3 Gun Tips and Tricks

One thing I noticed this season (myself - especially at Prairie Fire) is what I call "the gamble". It is the intentional shooting to bolt lock in order to dump the gun empty. This applied to all 3 guns but more so to the shotgun. I would count the number of shotgun targets then plan exactly that number of rounds. When it works it is super fast but, it requires every shot to be perfect. I found that a couple times I needed the match saver due to missing one shot out of 8. I discovered that just slowing down by 1 second ensured all hits and negating the 2-3 seconds of having to go the match saver or having to load 2 extra shells. The gamble usually pays off but, I have spent a little more time practicing getting the match saver into action as the occasional miss does happen when you are running on the edge of speed and accuracy.
 
I meant this as advise for us mortals...clearly none of my posts are relevant to yourself...Kindly disregard.

We can all make mistakes but the act of cleaning the firearm has nothing to do with those mistakes.

You answered your own question

As for the rest of it, take a deep breath and relax. No one cares.

I didn't ask a question, I responded to poor advice not rooted in fact.

If gear was the only factor in these matches, there would be nothing to worry about. In reality however, that's not the case.

Have you ever been to a 3 gun match? Or any match?

Shot lots, won lots, how about you?

Alright! Some things I have learned this 3gun season.

- pack a flashlight or headband light in case they send you into a no light kill house. They will supply you with a crappy light but you can do better than that foot long 3 pound antique that has the illuminating power of exactly one candle.
Make sure to turn on a headband style lamp BEFORE you start the stage.

- DO NOT load Beowulf or Lar mags to maximum capacity. Down load by atleast one round to ensure they can be seated on a closed bolt. What also happens is there is so much pressure in a filled up mag that the bolt may not have enough force to load the next round.

- holster retention. Magazines as well. Stage Designers will put you in all kinds of screwy positions. Dropping a pistol gets you DQ'd. Lost mags can cost you a stage.

- know the point value of your targets. I have watched shooters spend 15, 20 seconds trying to drop a 100 yard plate that is only worth 5 points. Engage a few times, try your best but know when to cut your losses and move on.

- know how to operate all 3 guns with the opposite hand. Don't have to be proficient but at least be familiar.

- I used to laugh at those who hauled their gear around in a cart / modified baby stroller. But the more matches I go to, the more I realize their wisdom. There's lots of stuff and it gets heavy.

- the gun I have seen malfunction the most is the shotgun. Semis, pumps, top of the line or budget brand. All I know is pump actions like the rough treatment when they act up and 1oz loads will not reliably cycle a semi all day at a match.

All wise points above.
 
We can all make mistakes but the act of cleaning the firearm has nothing to do with those mistakes.
I didn't ask a question, I responded to poor advice not rooted in fact.

Lol.

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We can all make mistakes but the act of cleaning the firearm has nothing to do with those mistakes..

Unless of course those mistakes occur at some point during the stripping/cleaning/re-assembly process...I am giving you the benefit of the doubt in assuming you are being obtuse on purpose...my condolences if I am wrong in that assumption.
 
Unless of course those mistakes occur at some point during the stripping/cleaning/re-assembly process...I am giving you the benefit of the doubt in assuming you are being obtuse on purpose...my condolences if I am wrong in that assumption.

Trolling or purposely obtuse, doesn't matter. I think most people get what you and Pauls and Scotty454 are saying and agree.
 
Unless of course those mistakes occur at some point during the stripping/cleaning/re-assembly process...I am giving you the benefit of the doubt in assuming you are being obtuse on purpose...my condolences if I am wrong in that assumption.

Not at all. What I'm saying is that cleaning the gun isn't an issue, but the disassembly and reassembly could cause issues. The advice to not clean your guns is incorrect, avoiding disassembling or otherwise messing with your gun(s) would reduce the risk of problems later.
 
Hot tips for competitors.

Load your magazines before the match.

Bring as many mags as possible, swapping mags takes less time than reloading them. Although it does increase the amount of kit you have to manage.

Before each stage do a run through of your rifle from front to back(or vise versa) checking lights, lasers, sights, sling, stock, etc.

Hydrate

Have a sling for every long gun, doesn't need to be attached but needs to be available

Spare guns are always a good option

Hydrate

Only put full magazines in magazine pouches, partial mags go in pockets, empty mags go on the ground.

If you don't have a dedicated set of magazines for starting the stage(one to chamber a round then replace with another full one) then start the stage by loading with the MOST DIFFICULT to access magazine. Never use your fastest reload as the starting mag.

Wear a dump pouch of some sort. Works well for spare ammo or shotgun ammo. Also useful for quickly recovering your magazines after the stage or for storing your starter mags before a stage.

Practice wearing your gear, all of it. Practice as many positions as possible while wearing all of your gear.

Hydrate

Good practices and some pet peeves:

When you finish a stage stop.... Take a breath then unload and show clear. There is no race to unload and show clear.

When you unload and show clear and are commanded to "hammer down/dry fire"(a dumb command but I digress) don't just pull the trigger with your pistol at waist height and/or your eyes looking at the RO. Take the time to press out with a proper grip(one handed or two) and align the sights on a target and practice the trigger squeeze. It's free practice and it instills good habits like not pulling the trigger unless your sights are on target and you've made the conscious decision to fire.

