Posted by on 12/27/2021 to
3 gun competitions are a fun competition style, having come into great popularity within the last 10 years. They are a fun and flexible event with a great following of friendly competitors. So what are these 3 gun competitions, and why should you look to participate in one?
The 3 guns referred to can vary, but they tend to be a pistol, a shotgun, and a rifle. The competitions will often get much more specific but those are the 3 basic types of guns used. There are different stages to a 3 gun competition, each stage being specific to the type of gun for that stage, or sometimes using multiple guns for a stage. You won’t be using a shotgun during a pistol stage or vice versa unless it’s one of those special stages. Speed is of high importance, and so is accuracy. Scoring can differ, depending on the rules of the particular competition, accuracy is also important even though it may just be due to being able to hit a target as soon as possible so that you can move on to the next goal more quickly. Points are based on difficulty, there are penalties.
The types of guns allowed are important, and the AR-15 is a big part of this competition. Rifles in the competition can be sport rifles like AR-15’s or something similar, but let’s face it, if you could choose, it’s probably going to be an AR-15. The calibers for these rifles are typically .223 REM or 5.56 NATO. Generally, for pistol, a 9mm is the caliber of choice. For shotguns slugs and birdshot are used, depending on the particular rules once again. When it comes to ammunition, choosing the one that will give you the minimum amount of recoil is the name of the game. It’s probably obvious that it’s not just to save your shoulder from being sore, the lower recoil makes for quicker and more accurate follow-up shots. Definitely part of the reason AR-15s are so popular. It’s all about speed and accuracy so stopping power doesn’t really come into it. Following this reasoning, it is not surprising that ammunition with lighter loads is a popular choice. You may want to use higher loads on long-distance targets and the lowest possible loads on closer targets. It is a good idea to try out a bunch of different ammo to see which ones shine.
The variety one can see in the competitions might be a big part of what is driving the popularity. Have you ever seen one of those shooting obstacle courses like law enforcement and military might go through? It looks fun, right? 3 gun competitions often have similar qualities. Peering around corners to fire at targets while not hitting other targets near them, switching out magazines while on the move, moving targets. These are some of the things you can expect in a 3 gun competition.
Some guns used in these matches tend to do better than others. So what are the ideal types of guns For your pistol, a center fired 9mm or smaller caliber that needs to be holstered. Generally the higher capacity magazines you can get the better, as long as they are reliable. If you can go through the competition without having to reload all the better. A trigger can be a good upgrade for your pistol that can help you fire quickly and accurately. If you need more power, and you might depending on the requirements of the particular competition, you can turn that up with .40 S&W or even .45ACP which should be all the strength you might need.
If you want to do well at all, you absolutely need a semi-automatic shotgun, typically 20 gauge, preferably with an extended magazine. You’ll also want that shotgun to have actual iron sights if it doesn't already. The reason for this is the slug stages, where the targets tend to be farther away. Beyond that popular upgrades for shotguns, are an extended bolt release, large safety button, and large carrier release. All of these things will make your shotgun easier and faster to use, which along with accuracy is the name of the game. For this reason, it’s also important to practice reloading that shotgun until you’re as fast as John Wick. A side saddle shell holder helps immensely.
The rifle is the center point of the competition, and it’s practically made for the AR-15. If you prefer a different rifle that should be fine, as competitions generally do not require the rifle to be an AR. However the calibers of choice are .223REM and 5.56NATO which the AR-15 excels with, providing great velocity with minimal recoil. To reduce the recoil further the muzzle brake is a good choice. An 18 -20 inch barrel is ideal for velocity and accuracy at longer distances. As with the other guns, extended magazines are a great upgrade. A good trigger can increase accuracy and even speed, the two most important things in this type of competition. A bolt release upgrade can improve your speed and any other upgrade that improves your accuracy or speed should be considered. Some competitions only allow one optic and it’s invariably on the rifle. Either a red dot or, if allowed, an LPVO for a more versatile option.
3 gun competitions are so varied that you will not ever experience the same one twice. To add even more variety there are different divisions and these divisions are not necessarily all the same no matter where you go. However the most common are Tactical, Open, and Heavy Metal Divisions. There can be any number of other Divisions such as Limited (exactly like it sounds), 2x4 (choose 2 of 4 guns, including an AR pistol caliber, per set), and Patrol (similar to Tactical yet also distinctly different). The types of different divisions are *defined* by imagination and interest, and it’s one of the strengths of 3 gun competitions. You can participate in any and all of the divisions as long as you have the gear, which is a lot. Think arsenal that the action hero goes to right before the big showdown. So what can you expect in each of these Divisions so that you find the right one for you? Here is a description of each of the main divisions, but keep in mind that there may be some local differences.
The Tactical division is like the standard of the 3 gun competition. Standard pistol with no optics and magazines holding up to 22 or so rounds. Shotgun with no optics or box magazines (tubes are ok), and no porting. Rifle may have 1 optic and no bipod or similar support. These are basically standard guns that are fairly common with some upgrades but nothing too crazy. A great place for beginners to start.
If you are getting tired of rules and restrictions and want to be free, the Open Class is for you. The Open Division is an anything goes category, highly modified, competition-only guns are found here. Underpowered ammo so you can have less recoil. Extended magazines for less reloading, optics for your pistol and shotgun. If there is a way to improve your game you can try it here.
There is a higher caliber variation offered along with the standard one, often called Heavy Metal. In this division, a .45 is the chosen caliber for a pistol., while 12 gauge is the shotgun choice, and yep, you guessed it, LR308 for the rifle. Technically you can use a .30 minimum with .308 and 7.62 x 51mm being commonly used. Another stipulation with the Heavy Metal division is the use of iron sights. Iron sights and higher calibers, kind of old school.
Once you’ve got everything you need, or possibly even before, it is time to get started. It is possible to do these without emptying your bank account. If you don’t have all 3 guns you can share with a buddy, Plan on ammunition to cost about $100 per match unless you hand load, and it’s always a good idea to bring extra. Sharing ammunition can be a good way to share a gun or the other way around. Since the courses tend to be varied, the atmosphere can be one that is fresh, new, and exciting every time, one more reason people love these so much.
