I've been out of the thread for a few weeks. I have my 3 guns I intend to use now. I do have a couple questions though.. Ive never attended a 3 gun comp yet but will start in the spring.
I would like to see some pics of what you guys are running for these comps and why.
Im going to use a glock 17, 870 and a Colt m4 16". The glock will remain stock for now. But I have a few options with the AR and the 870.
My questions are more in the details. Like with the ARs, what are you using on the forend? I have a few different parts. Also the 870s/shotguns, what stock set ups are proving most popular? standard furniture? Knoxx pistol grip style? magpul furniture?
My colt has a BAD lever, Raptor handle, and a crossfire II 1-4, and the grip. I have the handstop grip I could use instead? Im new to ARs, not shotguns and pistols. I have several options for optics, Red dots, irons, etc. Just trying to get a handle on where to be aiming.. I understand the "Run what you brung" but would like to get ahead of the curve since I have options available.
Thanks again for the info... keep it coming.
The setup that others are using has little to no bearing on performance. All the little add ons or adjustments are more for comfort than performance.
Pistol
-Run the sights you like and get to know them intimately.
-Your holser should be something solid and quality like kydex. Make sure your holster does not interfere with any other gear and that the holster doesn't slide around.
-A PURPOSE MADE gun belt is a MUST.
-Mag pouches should follow the same format as the holster, well made with good retention and not slide around or interfere with other gear.
Rifle
-A well balanced rifle is more important than a lightweight rifle.
-A free float hand guard is nice but not necessary.
-A quality reliable optic is an absolute must, same goes for the mount it rides in.
-The rifle must be absolutely reliable.
-Your magazines must be absolutely reliable.
-A QD sling is nice as not all matches or all stages require a sling
-A good compensator is likely the easiest and cheapest performance enhancement available... But it is not necessary
-Everything else(grips stocks, sights, triggers, etc) is just dressing and personal choice.
Shotgun
-It must be reliable.
-Spend your time on practicing loading the gun, this is where a match is won and lost from the shotgun perspective.
-Practice some slug work and know where your shotgun shoots.
-be very familiar with the operation of your shotgun.
-Aftermarket furniture is a personal choice(like the rifle bits above) however a rubber or rubberized fore end helps when hands are sweaty.
-Make sure your shotgun can mount a sling, QD helps.
Load bearing gear
-Personal choice as to whether you use a belt or a chest rig setup.
-Practice in your gear and make sure nothing interferes.
-Organize your mag pouches logically. For a right handed shooter placing your rifle mags on the centre to left side of the rig makes reloads easier.
-If the stage doesn't require pistol or rifle or shotgun, then don't carry that ammo or ammo supply system. Dump magazines you won't need for the stage.
-A folding or low profile dump pouch attached to your belt or rig can be a lifesaver if you need to carry more ammo. It also makes a great place to keep a water bottle and a place to collect your mags after a stage.
Shooter
-PRACTICE PRACTICE PRACTICE
-Think about each stage and find the choke points. It's best if you can watch others shoot first and see where they struggle.
-Don't load and make ready with the first mag(easiest reload) on your belt/chest rig.
-Always top up if permitted
-NEVER put empty or partial mags into mag pouches before a stage. Empty mags belong in a dump pouch or a pocket.
-Carry more ammo than you think you will need, you can't grab more after the buzzer.
-Drink plenty of fluids. I have a drink before the stage and always immediately after the stage. If there's a gap between stages or resetting I continue to drink fluids.
-Snack if permitted.
General tips
-HAVE A MED KIT OR TRAUMA KIT CLOSE BY. I suggest you bring your own and keep it handy, on your kit if possible.
-Baby wipes are handy as is a bottle of hand sanitizer
-Toilet paper, some ranges have less than stellar facilities and running out of TP is just as bad as running out of ammo.
-A change of clothes for after the match. Getting out of your sweaty dirty clothes is always nice and keeps the car clean. A lot of shooters will meet up after a match for a bite to eat or simply hang around and "tailgate" it.
-Sunscreen and bug spray
-Spare batteries for optics and spare parts if you have them.
-Pen and paper never hurts, you may want to network with other shooters.
-Bring LOTS of ammo and check your ammo for compatibility(steel core etc).
-If you have a spare gun(s) bring it.
-Bring all your magazines, replacing empty mags with full ones takes less time than reloading the empties.
-Bring the tools needed to mount/remove your optics or assemble/disassemble your guns. Bolts like to loosen up mysteriously.
-BE SAFE AND ASK QUESTIONS IF YOU ARE NOT CLEAR ON THE COURSE OF FIRE OR THE SAFETY RULES.
