3-Gun @ Pala 4/13/14

[sdw1990]

I am thinking of trying out this 3-gun match to see what it is like. I was wondering if there was anyone that has gone to it that would be able to answer some questions and maybe give me some advice.

First a little info about me and what I have. I have been going to the Pala IDPA matches for a couple months as well as gone to a couple USPSA matches up at Prado. So I have a little experience in those competitions.

This is the equipment I have:

Rifle:
Standard AR-15 with rifle length gas system and standard hand-guards. I currently only have Iron sights on it and a Bullet Button.

I have 2 10/30 PMags and 2 10 PMags. No mag carriers.
Do I need more magazines?
Also, for the carriers do you think there would be people there willing to lend me some?

Shotgun (two options):
1. 28" remy 870 with 4+1 capacity with mod choke and single bead sight (I use this for Trap)
2. 18.5" remy 870 with 6+1 capacity with breacher choke/open and ring/FO sights (This is actually my brothers)

I believe I could take the barrel from mine and put it on his receiver to give me the higher capacity if that would work better.

I have no shotshell carriers so again would people be willing to lend?
In terms of ammo, since I shoot trap I have plenty of #8 shot ammo.
I saw online some people saying you need #4 shot and/or slugs?
If this is true how many of each?

Pistol:
M&P 9 FS with standard sights and Apex FSS kit installed.

Since i use this in IDPA I have a holster, 4 magazines and 4 mag holders. I Don't think I would need anything else for this.

I have a leather belt I have been using at IDPA.

If anybody has any advice or maybe is going and could show me the ropes...

Thanx for Reading!!!

[SuperSet]

Did you end up figuring out which shotgun to take?

[sdw1990]

Did you end up figuring out which shotgun to take?

Which would be better, a 18.5" or 28"? The choke can probably be put on either barrel but is 18.5" too short or 28" to long? Which would be better just based on barrel length?

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[SuperSet]

I'd probably take the 18.5".
The 18.5" will be lighter and more maneuverable but your sight radius will be shorter so aim hard if it's a slug shot. You'll also lose some velocity vs the 28", that might make knocking down steel at further range difficult so get as close as you can. Interchangeable chokes are really important on an 18.5".

[sdw1990]

I'd probably take the 18.5".
The 18.5" will be lighter and more maneuverable but your sight radius will be shorter so aim hard if it's a slug shot. You'll also lose some velocity vs the 28", that might make knocking down steel at further range difficult so get as close as you can. Interchangeable chokes are really important on an 18.5".

I might bring both just in case. I am thinking of using the 28" just because I am not trying to be super competitive this first match more learning. I will see what the stages are like and then decide which to use.

Thanx for the response!

[huck]

You definitely have everything you need to participate in the match, so go. You won't regret it.

The answers to most of your questions are dependent on the stages in the match. I don't see a link to this match anywhere and I don't know anything about Pala. If you have a link to the match info, post it.

In general, 4 x 10 round mags is plenty. You may want to find a way to change mags smoothly. I've seen people wear something around their neck to activate the bullet button.

For the shotguns, bring both is a good idea. I think you'll choose the 18.5 because of the increased carrying capacity. Shotgun stages are frequently all about how fast you can load and +2 capacity probably negates any advantage you might have with the 28" - but that's stage dependent.

Typically, #4 bird shot is the biggest you're allowed to bring, but #8 is fine. You will probably be required to use slugs on some stages. Again, the stage design will tell you what's required. If you can't find it, get 20 or so.

[sdw1990]

This the link to their info page:

http://lineadefuego.net/matches/3gun.php

The necklace for BB tool sounds good. I was going to carry something in my mouth but probably will look into a necklace thanx!

Will see what I can do for the mag extension. If my 28" barrel fits in the 18.5" receiver I will probably run that.

Will see how it goes!!!

[huck]

That site has a lot of good info. They say they may have as many as 60 rifle rounds on a stage, so you may have to borrow some mags.

Take it slow. Your goal is to NOT get DQ'd. Have fun.

[SuperSet]

Make sure you sign up for the 'CA Comp 10' class at sign-in. There are a few 10-round shooters at Pala so you'll have some company. I'd go with the ring thing myself.

[Michael_Js]

Make sure you sign up for the 'CA Comp 10' class at sign-in. There are a few 10-round shooters at Pala so you'll have some company. I'd go with the ring thing myself.

Does that mean you can use 30 rounders if you have them?

[sdw1990]

Does that mean you can use 30 rounders if you have them?

Only in a featureless rifle. Otherwise it is illegal to put it in.

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[huck]

Do not worry about your equipment. You're going to do fine and you'll probably learn a few things.

USPSA / 3-gun = Most fun you can have with your clothes on.

[sdw1990]

USPSA / 3-gun = Most fun you can have with your clothes on.

So how much fun would it be to do USPSA/ 3-gun with my clothes off!!!!!! Lol

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[Mstnpete]

So how much fun would it be to do USPSA/ 3-gun with my clothes off!!!!!! Lol

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No, you will be DQ'ED so fast!