Pistol grip shotgun for 3 gun?

Ezdodger1

Ezdodger1

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Hey folks,

I’m a newbie when it comes to 3 gun. As in I’ve never competed, but my wife and I would really like to get involved.

I’m told to use what you have, and currently all I have for shotguns is a short barrel, pistol grip, pump action shot gun. It’s a Pallas pro tactical. Great gun, fun to shoot, but in all the videos and articles I’ve researched on 3 gun, I haven’t seen a pistol grip shotgun used.

Any input would be appreciated :)
 
A pistol grip shotgun isn't the end of the world. A very personal choice.. It really comes down to whether or not you want to seriously pursue a spot on the podium or if you're simply out to have fun blasting away.

The lack of pistol grip shotguns has more to do with the manual of arms, specifically loading. Personally I find pistol grip shotguns more punishing on the web of the hand versus a conventional stocked shotgun. Another reason for not using a pistol grip is with regards to safety location. A tang mounted safety like that in a Mossberg is not compatible with a pistol grip.
 
Sometimes, the sporting rules can have an impact upon what we'd otherwise assume to be advantageous. Some sports', for example, actually require a competitor to start with the shotgun stock touching the competitor at hip level. Only after you have read, and re-read, the respective rulebook(s) will you begin to appreciate the various implications of your equipment (and training, and practice) choices.
 
I started in 3 gun with a shotgun that had a pistol grip (Benelli M4) and it performed great (I was the limiting factor for sure) - it is still my backup gun.

I have since moved to a Tac Ord Versamax and it is a better fit for 3 gun for a host of different reasons (massive loading port, more capacity, lower height over bore).

The M4 is a tack driver for long range slug shots with the ghost ring sights though. I can get the Versamax to shoot slugs accurately but it takes more effort.

I would run what to have to start with. You will quickly learn what is important and that will guide you moving forward. For me the gun needs to be reliable and easy to load. My experience has been that learning to quad load will make the biggest difference to your performance - its much easier to save time by being more efficient when off the gun (loading etc) than you will ever save while pulling the trigger.
 
Certainly it's reckoned among the good shotgun competitors I know (I'm not one of them) the pistol grip gets in the way for loading, especially dual and quad loading so not used so much.

Scrummy
 
Scrumbag said:
Certainly it's reckoned among the good shotgun competitors I know (I'm not one of them) the pistol grip gets in the way for loading, especially dual and quad loading so not used so much.

Scrummy
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I'd agree with this.

The impact can probably be minimized by technique / training but it will always be an issue to some degree if double / quad loading.
 
Unless u run a box mag shotgun :p then a pistol grip is a huge asset.

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Murray 3-D said:
Unless u run a box mag shotgun :p then a pistol grip is a huge asset.
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Can you expand on how a pistol grip provides an advantage to a box mag fed shotgun?

(If the safety was the focus of your comment, I think the point was that the location of the safety needs to be compatible with the grip.)
 
CV32 said:
Can you expand on how a pistol grip provides an advantage to a box mag fed shotgun?

(If the safety was the focus of your comment, I think the point was that the location of the safety needs to be compatible with the grip.)
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The pistol grip provides better control for loading than a conventional stock.
 
CV32 said:
Can you expand on how a pistol grip provides an advantage to a box mag fed shotgun?

(If the safety was the focus of your comment, I think the point was that the location of the safety needs to be compatible with the grip.)
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For the same reasons why having a pistol grip on an AK or other military mag fed rifle is an asset haha
 
Murray 3-D said:
For the same reasons why having a pistol grip on an AK or other military mag fed rifle is an asset haha
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I can see it offering a marginal advantage, but one that can be easily matched with training/practice. There are, as well, many mag fed rifles and a few mag fed shotguns without pistol grips. (Not that I am against pistol grips, by any means.)
 
CV32 said:
I can see it offering a marginal advantage, but one that can be easily matched with training/practice. There are, as well, many mag fed rifles and a few mag fed shotguns without pistol grips. (Not that I am against pistol grips, by any means.)
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The reduced stress and strain on the wrist and forearm is the advantage.
 
Sassybee said:
The reduced stress and strain on the wrist and forearm is the advantage.
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^^^This...plus the hand is in a more natural position and as such, I find it quicker to get a sight picture on a rifle/shotgun with a pistol grip from a low ready position...and 3 gun is all about shaving seconds.
 
There as many, and probably more, conventional stock shotguns in use at the top of 3GN competition as there are pistol grip shotguns.
 
CV32 said:
There as many, and probably more, conventional stock shotguns in use at the top of 3GN competition as there are pistol grip shotguns.
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In divisions with tube fed shotguns, it will be rare to find someone at the "top level" using a pistol grip.
In open division which allows box fed magazine shotguns, it will be rare to find a gun that doesn't have a pistol grip at the "top level"

If we look at IPSC shotgun, where the sole focus is performance with the shotgun, there were basically none to be found being used at the past few world championships in tube magazine divisions.
Out of hundreds of competitors from around the world, if there was one in use, its wasn't due to trying to gain a performance advantage over everyone else, and they were not in contention for a spot on the podium.


For the OP,
Definitely use what you have until you get the experience to know what you want and need in your equipment, then you can upgrade accordingly.
 
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