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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.