Shooting My First 3 Gun Match

**William B.** · 02-25-10, 17:52

Three friends and I just signed up for the 3 gun match at Quantico later next month. None of us has ever been in any type of firearms competition before and I was wondering if you 3 gunners have any tips or training advice for us. We will most likely be using standard issue M4 carbines w/ACOG's, M9's, and Benelli M1014's. I'm probably going to rent an M9 to practice with at the local range later. Any advice will be very appreciated. Thanks in advance!

**gtmtnbiker98** · 03-02-10, 12:59

If you can, work on the shotgun reload!! That's my biggest problem, without a speed loader, which I refuse to embrace, BTW. The handgun and rifle manipulation and shooting are "given." That's assuming that you have your rifle dialed in with a good 200 zero. That's my experience and I just started shooting 3-gun myself.

I'm using an LE6920 (iron sight), Benelli M2, and an HK P30L.

**Lee Indy** · 03-02-10, 13:31

with the m9 practice the first trigger pull alot. and the shotgun reload is the hardest thing to make consistently. get a shot shell holder to mount on your arm and practice alot.

**William B.** · 03-03-10, 14:54

So when I reload the shotgun I assume the best way would be to mount the shell holder on my dominate arm and reload with my weak hand so I can maintain my firing grip. Is that correct?

Also, how far should I expect to shoot during the pistol stages?

**Lee Indy** · 03-03-10, 16:10

i actually drop the weapon down and flip it upside down and load with my firing hand. my manual dexterity is better this way. the trick is planning your reloads so that you only have to do it once or twice. if youve only got one round left to shoot then chamber load is the fastest. if you have two left. punch two in and rack it.

**M4Fundi** · 03-04-10, 02:30

Don't be intimidated... and realize that everyone there will be glad to help you. Most people IMHO don't shoot competitions because they are intimidated that they aren't good enough/experienced enough and are going to some sort of dog eat dog competition. It won't be like that (should not) and when you get there just get there early and let them know you are new to this and they will most likely bend over backward to encourage and advise you! It will be fun and you will be old hands in no time at all! Be safe and good luck

**FromMyColdDeadHand** · 03-04-10, 03:19

My best suggestion? Have M4Fundi there to show you the ropes! He helped me last weekend at my first 3-gun match. What I took away:

-Try to get there early and help with the set-up (if they want help). Get to meet people and get a feel for the stages.
- Jock your mags before you go so that you aren't having to load up while you can be listening or watching.
-Fast shotgun reloads are something most people don't have to practice for skeet or regular shooting. We had a 40+ target shotgun stage. You learn fast.

Have fun. Can't wait to do it again!

**UVvis** · 03-04-10, 11:36

Originally Posted by FromMyColdDeadHand

-Fast shotgun reloads are something most people don't have to practice for skeet or regular shooting. We had a 40+ target shotgun stage. You learn fast.

Just reading that makes my shoulder hurt. Stages that require prone shooting of slugs are designed by sadists. Which reminds me:
A masochist says to a sadist, "Whip me"
The sadist happily says, "No."

Also, try to figure out what you want to get out of the match.

First couple, going slow and being safe is worthwhile, so you can get the feel for the matches. Watching other shooters can be a good lesson within itself. Watching the positions people take when shooting around the barricades can give you good ideas and homework lessons.

For me, I'm pretty non-competitive and don't really care where I come out score wise. My main goal is to improve upon my skill set while getting external feedback.

Don't be afraid to ask questions. "Why did you do that?" or "How did you do that?" can both be very productive at times.