Sweet! Let us know how the match went.
Match stories are always welcome, especially funny ones.
3 Gun Tips and Tricks
- Thread starter bluesclues
- Start date
Sweet! Let us know how the match went.
Match stories are always welcome, especially funny ones.
Another one:
I learned this listening to the crew at Slam Fire Radio.
Speed of Movement....
Practice your drills in a "fast, slow, fast" method.
This example primarily focuses on pistol but can be applied to all 3 firearms.
Fast: pistol draw, proper grip and shooting stance/position (also applies to shooting on the move).
Slow(er): get a good sight picture, remembering to get a sight picture for every shot (even double taps)
Fast: movement to and from shooting positions
Fast: magazine changes
Yeah, I know that if you are hosing paper at 1-3 yards, that point shooting is generally accurate enough but, you don't want to get into the habit of "point shooting" when the targets get out to 10 yards and beyond.
I learned this listening to the crew at Slam Fire Radio.
Speed of Movement....
Practice your drills in a "fast, slow, fast" method.
This example primarily focuses on pistol but can be applied to all 3 firearms.
Fast: pistol draw, proper grip and shooting stance/position (also applies to shooting on the move).
Slow(er): get a good sight picture, remembering to get a sight picture for every shot (even double taps)
Fast: movement to and from shooting positions
Fast: magazine changes
Yeah, I know that if you are hosing paper at 1-3 yards, that point shooting is generally accurate enough but, you don't want to get into the habit of "point shooting" when the targets get out to 10 yards and beyond.
grimreefer
Regular
- Location
- Vancouver Island
It seems like the shotgun setup is the limiting factor with entry into 3 gun. As if you didn't have a semi-auto with a long tube and specialized competion shell carriers you wouldn't stand a chance.
What's the minimum number of rounds for each gun in order to be reasonable competitive? How about a shotgun with open cylinder bore choke? Useless??
What's the minimum number of rounds for each gun in order to be reasonable competitive? How about a shotgun with open cylinder bore choke? Useless??
Pump's can be great. If they have really long extended mag tubes, they are even better. There is no limit, but the 590's or 870's with 8 or more 2.75 shells are best; more in the tube than a semi. But the shell caddies are necessary, and so is the practice time of loading them. I use an improved cylinder choke, but carry a full compliment in my bag. They are not necessary but are real nice. WRAS used to recommend #4 shot (hi-brass field load, lead) for their steel because it didn't fall so nice with the 7's or 8's. If your match will let you, I'd recommend #4 shot with or without a choke.
@ bluesclues, I practice two ways: I will do runs with a timer, and when on a timer, time is the only thing that counts. I do try not to miss, but if I do, I am not hard on myself for it. Then I do runs without a timer. On those runs, accuracy is the only measure. If I miss, bad. If I am slow, who cares.
grimreefer
Regular
- Location
- Vancouver Island
Horse96, how about a Winchester SXP pump (6+1 open choke)? Good enough to start with? I don't mind practicing with shell carriers and competition loading but it kinda sucks that it's so far from realistic combat shotgun use.
I wouldn't really say it is the limiting factor for entry. Pretty much any shotgun other than break actions can be used to get you started in 3gun. (And I've actually seen someone use a over-under for his first match). It's like someone above said, the most important thing is to get out and try it. The 18" tactical pump or 28" goose hunting shotgun will get you through matches. During which time you'll be having fun and learning a lot.
When it comes to shotguns, loading technique and gear is probably just as important as the gun, and everyone starts off from ground zero on that front. Gotta show up, try it a few times, then start upping your loading game based on what you learn.
Absolutely, use your Win SXP and go shoot a few matches. The 6+1 will be fine. 7 rounds is not an issue. Practice stuffing that scatter gun with shells and you will be fine. Open choke? Meaning no choke? If it takes chokes, they will be beneficial in some matches with farther out targets or stubborn steel.
grimreefer
Regular
- Location
- Vancouver Island
Yessir, no choke, cylinder bore, no threads for chokes. If I do this, it's only going to be on Vancouver Island. Here in Vic, I believe the max range for these kind of competitions is <25y.
What's the minimum for round count for each gun to compete?
What's the minimum for round count for each gun to compete?
Chargerguy
CGN frequent flyer
Very interested in trying out 3 gun myself. Looking forward to hearing how it went.
Round count will vary match to match. Some range licences also affect round count. One range I shoot at can't shoot rifles on the 25m or 50m ranges so rifle are only used in 3 of the 5 stages they run.
If you are interested get out and do it. Contact your local club, check club websites and Facebook for info. Some clubs have leagues that have practice nights, a great starting point. Use whatever you have available. Pockets or carpenter pouches can be mag pouches. Once you've shot a few matches you can upgrade guns and gear if you desire.
Try to find out the rules before the match. Different clubs can have different rules and some have additional divisions such as rimfire. Some clubs have websites and some 3 gun groups have their own Facebook page.
At your first match tell the ROs that it's your first match they will assist you to help ensure you get through it safely. Go slow, speed comes with practice.
Try to find out the rules before the match. Different clubs can have different rules and some have additional divisions such as rimfire. Some clubs have websites and some 3 gun groups have their own Facebook page.
At your first match tell the ROs that it's your first match they will assist you to help ensure you get through it safely. Go slow, speed comes with practice.
After a stage never put a used magazine back into a mag pouch. Don't guess how many rounds are remaining in the magazine. Empty it, refill it, put it in the mag pouch. Did a stage once where a 10 round mag turned out to be a 6 round magazine. Never again!
Number your magazines so a problem magazine can be easily identified.
Zero your rifle at whatever distance you choose but know where it hits at short ranges (25m, 50m). Know how your optics height over bore affects your point of impact in case you have to shoot urban prone/modified prone or through barricades with narrow sideways ports.
