3 GUN Q & A

[Shooter101]

This Thread is for folks wanting to get into 3 gun or Multi- gun matches. If you have questions ask them here. I my self have lots and want to get into it.

[IrishDevil]

There is a Competitive Shooting forum, with lots of 3-gun info.

[glockshooter]

If you have questions then ask them. There are several competitors and even some match directors.

[Cold]

This Thread is for folks wanting to get into 3 gun or Multi- gun matches. If you have questions ask them here. I my self have lots and want to get into it.

Whats your questions? We cant help unless you ask.

[BWT]

How many rounds do you guys bring to each stage, and to a match?

Rifle, Shotgun, Pistol.

I've seen where basically anywhere from 2-4 magazines of pistol are present, usually 3-4 speed loaders with 5 rounds for shotguns and one spare magazine for a Rifle (Usually a 30 round).

I realize there are shotgun and rifle geared stages so you may not use one of the three guns at all at one, but speak in generalities.

Also... I've noticed something with Three Gun Comps... Or atleast Youtube Videos.

It seems like either they're shooting at over 100 yards, or within 25 (some... it seems like they're shooting IDPA or IPSC stages, at 5-10 yards).

Why isn't there more variation?

I also guess it depends on the range and the limitations of how much real estate they have to play with...

What are some huge mistakes you guys made starting out and what would you recommend not repeating.

I think I've got most of the answers I'm looking for, but I figure input is always valuable, especially on a forum like this.

I know it seems like bringing some snack (nuts, etc.) and lots of water are a good idea, sun screen, etc.

What about mind games, what do you guys recommend in running stages, what do you guys look for?

I've always looked at competition as something, especially like this... certain things you want to get all fired up about, like when I used to play Defensive Line in Football, you basically gear yourself to do violence, raw emotion, fear and intimidation are the tools of the tool box, etc.

But with things like Golf and as weird as it sounds... bowling, I need to clear my mind of everything, all the distractions and focus on my technique and practicing the fundamentals.

Really, sometimes not even thinking about the fundamentals or what to do and what not to do are where I perform best, where you just live in the moment, don't think about the future, the past, just where you are, think of nothing. I played the best nine holes of my entire life in golf, thinking of nothing, just going through the motions fluidly, giving them the due attention they needed and not getting wrapped up in finishing a hole a certain way or how to play it.

Brian Enos also talks about staying positive and optimistic, if you walk into a stage pissed, and thinking about what you screwed up on the last stage, you won't be thinking about what you're going to do on the next stage, etc.

Where do you guys find yourselves in the emotional realm to perform the best?

Thanks, I figure I'll ask more later, I appreciate the input.

[FishingFool]

How many rounds do you guys bring to each stage, and to a match?

Rifle, Shotgun, Pistol.

I've seen where basically anywhere from 2-4 magazines of pistol are present, usually 3-4 speed loaders with 5 rounds for shotguns and one spare magazine for a Rifle (Usually a 30 round).

I realize there are shotgun and rifle geared stages so you may not use one of the three guns at all at one, but speak in generalities.

Usually bring 200 rds of rifle, 200 rds of pistol, 100 rds of bird, and 20 slugs for a local match and that is WAY OVER KILL. On the belt are 2 pistol mags, 2 rifle mags, and enough space for 20 shotgun shells. Since I run a G19, an ar15, and 8+1 sg that is a total of 45 Pistol, 84 rifle, and 29 shotgun shells on me and in the guns once the buzzer goes off.

Also... I've noticed something with Three Gun Comps... Or atleast Youtube Videos.

It seems like either they're shooting at over 100 yards, or within 25 (some... it seems like they're shooting IDPA or IPSC stages, at 5-10 yards).

Why isn't there more variation?

I also guess it depends on the range and the limitations of how much real estate they have to play with...

I guess this would have to do with stage design and reset. If you have a bunch of paper targets or knock down steel scattered from the start line all the way out to 300 yards it'll take forever to reset a stage. Much easier to have a bunch of stuff close to tape up and reset and leave flash targets out at long range. Plus shooting steel plates with rifle closer than 100 yards tears them up really bad.

