The AMU uses a set of complex rules and scoring system that aren’t completely easy for everyone to understand.  But basically the highest score wins.  The system does not necessarily indicate the fastest competitor as much as it does for the one that was accurate, fast, and followed all the rules.  Here are White Feather and Tax Man’s Results.

Again congratulations and job well done.

Since we got the days confused a couple of us are going to try out another type of match next Saturday August 23rd.  The match format is practical/tactical shotgun and pistol.

Details of the match:

Saturday, August 23, 2008 – Practical/Tactical Match

From the Steel City Website:

Practical/Tactical Match

In response to the demand for a multiple-gun match, we have turned the Practical Handgun Match into the Practical/Tactical – Handgun/Shotgun Match.

Every 4th Saturday beginning at 9:00am, we will be holding our 2-Gun match. So go dust off your tactical shotgun, or bird gun – we’re not picky – and get some shot-shells for it. Regardless of whether you have a run-of-the-mill Mossberg 500, a beefed-up 590 or Remington 870, or a top-of-the line Wilson Scattergun, come see what you can do with it when the timer is running.

Rules are simple, as usual: multiple stages, each set-up for a handgun and shotgun scenario. For the handgun, the rules remain the same: any reasonable pistol or revolver (if in doubt, contact me), stock or custom, optics or not – each type will compete in it’s own class. Single stacks shoot against single-stacks and hi-caps against hi-caps. Likewise for the shotguns, pump and semi-auto in its own class. Ammunition is restricted to #7, #7 1/2 or #8 bird shot. No buckshot, slugs or magnum loads allowed. No speed-loaders allowed for the shotguns.

Those of you familiar with our Practical Match already know to bring lots of ammo. We like to shoot, and then shoot some more. Estimate 100 handgun rounds and one box of shotgun shells, at a minimum. Handgun holsters are encouraged but not required.

Targets will be a combination of reactive steel, static steel and paper. You may be required to engage targets through doorways, through windows or while seated at a card table – you never know! Develop your accuracy and speed while negotiating your way through fun and challenging courses.

Gates will open at 8:30 with the shooting starting at 9:00. Bring a friend. Let’s get more people involved in the shooting sports. We welcome all levels of competitors, from novice to expert. If you have any questions, contact me at maguirre@bellsouth.net. See you there on the 4th Saturday.

Eye Protection and Hearing Protection are Mandatory – no exceptions. Safety first, always.

You might be interested in this video from Steel City Pistol and Shotgun match.

BGM shot the match with all production semi-automatic weapons. Since the watch was divided into auto and revolver each having only two classes a “race gun” has an almost unfair advantage being only able to shoot the limitation of the weapon.

Don’t forget that this Saturday we have the Pistol Steel Plate Match at Pleasant Grove FOP. In addition to the steel plate match we will be having a 3 Gun Practice. We plan to run a couple different style stages with walls, steel plates, sporting clays, and silhouette targets. We may also have a couple swingers in place. The swingers will be on loan form Lee Knobloch.

Lee has been kind enough to grant us use of his personal swingers. Lee is a fantastic pistol competitor and if you ever want to know something about shooting or just want to chat give him a call over at the FOP range, 205.744.2600.

Hopefully the weather will be good. We always go even in inclimate weather. It adds to practical action of the the shoot. Check the weather.

We will have stages setup compatible with tactical rifle as the primary purpose. We plan to incorporate a little bit of 3 gun competition into it. Some of the setups will be setup for shotguns and pistol as well.

We will have a couple swinging silhouette targets, a shooting house, steel plates, and standard silhouette targets. Hopefully we will add a couple other little things to give it a full scence. If you have some type of safe target or shooting house you would like to bring it. Also any PVC pipe, screen, roll plastic that can be turned into a blind, shooting house, prop that would be great. Bring it along and add to the true tactical reality would be fun. All are welcome to join us. Our ranges can be shot with pistol, shot gun, and especially rifle.

Come out to Pleasant Grove FOP Saturday around 10:30. We will be there rain or shine.

We hastily put together a map for you to follow along your journey. If you have questions or just want to drop us a line to expect you come on. If you are venturing to PGFOP you may want to take note of their phone number for directions 744-2600.

Don’t forget that this upcoming Saturday (May 3rd, 2008) we will be having a practice with multiple stages. The time has still not been determined. It most likely will be around 10:30 at the FOP range in Pleasant Grove.

The plan is to setup stages for both tactical rifle only and 3 Gun.

You can see all of our upcoming events on our main website.

A couple people have asked what three gun competitions are all about. So here is an attempt to explain.

3 Gun matches are practical shooting exercises with three weapons. Typically, the weapons are shotgun, pistol, and rifles. All three weapons are used in simulated problems or stages. We like to think of the scenarios (problems) as old western type situations similar to saloon style shootout movies.

Regardless of the shooting scenario… Matches are typically similar to the following video.

