Suggestions for 3 gun competition

K

Kermit

New member
I have bitten by the competition bug. Did my 1st IDPA match 2 weeks ago. Great bunch of people, more fun than I don't know what :D :D
Anyway, one of the guys I met tells me I should try my hand at 3 gun competition...So, I guess I need handgun, rifle & shotgun.
I have the handgun (USP Expert 45)
Need help w/ shotgun & rifle. Big restriction tho, I live in the land of make believe...CA :rolleyes: so the rifle is heavily restricted.
 
Most people use rifles like the ar-15 due to the large capacity and light recoil. Other less popular ones are SKS Garands and such. Shotguns like the 1100 and Benelli are most popular due to large extended mag tubes that are relatively cheap. You will have more issues with the rifle legality than the shotgun. Browning and winchester also make really good shotguns for this type of competition. I would get a auto loader definately.
 
I would check with some local clubs on what they use for those types of matches.

You must love the Socialist Republic Of Kalifornia
 
For the most part, a lot of pre-ban ar's and hk's. The newer guys are using m1a1's, a couple of mini 14's (not a fan of those), and a couple of garands.
Thinking about a m1a1 scout, but I'd like more options before I decide.
 
Hey Kermit. An M1A would be your next best bet. A Mini 14 would probably be more practical (a lot of these matches are at pistol distances) but the M1A Scout is a beauty and has it down if you are into pride of ownership. If it's JUST a tool then a Mini-14 won't be a bad idea. But the M1A Scout is a real bad-ass rifle and even the AR shooters admit they feel like pussies once they've shot my Scout. Slower, but much more powerful.
 
Bad ass was my fully dressed HK 91 that I had. Regret selling it :( You know, young and stupid, I had my share! :rolleyes:
 
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Kermit -

CA friendly 3 gun rifle:

Ruger camp carbine

Mini 14.

Go with a lessser caliber. All things being equal in a 3 gun match, a 7.62 shooter will loose to a 5.56 shooter b/c of the speed of follow up shots.

SGs -

Most common pumps

870
500 (590)


Autos

1100 series
Benelli

Autos can be finicky about their diet - esp if it is an auto that is cut down.

Pumps require more practice as short stroking is common - esp on a steel course where it is all about speed.

SGs with lengthened forcing cones offer an advantage in that you can run a light game or skeet load and still keep enough pellets in a small to drop steel poppers.

Ported guns reduce recoil a smidge and more importantly reduce muzzle climb.

Together these result in faster follow up shots.

Do a search of the SG forum.

Pay attention to:

Shell lifter position for reloads (dinging your digits during fast reloads)
Safety location (you will begin the round with the safety on)
Stock type and how it is effected by the safety location
Sights - bead, rifle, ghost ring or optics
Side saddle - a must
18" vs 20" guns and swing rates
Extended mag tubes / course design / swing rates

Practice, practice, practice.......

Good luck
 
Benellis are definitely nice for the shotgun portion. However, you might want to check the new Winchester SX2s. Not as much felt recoil as the Benelli. I love my Benelli, but it can be a hammer, especially with slugs.

At our local 3 gun club, most of our members use Benellis. 1100s were popular, but it seemed that almost everyones took a dive at the same time and were replaced with Benellis.

Don't have a good suggestion for the rifle portion, as ARs are predominant here.

Good luck! :cool:
 
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