What are some huge mistakes you guys made starting out and what would you recommend not repeating.

1. Really wished I hadn't bought anything until after my first two matches. Looking back I could have just brought my pistol holster and a double pistol mag pouch and put everything else in my pockets or a dump pouch to start off with.

2. Load a 30 rounds into a 30 round magazine. Down load to 28. I've witnessed more than 1/2 a dozen times in the last year (and had it happen to me) where someone rams a full mag so hard into the magwell that it doesn't really catch it. Even witnessed a guy use the "push pull" technique only to successfully PUSH and PULL the mag IN and OUT of the magwell, TWICE.

[glockshooter]

It seems like either they're shooting at over 100 yards, or within 25 (some... it seems like they're shooting IDPA or IPSC stages, at 5-10 yards).

The matches I run a Blackwater have targets from contact distances to 300yards. I try to have some of everything. I use reactive steel for all long range targets, and paper for closer stuff. Intermediate distance targets can be a problem for reset time if the have to be pasted or reset.

Come on up and try one of our matches it sounds like what you are looking for.

Matt

[BWT]

The matches I run a Blackwater have targets from contact distances to 300yards. I try to have some of everything. I use reactive steel for all long range targets, and paper for closer stuff. Intermediate distance targets can be a problem for reset time if the have to be pasted or reset.

Come on up and try one of our matches it sounds like what you are looking for.

Matt

Was kicking around the idea, honestly I want to get all of my stuff figured out, and compete some locally before I travel long distance to embarass myself.

I appreciate the offer though.

[shootist~]

Pistol Holster: You need one that securely holds your pistola when you go prone. And something that rides a little behind the hip will help keep it out of the dirt.

[BWT]

Pistol Holster: You need one that securely holds your pistola when you go prone. And something that rides a little behind the hip will help keep it out of the dirt.

You know, I was thinking about running my concealment rig.

I use a Comptac Spartan IWB and a Tactical Wilderness 1.5'' 5 thread belt, with two spare mag carriers, I probably need to pickup two more.

I'm in a lucky position, in that I'm left eye Dominant and Right handed. I shoot pistols predominantly right handed and rifles predominantly left, because I like to keep both eyes open. So I can have probably 4 magazines on my left side for pistol, and 2 rifle magazines (as long as they don't obscure my pistol draw stroke) on my right side, and shotguns across the midsection.

I've seen guys run a belt rig and vested rigs, (or at least reportedly).

I'm thinking about picking up a thicker belt and having something on the outside of my clothing. I want to keep my draw stroke consistent with what I'd shoot whether it be practicing drawing from concealment, shooting IDPA (which... is in my area, and I'm thinking about trying I really want to get some match experience before I go to a massive match, start small low pressure, and baby step my way up), or three gun, with the sacrifice of speed, I figure I'll gain proficiency.

I also shoot a 1911, so, it's a single stack, should I bring more magazines? I realize there are single stack divisions, limited, open, etc. in traditional pistol shooting competitions (IPSC, IDPA, USPSA, etc.) where they do have magazine capacity limits (or lack there of in certain divisions), where as 3-gun, I've never heard of it being limited, so how many 1911 magazines would I conceivably need to carry? I usually carry an 8 rounder seated in the pistol and two Chip McCormick 10 round power magazines as replacement. I figure I'll probably use Chips exclusively for competition. I'm figuring four (ETA: Four spares)

I also think I'm going to go with a belt rig, as that's the most realistic for me to use in a hypothetical "situation" (I realize it isn't training, but, muscle memory forms, regardless, and I'd rather keep it consistent as possible). What belts do you guys recommend? I see a lot of guys like Raven Concealment, but, I'd like to keep the same exact holster.

I was going to try some Comptac magazine pouches for my belt (as far as rifle). I use a double magazine pouch now for pistol.

Since this is a generic 3 Gun Q&A, here's a really generic question.

What do you guys use to hold your magazines?

What do you look for in holsters, and what would you steer clear of?

I think Kydex is an obvious choice, but I'm open to any and all suggestions.

Thanks again, I appreciate it.