HELP RESET THE STAGES

Top up your pistol and your rifle whenever possible. That extra round might save you a timely reload.

Hydrate
 
Kidd X, some good advice thanks.... I am all of the sudden thirsty now

I don't think I'm alone when I say hydrating is extremely important. Muscle cramps, headache and generally feeling ill are not fun at a match. With all that's going on, the excitement and just plain not drinking enough water in our day to day lives leads to dehydration.
 
Yes, water and a few cliff bars are very important.
I am also a huge fan of the dump pouch. I use it like a modern day possibles bag. Pistol mag, couple of shot shells and a lar mag in there at all times and they have all saved me.

If you get the chance to help someone out of a jam, do it!
Karma keeps an eye on 3gunners too.
I keep replenishing cr2032 batteries in my kit but I have never used one. I keep giving them away. Same with spare ammo at the last stage of the day. In turn I have been looked after many times. Such as use of a spare BCG, use of a shotgun and sunglasses when I forgot my own.
Karma.
 
Yes, water and a few cliff bars are very important.
I am also a huge fan of the dump pouch. I use it like a modern day possibles bag. Pistol mag, couple of shot shells and a lar mag in there at all times and they have all saved me.

If you get the chance to help someone out of a jam, do it!
Karma keeps an eye on 3gunners too.
I keep replenishing cr2032 batteries in my kit but I have never used one. I keep giving them away. Same with spare ammo at the last stage of the day. In turn I have been looked after many times. Such as use of a spare BCG, use of a shotgun and sunglasses when I forgot my own.
Karma.

Absolutely!

Spare batteries

Tape

Paracord

Elastics

Couple of screwdrivers/allen keys that fit your gear.
 
Hot tips for competitors.

Load your magazines before the match.

Bring as many mags as possible, swapping mags takes less time than reloading them. Although it does increase the amount of kit you have to manage.

Before each stage do a run through of your rifle from front to back(or vise versa) checking lights, lasers, sights, sling, stock, etc.

Hydrate

Have a sling for every long gun, doesn't need to be attached but needs to be available

Spare guns are always a good option

Hydrate

Only put full magazines in magazine pouches, partial mags go in pockets, empty mags go on the ground.

If you don't have a dedicated set of magazines for starting the stage(one to chamber a round then replace with another full one) then start the stage by loading with the MOST DIFFICULT to access magazine. Never use your fastest reload as the starting mag.

Wear a dump pouch of some sort. Works well for spare ammo or shotgun ammo. Also useful for quickly recovering your magazines after the stage or for storing your starter mags before a stage.

Practice wearing your gear, all of it. Practice as many positions as possible while wearing all of your gear.

Hydrate

Good practices and some pet peeves:

When you finish a stage stop.... Take a breath then unload and show clear. There is no race to unload and show clear.

When you unload and show clear and are commanded to "hammer down/dry fire"(a dumb command but I digress) don't just pull the trigger with your pistol at waist height and/or your eyes looking at the RO. Take the time to press out with a proper grip(one handed or two) and align the sights on a target and practice the trigger squeeze. It's free practice and it instills good habits like not pulling the trigger unless your sights are on target and you've made the conscious decision to fire.

HELP RESET THE STAGES

Top up your pistol and your rifle whenever possible. That extra round might save you a timely reload.

Hydrate

All solid advise!

Also, if asked to RO a match, and told to not RO the whole thing... Listen! Haha your feet will thank you.

Now if we can just figure out a way to clean our guns without disassembling them... :)
 
What's the latest and greatest AR trigger for 3 gun? I like the looks of the adjustabilty on the Triggertech Adaptable. Currently running the ALG Combat Trigger.

I would also like opinions on this. I've heard that anything but Geissele is a waste of time and money, and I've heard things that contradict that. Lol.
 
I love my adjustable trigger-tech. Some complain that encased trigger groups make cleaning difficult and can lead to failure...so far I have not had any issues but I’m only at ~2500 rounds.
 
Very happy with my TriggerTech (non adjustable).
For humour I did a JP light spring kit and the set screw trick on another AR... I was surprised at how good it is for the cost and effort.
 
This is a great thread... I had to dig into the archives to find it (since the search function is useless...)
I've read through the first 11 pages and I'm looking forward to reading the rest.

I've just started collecting some things I need for 3 gun. Ordered a new gun yesterday.
Initially I was going to use my ultimate fave Jericho 941 .45 full metal. I shoot it the most, and am the most proficient with it. Tonnes of people have advised me to use a gun I'm familiar with when trying to learn a new skill (3 gun, IPSC ,etc.). Which, made a lot of sense to me. So, I was settled on my baby eagle.

Through learning of rules / regulations - and how using a DA/SA handgun, I had to start in Double Action. Which, gave me a bit of anxiety. This is when I started to learn about triggers... who knew there was something better than trying to pull through a half-#### stage that feels like it's a 20lb, choppy pull....
So after tonnes of hours and questions and visiting my LCS, I finally ordered a CZ Shadow 2 yesterday. I've already bought a holster and I'm getting so anxious to start 3 gunning.

My next concern is shotguns. More specifically, how to carry all the shells I may need. I have a small waist, so non-belt systems are preferable (I think?? I've never tried anything at all)
I found a thread regarding that, which I am looking into also. Just thought I'd share, and revive this!!
 
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