Sight your shotgun in with slugs. Some matches use them.
If you are using 7.5 or 8 shot normally carry a couple of heavier rounds in case there is a difficult target. I use an open choke shotgun so I generally have some 6 and 4 shot in the bag. Make sure your shot size is within the club rules as some clubs have specific limitations.
Number your magazines so a problem magazine can be easily identified.
Zero your rifle at whatever distance you choose but know where it hits at short ranges (25m, 50m). Know how your optics height over bore affects your point of impact in case you have to shoot urban prone/modified prone or through barricades with narrow sideways ports.
Sight your shotgun in with slugs. Some matches use them.
If you are using 7.5 or 8 shot normally carry a couple of heavier rounds in case there is a difficult target. I use an open choke shotgun so I generally have some 6 and 4 shot in the bag. Make sure your shot size is within the club rules as some clubs have specific limitations.
I was reading rules lately. I am wondering how the classes work exactly. For example, if a guy showed up with a pump 870, glock and an AR (all with no optics) and the same guy showed up with the same gear, but with a rds on his AR, would that be considered the same gear, hence same class?
Who IS the leading organization, or is it provincially different?
Thanks for the thread OP. Been gearing up for a while now, bit by bit.
Who IS the leading organization, or is it provincially different?
Thanks for the thread OP. Been gearing up for a while now, bit by bit.
DealersAdvocate
Regular
- Location
- Kawartha Lakes, Ontario
What are folks recommending for basic shot shell caddy setups?
Runningfool
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- SW Ontario
There is no leading organization in Canada; just lots of different clubs doing mostly the same things with minor variations. The 3 main divisions are tac ops, tac irons, and open. Some matches have a heavy metal class as well. The short version is tac irons means you've only got iron sights on your rifle, tac ops means you've got some sort of optic on your rifle (rds, scope, etc.). If you have an optic on your handgun and/or shotgun, a bipod on your rifle, two optics on your rifle (think scope plus offset rds), or use a speed loader/mag fed shotgun then you are in open. At least that is roughly how the classes go at my club.
I wouldn't say twin or quad loading is far from realistic combat use. There are competition innovations that transfer over to realistic use. Quick reloading is one of them. I have a caddy, can't remember the name right now, that is more rugged than a typical twin or quad setup. It also allows for weak hand loading, twins and quads.
The gunner solutions caddy is one that may be more 'realistic'. But really, it takes one soldier/tactical guy to realize the benefits of twin or quad loading, then someone snaps a picture and now twins or quads setups are tactical
https://youtu.be/l-jk_n8LviU
For those who are considering 3 gun, my recommendation is go out and try it.
As mentioned already, most clubs will have some form of electronic way of communicating info regarding the events (Facebook, website, email address).
Have a read of the rules so that both the sequence of events and what is required for individuals is not a surprise when you show up at the range.
As far a guns and gear goes, "run what'cha brung" is a common mantra.
It is better to go with what you already own, then wait until you have what you think you need.
Guns will run the gambit from Norinco (nothing wrong with that at all) to KAC (nothing wrong with that either). Just make sure that your guns are functional and safe.
Gear also runs the gambit, from loading mags/shells from your pockets to the latest and greatest high end stuff.
In the end, you will learn a ton about the sport by going, seeing what works, what doesn't and talking to others (and possibly trying out) about their equipment.
Also, at your first event/match, make sure to advise the RSO that you are new to the sport. He/she can help make it a fun and safe experience.
It is not a cheap sport (especially if you buy everything up front) to get into. So don't rush your purchases.
Go and have fun, be safe and check it out.
Another TIP: the mental game, remember that the sport is meant to be fun. Have fun with it. Make friends. Stay safe and never, ever hesitate to ask questions if there is anything at all you do not understand.
As mentioned already, most clubs will have some form of electronic way of communicating info regarding the events (Facebook, website, email address).
Have a read of the rules so that both the sequence of events and what is required for individuals is not a surprise when you show up at the range.
As far a guns and gear goes, "run what'cha brung" is a common mantra.
It is better to go with what you already own, then wait until you have what you think you need.
Guns will run the gambit from Norinco (nothing wrong with that at all) to KAC (nothing wrong with that either). Just make sure that your guns are functional and safe.
Gear also runs the gambit, from loading mags/shells from your pockets to the latest and greatest high end stuff.
In the end, you will learn a ton about the sport by going, seeing what works, what doesn't and talking to others (and possibly trying out) about their equipment.
Also, at your first event/match, make sure to advise the RSO that you are new to the sport. He/she can help make it a fun and safe experience.
It is not a cheap sport (especially if you buy everything up front) to get into. So don't rush your purchases.
Go and have fun, be safe and check it out.
Another TIP: the mental game, remember that the sport is meant to be fun. Have fun with it. Make friends. Stay safe and never, ever hesitate to ask questions if there is anything at all you do not understand.
Another TIP: Bring spares!
Spare batteries for your optic (if required)
Spare magazines
Spare (extra) ammo
Spare socks... yep, sometimes it rains
Also, try to get to the range early if possible the day of the match.
This will afford you time to relax and drink your timmies as you go and check out the stages, locate the washrooms, locate the sign in area, etc.
Being rushed sucks, so if you give yourself some buffer time, you will be a whole lot more prepared then if you are frantically trying find your way around.
Spare batteries for your optic (if required)
Spare magazines
Spare (extra) ammo
Spare socks... yep, sometimes it rains
Also, try to get to the range early if possible the day of the match.
This will afford you time to relax and drink your timmies as you go and check out the stages, locate the washrooms, locate the sign in area, etc.
Being rushed sucks, so if you give yourself some buffer time, you will be a whole lot more prepared then if you are frantically trying find your way around.
