I'm trying to set up gear for 3 gun and wanted some input on shotgun shell location. I know it comes down to personal preference, I just wanted some input from shooters who have tried both. I plan on keeping pistol and AR mags on my belt just to avoid fumbling with retention cords. I want to use the "load 2" method. I'm not sure if I'm going to use weak hand or strong hand. I will figure that out with some practice.
Chest rig vs belt rig for shotgun shells?
- Thread starter Roadhawk
- Start date
I've explored this as someone who got into it the past season. You won't be able to come to a decision until you actually do some hard practicing or shot a match or two and seen how other people do it, find out what works or does not work for you. You probably will or try a bunch of stuff and then move on and keep adjusting. I would suggest trying with just your belt first since you already have one and then seeing if it annoys you. No one shooter has them the same way. I've seen chest rigs, cumberbunds, belts.
Once you decide whether you want to strong hand or weak hand load then there are other variables like where you place your shotgun when reloading. On your shoulder? Under your arm? All the way inverted? Or just tilted to the side? The only way to answer any of this for yourself is to just do it.
Once you decide whether you want to strong hand or weak hand load then there are other variables like where you place your shotgun when reloading. On your shoulder? Under your arm? All the way inverted? Or just tilted to the side? The only way to answer any of this for yourself is to just do it.
I agree with your reply, I'm just looking for somewhere to start. I think I will have enough room on my belt for shell carriers, to go along with all the mag pouches. I'm curious to hear what works for the majority of 3 gun shooters. The other obstacle is the availability of equipment here in Canada. I'm not looking to spend a ton of money just to have gear lay around. This should be fun!
Chest rigs/ammo carriers aren't allowed in IPSC shotgun competition. If you want gear that can cross over sports, go with the belt options. If you look at top shooters in the US most are using belt level gear. I went with an Invictus Practical shotshell carrier, works great for me.
The main issue I've found with everything on your belt is that obviously it will add weight to your belt so it had better be a good system or else it will decrease your mobility. (though if you are new you will be slow anyway to start). The best systems allow you to strip un-needed pouches off your belt per stage. It is a waste of weight and space if you have three pistol mags when you only need 1+1 or 16 shotshells when you only need 8 etc.
I would suggest to the OP that being able to modify on the fly is another requirement to look at. My present system is less than ideal in that I have to do some not so comfortable twisting and turning in order to take my Teklok mounted pouches off to adjust for each stage. I am lusting after the Safariland clips that appear to make it easier to slip pouches on and off. Double Alpha I believe also has a system where it is easier to slide on and off. I'd like to hear some opinions on these.
I used chest rigs in combination with belts for AR competition. I personally find it not as quick to grab from the chest, personally. But have not tried it with shotshells which would be a quicker snatch also considering the shotgun would be out of your way on your shoulder (in my loading method), so your hands theoretically have a shorter movement from chest to loading gate.
I would suggest to the OP that being able to modify on the fly is another requirement to look at. My present system is less than ideal in that I have to do some not so comfortable twisting and turning in order to take my Teklok mounted pouches off to adjust for each stage. I am lusting after the Safariland clips that appear to make it easier to slip pouches on and off. Double Alpha I believe also has a system where it is easier to slide on and off. I'd like to hear some opinions on these.
I used chest rigs in combination with belts for AR competition. I personally find it not as quick to grab from the chest, personally. But have not tried it with shotshells which would be a quicker snatch also considering the shotgun would be out of your way on your shoulder (in my loading method), so your hands theoretically have a shorter movement from chest to loading gate.
This is why I was thinking of a chest rig for shotgun loading. I figured it would be faster. The ease of removing pouches is something I looked into. There are some good products out there for that. The biggest issue I have been finding is the availability of product from most Canadian retailers.
Last edited:
Hi, I have used a chest rig for the twin load system for years. I really like it for 3gunning as I can swivel it behind me if I need to go prone for long shots. I like the way it sits in front of me for loading as I push to conduct reloads in your work area right in front of your eyes and hands. I load my shotgun with my butt stock on my shoulder and it is slick to reload my shotgun.
My two cents.
My two cents.
Just curious, which model did you go with?
