irons or optic as needed (have 14 PMags and 6 LAR mags)

So, what do I "need" to participate (other than eye and ear protection, of course)? I have a Condor soft double case to lug the long guns in and a range bag for the pistols. I understand I'll need some kind of vest or chest rig to carry mags? Any suggestion on styles of rig and how many/type of mag pouches, etc? My only pistol holsters/mag holders are IDPA suitable - should I have something different? How many shotgun shells should I be able to lug around and what is a good way to do that?
 
If you have a dedicated IDPA pistol belt and pistol mag holders I would stick with those and add LAR-15/Pmag and shotgun shell holders - that is what I did and it works very well. I can easily carry all the ammo I need on a belt for the courses of fire that I have run around here...not sure about US matches though as I haven't done any of those.
 
If your gonna run with a red dot i'd consider a magnifier (someone i know is selling one, :D). Also, a duty belt with kydex mag pouches are good. Bladetech makes excellent holsters and pouches with tek locks for pistols and AR mags. For shotgun your gonna need Caddys, AP Custom ones are good. Shotgun also can usually start with 8 in the tube alone so you might want to sell the +2 and get a +3 or 4 extension. Get the barrel threaded for 870 chokes and use enhanced cylinder/modified/full. Pistol wise the trigger can be as light as you want so you may want to install a trigger kit in the Glock 17 (cheaper and same points to run 9mm). LAR mags benefit from having Magpul USGI plates on them or you can run them with LAR metal couplers. The AR you can ad a ton of accessories such as oversize charge handle, BAD ASS safety lever, Magpul BAD. Since I just started 3Gun this year i've had to do a ton of research and ask a million questions but it's been a fun experience (albeit very pricey!).
 
You really don't need anything too fancy. Your IDPA gear will do just fine for your pistol. You just need something to hold your AR mags( Think 4 if you are running 5 rounders and 2 if you are running 10 rounders ) and shot shells (california comp and a side saddle). I have chest rigs and drop legs... But have settled on putting everything I need on my belt or firearm just feels less bulky. With four 10 round lar mags coupled together I have 40 rounds. 20 on the firearm and 20 on my belt taking up only one slot. Plus holster and double mag pouch that gives me 72 rounds at the start of the buzzer. With my 590 it's 9 rounds in the shotgun plus 4 on the side and a California comp works on my belt for 6 more so 19 at the ready an even 50 with the pistol.

Irons are fine if you can shoot well with them. Don't forget the long range stages, 300 yards is a long reach for an AR unless you practice.
 
make sure you run a 7.5 pdw so you can deafen and concuss the competition into submission. /joke

have 6 pistol, and rifle mags, 5 to use, one for back up (dont know about other matches, but we often have 30 + shot COF, more if you miss)


there is no magic bullet set up though, find what works for you, don rush into purchases, use other peoples guns if they let you so you can find what works and what doesnt for YOU

and know what division you want to be in before you buy, yeah you can get magnifiers, barrel ports ect ect, or red dots for pistol/shotgun , but do you want to compete in open division where you basically HAVE to have all the upgrades on your guns, or do you want basic, or a mix of the two?

research the divisions your local 3gun puts on (dont listen to people on here, actually ask the people putting on the events you plan to attend, some match directors put different things in different divisions, just like the states)

that way you wont throw a magnifier on your ar, but run bare bones pistol/shotty, and get thrown into open division when you dont have all the stuff on your other guns.


so really think about what you want to shoot, and how much $ you want to spend, standard/production are a lot easier to break into then open, less $, and you can always upgrade stuff if you want to be in open.


a couple of things you need for ANY division, that EVERY competitor will use:

AR 10 mags,
shot shell caddies, either the 4x4 or the 4 shot shell carrier
belt, holster (know what kind your match director will allow), mag pouches
 
Runningfool said:
If you have a dedicated IDPA pistol belt and pistol mag holders I would stick with those and add LAR-15/Pmag and shotgun shell holders - that is what I did and it works very well. I can easily carry all the ammo I need on a belt for the courses of fire that I have run around here...not sure about US matches though as I haven't done any of those.
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yeah... guys who just add on to their IPSC stuff usually do just fine, and have a better holster them moi :)
 
Aside from the mag pouches and stuff, the most important thing I can tell a beginner is to have your guns zero'd before you show up.

Being slower to start with is totally expected, but it's painful to watch people show up for the first time and have no idea where their rifle (or pistol, or shotgun with slugs) is hitting.

If nothing else, spend a day at the range just getting stuff zero'd as best you can. Shoot out to as far as you can with rifle, or as far as your local matches will make you shoot, so you know what to expect.

You will get different answers about zero distance. I like 50 yds as opposed to 100 yds, as it puts your point blank range out a little farther, if you have to shoot at any distance.

Good luck and just show up to shoot. Learn as you go and don't buy a bunch of stuff off the bat, till you see what works and decide which way you want to go.
 
Whatever gear you equip yourself with it won't mean nuttin' if you don't know how to use it....
You'll look good in front of the mirror... Less so on match day as you fumble around trying to reload that shotgun on the clock...


Less emphasis on cool gear... More emphasis on Practice.
 
Is there a division in which I could shoot a ruger 10/22? I don't have the money to buy an AR but I'm seriously interested in ipsc and 3 gun or anything of the likes...
 
QuickDraw16 said:
Is there a division in which I could shoot a ruger 10/22? I don't have the money to buy an AR but I'm seriously interested in ipsc and 3 gun or anything of the likes...
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Typically no. Rifles generally have to be centrefire and make a certain Power Factor.
 
My two cents, find where on your body that your equipment can be placed and be used with min of movement. I see guys try to reload guns and they hold the gun in their right arm and their reloads are on the right side of their body. Very hard to do! This is the thinking the game through,
 
QuickDraw16 said:
Is there a division in which I could shoot a ruger 10/22? I don't have the money to buy an AR but I'm seriously interested in ipsc and 3 gun or anything of the likes...
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Check with the local clubs...

.22 shoots are usually more popular in the winter, when no one want to pick up brass.
 
Alright thanks! I do have an SKS that's tapcoed but I would prefer to run my 10/22, I still need to get my restricted and a pistol so im a ways off hahaha
 
TDC said:
Lethbridge always does, and the Medicine Hat club I know has in the past. I don't usually pay attention as I don't compete in rimfire.

How else are kids or those on tight budgets supposed to get into it?

TDC
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Can you point to a little more information... Rules, equiptment requirements, courses of fire typically presented...etc
Are they actually 3 gun matches?

This topic has come up several times before and many have expressed interest in action shooting with 22lr, this may get started in this part of the country too.
 
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