My first 3 gun competition, what should I expect?

[Tactical_Texan_CHL]

I'm going to be competing in my first shooting competition of any kind this July. I've read the rules and rules from several other 3 gun competitions to get an idea of specifics. I'll be watching a match first before I shoot. I just thought I'd see if there's anything you guys could suggest or let me know about ahead of time. I'm planning on going relatively slow concentrating on accuracy for my first few matches. That way I'm not worried about speed, but concentrating on the basics first. I figure speed will build as I get technique down. They have matches every month here, but this is the first one I can make it to. Thanks ahead of time to anybody for any help!

[AggieMM]

For your first match, take it slow, don't worry about speed. Focus on accuracy and following the rules. Your goal should be to be the most accurate and least penalized person out there. Speed comes later.

And have fun!!!!!!!

Ryan

[Bob Wolff]

As a 3 gun match director I expect:
#1........A safe shooter, listen at the safety meeting
Ask to be partnered up with an expierenced 3 gun shooter who can answer questions, explain what is going on, etc
From my observations, many people have come to watch and then have said "why didn't I bring my stuff, this looks like fun", or words to that effect. Don't waste an opportunity.
Be helpful, i.e.tape, reset etc.
And as AggieMM said, remember you are there to have fun

Bob

[Tactical_Texan_CHL]

Thanks. What about equipment? I've got the following. May post pics if I have a chance tonight.

Kimber Raptor, Blackhawk Serpa holster, Comp-Tac single mag pouch or Uncle Mikes double mag pouch. The rules suggested 3 magazines with at least 10 round capacity or equivalent. I'm considering ordering the Comp-Tac "Belt Feed" that holds 4 mags. I thought about using my Glock 17, but I've been on a 1911 kick for the past couple of years and haven't shot the Glocks very much since. So I'll probably stick with 1911.

DPMS AR15 upper and lower w/16" Wilson Combat fluted heavy barrel, rifle sized Yankee Hill free float, M4 stock, flip up front and rear GGG sights, no optics, but may add Eotech 557.G23 magnifier combo before competition. They suggest a way to carry extra mags for rifle also, but all I have is thigh rig for 2 mags, that a friend gave me from when he was in Afghanistan. Does that sound OK?

Winchester 1300 Defender 12ga stock right now, but soon to have Blackhawk Knoxx Spec Ops stock with extra 5 round saddle on stock. Any suggestions on other ways to carry the extra ammo needed for a whole shotgun stage? The rules recommend bringing 50 shotgun rounds and I've heard they've had a shotty stage before that required 30 shells! Maybe wear my hunting vest for the shotty stage with extra rounds in pockets?

[AggieMM]

Before you go buying a bunch of equipment, I'd try the match with what you have, even if you're loading shot shells from a trap/skeet pouch, or mags from a pocket. Look at what others are using, see if it fits how you want to shoot.

But, to help answer your question, here is what I use for our club's 3-gun matches.

Pistol - Glock 34 - Mags on belt - 2 min.
Rifle - S&W M&P15 with Red Dot - One mag on belt in comp-tac holder.
Shotgun - Win 1300 Defender - 6 shot Tac Star on gun, 8 shot Blackhawk arm ban

I usually wear pants/shorts with big pockets, just in case I have to take more ammo along than I can put on my arm/belt.

Here is a vid of me in one of my first 3-Gun matches, might be different than what you may run, but it could give you some ideas.

[youtube]http://youtube.com/watch?v=OL58GqZ1SOw[/youtube]

Also, I always take 2 to 3 times more ammo than recommended for the match, just in case. You might have to redo a stage for various reasons, and running out of ammo stinks.

Furthermore, check out the 3-Gun forum on Brian Enos's forums, LOTS of good information there.

http://www.brianenos.com/forums/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Ryan

[Bob Wolff]

I have at least 0ne pistol mag on the belt plus the one in the gun, I have One ar mag in a comptac holder on the belt and an extra mag in a back pocket and on shotgun stage I have loaded from a 6 shot stripper on the belt, or sidesaddle or the pocket if necessary.\

Three gun is all about shooting and loading well from positions that make you stretch and improve.

Play for awhile, look at what is being used and how it is being used. For example , shotgun are you going to load from the gun, belt, or arm, strong or weak hand.
Remember you may not be upright all the time.

Bob