AR for 3-Gun

[heijutsu]

I am really interested in getting into local 3-Gun matches and am having problems trying to narrow down AR' to use for this only. I want it to have a 18" stainless barrel with a muzzle break instead of a flash suppressor, and a round handguard. I have been looking at JP Rifles, Larue, etc... and I would like to get some input from guys/gals who shoot 3-Gun and see what they like and why?

[Robb Jensen]

It really boils down to how far out you'll be shooting, here in VA/MD matches, most shooting is done inside of 300yds (most are within 200yds and in). 3gun is pretty popular in NC. In NC I've only shot 3gun at Blackwater and their side rifle matches. If you'll be shooting 300yds and beyond I'd recommend a 18-20" barrel for a flatter trajectory. Next year I want to shoot the CTI and the NC RECON match.



My 3gun rifle was pretty expensive to build and it's a work in progress built over the last 2yrs.


Bushy lower
VLTOR E-mod stock kit
Geissele trigger
Power Custom large mag catch button
Wilson Combat bolt catch
Ambi-Catch(TM)
KNS pins
Harris bipod w/LaRue mount
Tangodown grip
VLTOR MUR1 upper
Colt 1/2 circle unshrouded bolt carrier
BCM bolt
PRI gas buster charging handle
RRA midlength bbl (chrome lined 1x9 twist, I shaved the FSB to fit under the FF tube)
Flatland Forge F2 comp
JP VTAC FF tube w/2 rails
Aimpoint H1 w/ LaRue mount
Leupold Vari-X III 1.5-5x 20mm
LaRue SPR-E 30mm scope mount

[NightFighter]

My 3gun rifle was pretty expensive to build and it's a work in progress built over the last 2yrs.


Bushy lower
VLTOR E-mod stock kit
Geissele trigger
Power Custom large mag catch button
Wilson Combat bolt catch
Ambi-Catch(TM)
KNS pins
Harris bipod w/LaRue mount
Tangodown grip
VLTOR MUR1 upper
Colt 1/2 circle unshrouded bolt carrier
BCM bolt
PRI gas buster charging handle
RRA midlength bbl
Flatland Forge F2 comp
JP VTAC FF tube w/2 rails
Aimpoint H1 w/ LaRue mount
Leupold Vari-X III 1.5-5x 20mm
LaRue SPR-E 30mm scope mount

Very nice rifle. What is the reason you have two different scopes on your rifle?

[Robb Jensen]

Very nice rifle. What is the reason you have two different scopes on your rifle?

The Aimpoint H1 is for close range targets (it's sighted in for POA/POI at 15yds), it's very fast and then I don't have to worry about hold over since the round will go low at close range. Sneaky course designers will sometimes make a very small (headshot or smaller) targets at 10-15yds. If you're not paying attention and use your primary optic you'll shoot under it (and completely miss). Or they'll set up targets in a way that a no-shoot is right in front of a headshot only target and, I've see people put two rounds right into the no-shoots head because they didn't know what their rifle would do at that distance.

[chp5]

One decision is what division to compete in. Here's a brief (and incomplete) summary based on USPSA rules:

Limited - all iron sights, no compensators on pistols or SG.

Tactical - One optic on rifle, otherwise the same as Limited.

Open - Don't start in this division

Before you spend lots of money on gear, go shoot a few matches. You'll see what other people are using and what seems to work/not work.

A simple Aimpoint works very well for many local matches without really long shots (<100 yards). Any quality AR will do for now. Good luck.

[taliv]

the closest match around here goes from zero to 300 yrds and doesn't have any division that allows more than one optic. it's hard to find a single optic that works well for <20' and >150yrd

[9x19]

One decision is what division to compete in. Here's a brief (and incomplete) summary based on USPSA rules:

Limited - all iron sights, no compensators on pistols or SG.

Tactical - One optic on rifle, otherwise the same as Limited.

Open - Don't start in this division

Before you spend lots of money on gear, go shoot a few matches. You'll see what other people are using and what seems to work/not work.

A simple Aimpoint works very well for many local matches without really long shots (<100 yards). Any quality AR will do for now. Good luck.

Where is local for you? You don't have a location in your profile.

[NightFighter]

GotM4,
I moved to NOVA today and was wondering if you could tell me where I could go to shoot some pistol matches and where I can go to learn how to shoot my pistol better. I know this question may not be phrased the best, but I just drove up, moved in and had cable installed so I am tired. I want to know where I can learn tactical pistol shooting and where I can shoot some IDPA and/or IPSC matches. Hope that is phrased better

[Robb Jensen]

GotM4,
I moved to NOVA today and was wondering if you could tell me where I could go to shoot some pistol matches and where I can go to learn how to shoot my pistol better. I know this question may not be phrased the best, but I just drove up, moved in and had cable installed so I am tired. I want to know where I can learn tactical pistol shooting and where I can shoot some IDPA and/or IPSC matches. Hope that is phrased better

For pistol training I'd recommend any class taught by Larry Vickers (a member here on M4carbine.net), Pat Rogers (a member here on M4Carbine.net) Travis Haley (aka SIMPLYDYNAMIC) (a member here on M4Carbine.net) and BlackwaterUSA of these guys the only one I've not trained/shot with is Pat Rogers, although when I get the chance in my busy/crazy schedule I'll be there in a NY minute.


For local IDPA matches you can checkout IDPA at their website. For USPSA check out www.uspsa.com Most matches will let you shoot one match until you become a member of IDPA (for IDPA matches) and USPSA (for USPSA matches).


For matches NoVA IDPA matches:

The NRA Range has a monthly match in Fairfax, VA ph# 703.267.1400

There's an IDPA match the 2nd Wed of each month at Blue Ridge Arsenal in Chantilly.

Occasionally I shoot IDPA down at Cavalier (west of Richmond VA) http://cavrpc.org/, this year I shot the Commonwealth Cup match at Rivanna http://www.rrpc.org/ I know that Black Creek also runs an IDPA match as well as a 3gun match....email Jim Taylor as their website is down......jltaylorATcavtel.net


For USPSA, the NRA Range puts on a match I don't shoot there very often, it's hard to get a slot and it's an unsanctioned match (meaning no classifier, so to me not worth the effort/frustration, it would just be practice).

Fredericksburg has their USPSA monthy match on the 1st Sunday of the month (March-November) contact Tino via email for more info at bad320ATaol.com

North Mountain Practical Shooters is also a great match held on the 2nd Sunday of the month in Strasburg VA. Contact Dan and Elaine Chandler for more info at danelainecATverizon.net

Blackwater USPSA is the 3rd Sunday of the month www.blackwatershooters.com..............their match is tomorrow, I'm not going because I'm going fishing with some coworkers out on the bay.

[Robb Jensen]

See you at the range!