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Okay, about my first 3-gun match, what will I need?
I have:
Carbine (you saw it in the '44th' thread)
1911
870 (18" barrel, side saddle, Knoxx stock, Hopson sling)
Drop leg rig for 4 AR mags on my left hip and 1911 holster on right (does me well in carbine class)
What will I need to accomodate the shotgun?
How much ammo for each will I need?
Many thanks in advance!
You'll need about 100 rds. each for the pistol and rifle. For the shotgun, you'll need ~25 birdshot, 10 slugs, and 10 buck. I tend to bring more than that, but it's rare that more is needed. Some matches have more buck and slug, or shotgun in general, than others. If you can, find some low-recoil slugs, your shoulder will thank you. I order mine from Ammunition To Go. My neighbor shot one of Doc's 3-gun matches (the ones he held semi-annually before Roy started doing the monthly matches) with Buckhammers and I got to laugh at his bruised shoulder for a week. However, don't let a lack of low-recoil slugs discourage you, depending on the stages, you may not shoot any at all.Quote:
Originally Posted by The Cat
There's not a lot of high-round-count stages like in some of the USPSA matches, so you typically need only one rifle mag on your belt. I wear four pistol mag pouches on the left with an AR pouch behind them. You might need at least four pistol mags if you're shooting single-stack. Ten-round mags would be handy. I shoot an M&P and load up 17 rounds in each, so I don't typically get into the third and fourth reload mag.
I use a wrist holder and a 6-shell caddy on the belt for the shotgun and just put them on when I need them. I don't have any kind of special belt to hold all the stuff, just my normal Wilderness belt. The biggest help is an extended tube if you don't already have one, but it's not a huge deal if you don't—you just get to spend more time loading. It also helps to know how your shotgun patterns buck, and what your zero is for slugs. It also helps to have something of a plan for how you will reload the shotgun.
Roy's matches don't typically have any true run-n-gun stages (well, except when you have to run 75 yds. down a road taking out targets on the left and right), and he tries to set them up to make it less "gamey," for better or worse. There is no scoring system beyond neutralized threats; using IDPA targets, a threat is neutralized with one hit in the -0 or two hits in the -1 or better. Failures add 15 seconds to your time, so accuracy is rewarded more than pure speed.
It can seem like a lot, but once you get out there, provided you are relatively acquainted with the manual of arms for you weapons, it will fall into place relatively easily.
I'll likely be headed to TAC2 on Sunday, so if you want to hash some of this out before this month's match, you're welcome to meet me down there.
Forgot that Sunday is Mother's Day. I'm going to head down there tomorrow afternoon.
First off, thank you for taking the time to do that write-up. You've convinced me - and it sounds like something I'll really enjoy
I'm fairly competent with the carbine and handgun, but the shotgun is my weak point right now.
Speaking of, do you think my 870 would do the job?
http://i56.photobucket.com/albums/g1...ns/shotgun.jpg
I won't be able to make it to Tac 2 tomorrow but I wish I could.
Looks like I need to pick up some more gear - a couple more mags and pouches! :D
Yeah, no problem on the 870, it's what I shoot. Mine's unadorned with an LE stock set. I just put the LE set on and have used the regular old 870 express wooden ones before that. I do have the 18" slug barrel with rifle sights, which helps when shooting slugs. You'll likely want to flip the shells in your carrier though. You can buy carriers and whatnot if you want, or you can borrow any of my shotgun stuff until you figure out what might work for you.
I suck at shotgun too and really only mess with it at the matches. I have to say though that I find the shotgun stuff to be the most fun.
You can get pistol and AR mag pouches at TAC2. Doc usually has some kydex ones around that he makes if you want to go that route. As far as it goes, you can load out of a pocket until you get an idea of what you might want. Very few guys come down there looking to win the race against everyone else and instead compete against themselves.
The biggest problem with 3-gun is getting hooked on it. :D
I don't know about you, but I don't think this shooting business is addictive at all. I can quit at any time :sarcastic:
I did my first 3 gun match last month. I SUCKED.
Your gear will do just fine. I had too much on. Way too much.
I was kinda disappointed because I thought it was gonna be more even as far as how much each gun is shot. It was 50% AR, 40% Pistol, and 10% Shotgun. I was expecting a more even mix. It was still awesome, but I was expecting something different. I can't wait to go back.
One thing for sure, I 'thought' I was familiar with my AR and shotgun. I was VERY wrong. Malfunctions meant total breakdowns for me. I suddenly forgot how to clear malfunctions, it was a mess. The shotgun is my weak gun too though. I was surprised when my first 4 shots on steel resulted in 0 knocked down plates. Talk about embarrassing. Anyway, it was a GREAT time and I'm sure I'll see you guys there soon.
I bet I'll suck worse than you! :p
Question: Do you have to be a member of Tac2 to attend a match?
No. Its cheaper if you're a member by 5 dollars, but its open to anyone. All their matches are like that, including the annual match.
I did some digging and found this:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ir3e4NCXOjA
I'm pretty sure that's from one of Doc's matches, which he used to do once or twice a year, not one of Roy's monthly matches.Quote:
Originally Posted by The Cat
I think there's a few videos on YouTube from some more recent matches.
I will very definitely be there this Saturday.
Then I'll see you there. Look for a green Tacoma with a cap on the bed.Quote:
Originally Posted by The Cat
Quote:
Originally Posted by bulbvivid
Looking forward to it! I'll most likely be in a black Tacoma.
Questions - what about:
Slings or no slings on the shotgun or AR?
Strong to weak side transitions?
Primary to secondary transitions?
Slings aren't absolutely necessary because you can technically ground the long guns. I would recommend a sling on the AR. I don't have one on my shotgun, but if you can put one on yours, it's possible that it could come in handy.Quote:
Originally Posted by The Cat
We do typically have primary to secondary transitions, and sometimes weak side, though they don't happen as often.
Im jealous. I've gotta go to a wedding or I'd be there.
I think I've actually taken a class with the shooter in this vid:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=agrg-9gnpwM
Damn, but that was fun.
I didn't **** up; I didn't get DQ'ed. I call that a win :p
Great meeting you, Jason - I appreciate the tips!
That was one hell of a fun match yesterday.