Great shooter, right?

In addition to the video, we found a long winded webpage that talks about competitions and rules. The Readers Digest version is below. You can read the whole page, here.

Rifle

Must be a center fire rifle. For most rifle stages an AR15 .223 is the preferred weapon of choice. Other variations used are:

• Ruger Mini-14 (in .223)
• M1 Carbine (in .30 carbine)
• SKS, AK-47 (in 7.62×39)
• Marlin CAMP-9 Carbine (in 9mm)
• M1A .308 Caliber

Shotgun
Must be between 20 gauge (smallest gauge allowed) and 12 gauge (largest allowed). Pump action or semi-automatic are the standard. Most people use semi-automatic shotguns because of the quickness of reload time.

Pistol
9mm or above center fire pistol.

This is a long list but is what you will need for your 3 gun exercise. Parts of this have been reworded but this is essentially a copy and past from the authors webpage. Before you get into the middle of this a couple notes. Every match you go to has different rules. If it is going to be your first match reach out to the match director and talk with them about what you are going to need. Tell them that this is your first 3 gun match and they will be very excited to share their sport with you. Here is a high level list of necessities.

Your First Match Needs

When you come out to your first match, you will need to bring along a minimum contingent of equipment. Don’t go overboard initially. Your first match equipment should include:

Rifle:

• If you have a rifle that qualifies for competition, bring it. If not, bring enough .223 ammunition and you may be able to borrow one.
• A rifle case (soft or hard). When you first arrive at our range, your rifle must be encased
• At least 3 30-round magazines, or the equivalent in lower capacity magazines. Our rifle stages can require as many as 60 rounds. If you need to take any extra shots, you’re into a third magazine. You probably want to carry at least one spare in case you have a problem during the run — it’s easier to just drop the magazine and stick in a new one
• Some way to carry around your extra magazines. Various types of inexpensive magazine pouches are available from a number of sources, although you may be able to just stick it in your belt or pocket for your first match, but you may have to go prone and get up again
• At least 100 rounds of ammunition. If you need extra shots, better have enough ammunition. If you have a “range malfunction” during your run and need to “reshoot”, you’d better have enough ammunition to reshoot the entire course. There’s no point in cutting too close on the amount of ammunition you bring, you can always use the excess at the next match.

Shotgun

• If you have a shotgun that qualifies for competition, bring it. If not, bring enough 12 gauge ammunition and you may be able to borrow one.
• A shotgun case (soft or hard). When you first arrive at our range, your shotgun must be encased!
• At least 50 rounds of lead shot, size #4 or smaller (i.e., #6, #7 1/2, #8, etc.). In addition, we sometimes require slugs on certain stages. Some way to carry extra rounds during the running of the course. This could include holders that attach to your belt; a pouch (like a “fanny pack”) that goes around your waist; special shotgun ammunition belts with elastic loops to hold individual rounds, which goes around your waist or is worn as a bandoleer over one shoulder, etc.

Pistol

• Your handgun: A semi-automatic pistol in at least 9mm (no .380 or smaller)
• A holster that attaches to your belt, completely covers the trigger area of your handgun, and keeps the muzzle of the holstered handgun pointed downward in to a “zone” that is within 1 meter of the wearer. Inexpensive nylon holsters are fine, but if it has a snap closure, you must snap it closed to start your run.
• At least four magazines. It is not unusual for a stage to require one to three mandatory magazine changes. A single stage may require 35-40 rounds, so even without mandatory changes, you may use three or more magazines in the execution of a stage.
• Pouches or other way to hold your spare magazines at your belt. Again, inexpensive nylon holders are available at most gunshops and even some discount stores
• At least 100 rounds of ammunition. If you need extra shots, better have enough ammunition. If you have a “range malfunction” during your run and need to “reshoot”, you’d better have enough ammunition to reshoot the entire course. There’s no point in cutting too close on the amount of ammunition you bring, you can always use the excess at the next match.

Other:

• Eye and ear protection. To shoot a 3-Gun match you must wear safety or shooting glasses and some type of ear protection (plugs or muffs). Your regular sunglasses will not qualify as safety glasses, except for certain models that are designed as sports safety glasses as well.
• Clothing that is suitable for the season and provides adequate freedom of movement without being too loose, causing catches on props. If the weather forecast includes moisture, you might want to bring some foul-weather gear (rainsuit, poncho, etc.).
• Knee and/or elbow pads, especially if you are sensitive in those areas. You can count on having to go to kneeling and prone positions during every match. If some padding will prevent injury when you get too enthusiastic, consider bringing some.
• Water and food. Especially during the summer, dehydration is a constant problem. Normally soft drinks and water are for sale, but it is usually easier if you bring some yourself and have it with you. A light snack can help keep your energy up as well.

Hopefully this helps explain a little more about 3 gun competitions. If you have questions, suggestions, or just want to say hello put in your comments.