3 Gun

Nickoslav

Member
Rating - 100%
1   0   0
Location
Ontario
So im a new shooter and i would like to get into 3 gun competition. I was wondering if any one that competes and practices this could give me some advice for gear (vests, belts, pouches and holsters) Also does calibre matter (9mm, .40 s&w, Ar-15 or Ar-10) (asides from the cost of ammunition). Any information is appreciated.

Thanks
 
Where you are located and what group or org you end up shooting with will make it easier to address your questions.

"3 gun" is not a monolithic, one rule set organization across Canada.
 
No matter what gear you start with, after a few matches you are almost guaranteed to swap something out for another option that may work better. I run a HSGI Suregrip battle belt, and it works great, but I'm considering a chest rig as well. I'm on version 3 of my shot shell holders, and I just changed pistols too.

On the other extreme, I've seen guys running with pockets loaded with mags and shells. Can't say I recommend that method though!

Whatever you choose, welcome to the addiction.
 
i was looking at a sig in 9mm, and an AR by pws or KA....however im really bent on an AR-10 (i know thats not pocket saavy on ammo though)
 
i was looking at a sig in 9mm, and an AR by pws or KA....however im really bent on an AR-10 (i know thats not pocket saavy on ammo though)

While sigs are nice pistols, if you're looking for a basic 9, you should start with a CZ Shadow and only look at other guns if you don't like it. It's a big hunk of nutcrackin' steel, which means that there is less recoil and faster followup shots. As for an AR, I'd be curious to hear people's input here because a buddy of mine wants to get into the game and doesn't feel like building a frankengun lol
 
i was looking at a sig in 9mm, and an AR by pws or KA....however im really bent on an AR-10 (i know thats not pocket saavy on ammo though)

If you're hell bent on an AR-10, then get a 45acp 1911 (prefer STI Trojan) and a Benelli Supernova. IMO, solid Heavy Metal setup. If you're gonna shoot 308, might as well shoot a 45 along with it. Don't half ass it :)
 
As has been mentioned, it really depends a lot on which club(s) you want to shoot at.

Here is a good link that has a group of us posting our kit. Take a look through that and you will see some variance. There is some of the more IPSC/3-Gun Nation style speed belt type equipment, and then there is the tactical league vest and battle belt style stuff. Then there asre some guys who cant make up there minds and are half way in between (me).

http://www.canadiangunnutz.com/foru...s-see-your-complete-3-Gun-Set-Up-(Pics-Please!)

Go check out one of your local matches and talk to some of the competitors, see what the commonalities are. The forums are a hard place to start sometimes.

Pistols:
M&P 9mm
Glock 9mm
1911
CZ Shadow

Shotguns:
Any Remington 870
Mossberg 500
Mossberg 940 JM
Remingont VersaMax Tactical or Competition
Benelli 3G

AR-15:
So many to choose from it really comes to features.
14.5-16 Barrel
Slick handguard like a Samson Rail, 12-15 inches
Good Trigger like Gisselle or Timney
Midlength Gas System
Compensator (NOT FLASH HIDER)
Red dot or 1-4 optic. Something clean and a true 1x power when it is dialed down. NO FIXED POWER OPTICS.

9mm
223
12 guage

Hope this helps.
 
...Go check out one of your local matches and talk to some of the competitors, see what the commonalities are...

That is good advice...you can save yourself a lot of time and money if you have the opportunity to learn from others about what gear works for them and what doesn't. You'll still be confused and you'll still buy stuff that a year from now you'll sell on the EE and wonder what you were thinking, but you will learn more from talking to some competitors at a match than you will in 100 of these threads.

I don't know of any matches in SW Ontario this month but if you want to come out and watch and learn from a bunch of friendly 3 gun shooters at the Galt Sportsmens Club, we have a practice coming up in a couple of weeks and if you send me a PM I will give you the details.
 
Hi and welcome to 3 gun, don't blame us when you realize its an addiction.
To give you the best answer to your questions its going to be good if you answer a few questions first.

1. Do you have a holster certification from one of the shooting alphabet soups? (IPSC, IPDA, PPC, CDP, etc). In Ontario you'll need one for most clubs to let you compete.

2. What is your budget?

3. Do you plan on buying the most usable gear right away or do you want to get into it cheap and upgrade as you go along? (this kind of relates to questions 2 as the best gear for the game is going to cost you a pretty penny)

4. Do you plan on just shooting in Canada or do you want to travel to the US for 3 gun?
 
Ok to answer your questions Sly Mantis.

1.) Not holster certified yet. Does each discipline have a different certification or is it all just holster certification in general

2.) Budget isnt vast but im not cheap either.

3.)i would like to buy the most useable gear right away.

4.) And yes although this may be far into the future i would like to compete in both canada and the U.S.

Cheers
 
Ok to answer your questions Sly Mantis.

1.) Not holster certified yet. Does each discipline have a different certification or is it all just holster certification in general

2.) Budget isnt vast but im not cheap either.

3.)i would like to buy the most useable gear right away.

4.) And yes although this may be far into the future i would like to compete in both canada and the U.S.

Cheers

Typically, the guys who compete in the US are pretty serious about it. If you're only interested in 3 gun, then I would offer the following.

1) Forget the 1911 (except see #4 below), you'll need a double stack gun for the US, if you're on a budget, start with a polymer gun and work your way upto a 2011.
2) Rifle has to have at least a 16" barrel, most common being an 18" with rifle length gas
3) By far the most popular shotgun for 3 gun is the Benelli M2. It is a fantastic gun. I wouldn't even bother with the 590 or 930 or versamax if I had to do it all over again. You'll need an extension tube for the US.
4) If you're gonna shoot in the US, you'll have to think carefully about the division you want to shoot. If you're really into the 1911, you could go heavy metal, but you'll need a pump shotgun.

As far as gear goes...bladetech is very common. I recommend a retention holster but opinions on this very, they aren't common at the high levels since friction is usually enough to keep the gun in place. The Safariland belts are great too, totally modular.

In Canada, don't forgot the PCV 50 cal mags if you're gonna get an ar15....they are pretty much required now.

There's lots of other stuff, but you'll get it. I wouldn't start with the cheap stuff if you're gonna be serious about this...US shooting is pretty awesome, not too many people stop once they've started.
 
In Canada, don't forgot the PCV 50 cal mags if you're gonna get an ar15....they are pretty much required now.
Pretty much everything you said, I agree with, but I have to disagree with this.
I have seen more stages blown by these mags than advantages given.
Only advantage is to my final score!!

Other than that, there is an almost 100% chance that Chinese guns (and maybe Russian??) won`t be approved for temporary import to the US
If you are going to eventually shoot in the US, make sure your competition gear isn't Norinco.
 
Onagoth

im pretty interested in the Limited or Tactical Divisions. What really intrigued me is the 3 Gun Ironman competition (trooper class). This would a be a long-term goal of course.

Does it matter if the AR is direct gas impingement or Long or short stroke piston. and from what ive read .223 and up is fine.

cheers
 
Pretty much the only restriction on.rifle is the optics, bipods and sometimes mags.

Onagoth

im pretty interested in the Limited or Tactical Divisions. What really intrigued me is the 3 Gun Ironman competition (trooper class). This would a be a long-term goal of course.

Does it matter if the AR is direct gas impingement or Long or short stroke piston. and from what ive read .223 and up is fine.

cheers
 
Back
Top Bottom