Gentlemen. I'm getting more and more intrigued about 3 Gun and would like to attend an upcoming match in Lethbridge. I have no gear what so ever. I do have an M1A, Glock 21C and will be acquiring a 12 gauge shortly. My question is; What bare minimum equipment and accessories are needed to get by in order to complete the stages? Can I get by with storing shot gun rounds in a jacket pocket or my pistol mags in my pants' back pockets for example? Obviously that is far from ideal and I would be at a severe disadvantage but I don't care at this point. How many pistol mags or rifle mags should I have? At this point I just want to get out there so I can make a more informed decision on what equipment I will need to purchase that works for me personally. Seeing all your 3 Gun Set-Ups posted here is a lot to digest. Thanks.
Lets see your complete 3 Gun Set-Up (Pics Please!)
- Thread starter Dick Proenneke
- Start date
You must have a good holster that will retain your pistol during movement. Everything else is secondary. The way you carry your mags and shells is up to you. I've seen many folks stuff their pockets full and the only thing it costs them is time.
At our matches you need to be able to carry at least 30 rounds of pistol and rifle ammo, and 25 of shotgun, including what's in your gun. You need to find out what the organizers of the match you attend require per stage.
Go to the match in Lethbridge with your pockets full and see what other folks are using and ask questions. Don't waste money on cheap kit or the wrong kit.
At our matches you need to be able to carry at least 30 rounds of pistol and rifle ammo, and 25 of shotgun, including what's in your gun. You need to find out what the organizers of the match you attend require per stage.
Go to the match in Lethbridge with your pockets full and see what other folks are using and ask questions. Don't waste money on cheap kit or the wrong kit.
Particularly with the shotgun, expose yourself to the various reloading techniques and choose one. That will somewhat dictate what gear you buy for shotgun shells. All of the good carriers of various sorts are fairly expensive. In my case I load weak hand from caddies but from dual AP Custom rigs on my right side. If you are right handed and end up preferring the weak hand load from the bottom, you don't want to be stuck with $120 worth of carriers designed for dual or quad loads with the strong hand. Get someone to show you the techniques and then try them before you buy. They all are an acquired skill and pivotal to the games.
Thanks for the objective advice. It's exactly the type I'm looking for.
I don't mind spending money on gear so long as it is well spent and of good quality. Nothing is more expensive than buying cheap $hit. I'll show up with a pocket full of ammo and go from there.
Thanks again.
I don't mind spending money on gear so long as it is well spent and of good quality. Nothing is more expensive than buying cheap $hit. I'll show up with a pocket full of ammo and go from there.
Thanks again.
TV-PressPass
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- Mountains, Alberta
This thread needs some more photos eh?
Currently this is what I'm taking down to the Crimson Trace Midnight 3 Gun
Annnnd here's the current belt layout. Super short stages on this event, so don't need to carry thaaat much ammo:
Currently this is what I'm taking down to the Crimson Trace Midnight 3 Gun
Annnnd here's the current belt layout. Super short stages on this event, so don't need to carry thaaat much ammo:
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I have tried the dual AP shell holders for the last three matches but think I will switch back to the 4x4 or better the Safariland version. The shells keep popping out of the AP and I go to grab two and end up with one or none. Even if I wait until I am on deck to load, they fly off while moving through the stages. ( no I don't have a big gut ) I have seen another brand with plastic holders instead of the thin metal flat springs but don't know if they are better. The AP duals are marginally faster but have way too many issues. Thats just me though.
I know one other fella who's rethinking his AP's....
Same issues... Their slick, but maybe too slick as sometimes shells fall out when they're not really supposed to. Also the tines are susceptible to bendage when the shooter goes prone or gets snagged up somehow on something.
I haven't seen a system that rivals the Carbon Arms Pinwheels yet....
I have had occasion to use my much less used 4 round shell caddies recently....I was going to sell them, but they are handy for certain situations!
I have had occasion to use my much less used 4 round shell caddies recently....I was going to sell them, but they are handy for certain situations!
Thanks! I like my AP load 2/quad carriers but I to get ones falling out. I traded them in a recent deal and just ordered from Carbon Arms two of the 10 shell pin wheels. Out of all the ones I looked at they do seem the best. There was no Canada option but I just typed it in the comments section then called them. They said it's good to go.
Thanks! I like my AP load 2/quad carriers but I to get ones falling out. I traded them in a recent deal and just ordered from Carbon Arms two of the 10 shell pin wheels. Out of all the ones I looked at they do seem the best. There was no Canada option but I just typed it in the comments section then called them. They said it's good to go.
I get "fall outs" with the AP's too. I think I have a solution that I will try and report on. I'm going to slip an inch or so length of shrink tubing over one retainer and put heat to it. I'll do that on one side only of several carriers and try the same but on both hooks with a couple of others. I'll do this on the top retainer hooks only. I figure that will add some texture to the hooks and tighten them too. More later.
I'll keep them in my truck Mr. Babes so you can take a look if we cross paths at Silverdale or elsewhere on the tour.
Gord
Thank you sir! Please keep updates coming!
I just applied 1/4 shrink tubing at just over 1/2 inches to the spring clips on my rig. A touch with a BBQ lighter and they look like they were born there. I'm about to load up some shells.
Bingo!! Huge improvement. Try both top hooks. The shells are MUCH more stable. Send money to hercster@money.ca
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