Getting into 3 gun

[huck]

The best advice to beginners it to shoot what you have. Just go and do it. You won't regret it or embarrass yourself. I've found 99% of the people there are more than helpful and willing to share their knowledge. Bring what you've got and lots of ammo and go do your best.
I'm new to the sport and I made this link recently to clarify the equipment in the 3-gun divisions. I hope it helps you.

http://www.calguns.net/calgunforum/showthread.php?t=577054

[quig]

The best advice to beginners it to shoot what you have. Just go and do it. You won't regret it or embarrass yourself. I've found 99% of the people there are more than helpful and willing to share their knowledge. Bring what you've got and lots of ammo and go do your best.
I'm new to the sport and I made this link recently to clarify the equipment in the 3-gun divisions. I hope it helps you.

http://www.calguns.net/calgunforum/showthread.php?t=577054

100% agree.

People come by and "see what it is about" which might be more intimidating than not. Once you are there and just shoot the damn thing, you will be hooked.

I somewhat mentored a guy who came out to shoot this last X3 match, and I will offer to have another newbie on my squad next month if interested.

PM me if you would like details or have any further specific questions.

[adrenaline]

I'm interested in 3 gun also. I don't have a budget to buy all kinds of new stuff (well right now) so want to try what I have. I have the following:

HK45c
HK USP 9mm fullsize
AR-15 (20" upper)
Remington 870 Express (modified stock)

If the advice is to shoot what I have, what else should I be bringing along? Gear wise....vest with mag pouches....dump pouch...etc.?

Edit: Just watching vids...it looks like they leave the guns at the different stations...must watch more YouTube.

[SuperSet]

Cool. You have enough to get started. You do need mag pouches though, typically folks dont use a vest since it's slower than belt mounted pouches. You'll need enough to finish a 30-40 round pistol/rifle/shotgun stage. A dump pouch isn't mandatory since you'll be dumping your mags on the ground. For the shotgun, you'll want 4 or 6-shell caddies if you want to load weakhand. I prefer the newer methods of loading 2 via vest or pinwheels.

[SuperSet]

I don't know that he gets paid. But he's on the 3 gun nation website and the article describes him as semi pro. I believe it's page 4 right now on the home page.

I know who you're talking about and you'd be wise to take advice from him. Great shooter!

[quig]

Your 9mm is your best bet. Have enough mags for 30rds, 50 to be safe.

If you have mag carriers, great. The back pocket works for the "oops, I didn't think I would need that last mag".

A simple dump pouch would work great for your first match. It will hold AR mags and shotgun shells.

Ultimately, you will eventually get shotshell stripper carriers and AR mag carriers, but I would first come with what you have and see what everyone else has and why they have it. Then you can get what works for you.

[joelogic]

No vest or dump pouch.

If you just want to have fun stuff your mags and shells in your pants pockets.
If you have some money. Buy 1 rifle mag pouch, 2 pistol pouches, and 3 shell caddies and a good wilderness belt. Brands are user preference.
If you have money burning a hole in your pocket drop $500 on a safariland els setup.

I always tell beginners to run what you brung...at least until the bug bites.

[quig]

I am sure a guy in a squad will let you borrow a shotgun shell caddy to let you try it out.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5WxLmwuBRTQ

Pay attention to the second half.

[3GunFunShooter]

So far very good advise. On the shot shell carriers I would at first just use a dump pouch, until you decide how you are going to load your shotgun. I started with a side saddle on the gun loading strong hand one at a time doing the flip and burn, and a shotshell belt, you will need a bicycle or sailing glove for this type of loading, and some 6 shell stripper carriers, then I added a five round arm band, I then went to a 8 shot arm band and then a 16 shot arm band. Finally when I gave up on my Remington 1100CM after 7 years and bought a Salient Benelli, then I switched to the load 2 system weak hand and went with a Mark Otto vest. For me this has been a game changer with the shotgun. Much faster, just at 7 seconds for 8 shell and very little practice. As others have stated watch some You tube videos on the different loading styles. Long range rifle and shotgun loading skill is what most shooters weakness are in 3 gun.

[skyscraper]

So if I am starting with pistol competition and I have these pistols available:
SA TRP 1911(bull barrel)
SA pro 1911
M&P 9

I shoot the Springfield pro the best, and I dont know that the comps will allow a bull barrel. So that leaves the MP9 and the pro. Which should I start with? I may not be the best with the MP9, but the mag capacity is greater.

[quig]

M&P9.

Mostly about capacity and speed. It will be accurate enough.

[SuperSet]

Agreed on the M&P9 as you can shoot it in IDPA and USPSA Production since they're capped at 10 round mag limit. For 3-gun, you're going to want a high capacity 9mm like the G17/G34. Good choice!

[skyscraper]

M&P9.

Mostly about capacity and speed. It will be accurate enough.

Agreed on the M&P9 as you can shoot it in IDPA and USPSA Production since they're capped at 10 round mag limit. For 3-gun, you're going to want a high capacity 9mm like the G17/G34. Good choice!

MP9 it is then! Thanks

[TempleKnight]

I'm interested in 3 gun also. I don't have a budget to buy all kinds of new stuff (well right now) so want to try what I have.

Lot's of good advice here. Definitely, shoot what have before you invest in a new rifle or shotgun. Everybody says they don't have the budget but once you get hooked you'll end up with two of everything.

You need to look at the different reloading styles for shotguns before you invest a bunch of money in caddies or a load-two vest. Look at weak hand v. strong hand and side-saddle v. caddy (and caddie type) and try a few different styles. I didn't listen to this advice so my den looks like five shooters share a locker. I have an 8 rd side-saddle, an 8 rd arm band, 8 rd belt caddies, 6 rd belt caddies, 4 rd belt caddies, and a 22 rd load-two vest.

Just accept that 3Gun is a conspiracy to get you to buy more stuff. You begin just having fun then the competitive juices start flowing and you think you can fix it with hardware. Different strokes for different folks but I vote for JP rifles, Benelli shotguns and STI pistols.

[EvolutionGSR]

... the M2 Benelli, Mossberg 930 JM, Remington Versa Max tactical,
FN SLP, which all need some modifications for 3 gun,....

What kind of modifications do you think these shotguns need to run in 3gun? None of these are ok out of the box?