new 3 gunner has questions

[Guest jcramin]

I am wanting to get into 3 gun. I have never done it before and I just need some help. Some questions I have is.. what types of guns would be good for a new 3 gunner. I do not own a shot gun, I do own a .30cal carbine from WWII with a hand made stock. I also own several hand guns including a SW 1911 commander length and a Kimber 1911 commander length. The rest of my pistols are revolvers or compact or pocket semi autos.

What should I do to get some practice before actually entering a match.

I am just a casual pistol shooter.

Thanks,

J

[molonlabetn]

I'm a new 3-gunner, myself. I just participated in a match in Manchester recently... and it was an incredible learning experience.

Most of the guys who competed were using Glocks, XDs, or M&Ps... but there was a few 1911s and a Beretta. The shotguns of choice were Benelli and Remington autoloaders... but me and one other guy were using Mossberg 590s. Every rifle except for mine was an AR... I used an AK.

From what I gathered, the most important things to practice were:

Quickly draw, acquire and accurately hit multiple targets quickly.

Reloading (especially the shotgun)

Rapid fire acquisition of targets with the rifle, and having the proper breathing technique (make sure you verify your sights/scope are zeroed...)

The other guys did a great job of walking me through the courses of fire until I got the hang of things... So don't worry about that. Just practice safe gun handling with whatever you have, and if you want to try out a few different shotguns I'm sure any of the folks on here would let you try a few different models to see what fits you best.

Where are you located?

[Guest jcramin]

I am in the Memphis area (Bartlett)

I have been in the market to buy a .40 cal M&P and a AR and a shotgun. Its just going to be a one at a time process and since Id like to get into 3 gun I guess I will think about getting what works for that,

J

[MCFooter]

It looks like Molonlabetn has most everything covered but...

You could start in heavy Metal Class with what you have and a ~$150 12G Pump Police trade in Gun if you don't mind feeding the 30cal and 45acp.

If your looking for a reason to pick up some new hardware the most reccomended are

- 223 AR w/Rifle length gas 18-20" barrel (JP if you have the $)

- 21"-24" Benelli M1 or M2 Field ( I like the 21" M2)

- .40 cal High Cap Pistol for USPSA and Reloading (S*I if you have the $)

- 9mm High Cap Pistol for Outlaw and IMG

As for practice.

Run you Rifle for Accuracy

Your Pistol for Speed

and know how to reload your SG

Just remember being SAFE and having fun is the name of the game.

For more 3 gun info look here http://www.brianenos.com/forums/

This may be the closest 3 Gun to you which I believe is USPSA

http://www.memphis-ssa.com/

[RWF]

the M1 30 cal carbine that i am thinking of is a pistol round or a small straight wall round if so that would not be allowed at some matches like Manchester that require bottle neck cartridge for the rifle, but i am sure if you showed up at a any match they would not turn you away. Heavy Metal division is for things like M1A/M14 or 308 AR's. we hope you do give 3 gun a try it is a lot fun.

[Guest jcramin]

Yes the 30 cal M1 is a small straight round. I am going to work on getting a couple better guns and I will be trying 3gun. It sounds like a fun time.

Thanks,

J

[Guest Cap and Ball]

I too am new to 3 gun matches although I have shot several matches, I usually do pretty good in rifle , but not to good in pistol and terrible in shotgun . I hope to get alot of practice in this winter to try to bring my times down next year. Does anyone know of some winter matches or some that start early next year?

[MCFooter]

I too am new to 3 gun matches although I have shot several matches, I usually do pretty good in rifle , but not to good in pistol and terrible in shotgun . I hope to get alot of practice in this winter to try to bring my times down next year. Does anyone know of some winter matches or some that start early next year?

Where are you at and how far are you willing to drive?

[Guest price g]

My turn, At my 3-gun matches, I don't sweat what firearms you use as long as they are safe. It is an expensive sport and not everyone like bob c and mcfooter have an unlimited budget.I will even loan you a set of guns if you think you would like to try it before committing.With ammo going crazy, you must be selective on what you buy. IDPA gets easier after a few 3-gun matches.

[MCFooter]

I don't know about BOB but I'm working on a shoe string Budget.

I too am a believer in shooting what you got.

Atleast until you know what you want.

[Guest Cap and Ball]

Where are you at and how far are you willing to drive?

I am in Marshall County, I would probably drive an hour, as long as it wasn't every weekend (that would probably end up with me sleeping on the couch)

all joking aside I would like to get more involved.

[RWF]

i guess i am pretty lucky, we, my wife and i are both shooters, so when i drive almost 4 hours to do a 3 gun match (she only shoots pistol) she just says have fun and be safe. NPTS is within a hour of you but they do not have regular 3 gun matches, but do seem to have a side match with long guns about once a quarter or so.

[MCFooter]

Does anyone know of some winter matches or some that start early next year?

The next T3G within ~1 Hr will be in Feb at Middle TN Shooters Club in Manchester.

http://www.midtnshooters.com/

Steel City in ~Birmingham,AL will be having a Tac Rifle Match 12/29/07

Where have you been shooting? Billy's ?

[Guest DaG]

I think the Cleveland club is now doing a monthly 3gun on the 2nd Sat. (me thinks anyway)

DaG

[Guest Cap and Ball]

The next T3G within ~1 Hr will be in Feb at Middle TN Shooters Club in Manchester.

http://www.midtnshooters.com/

Steel City in ~Birmingham,AL will be having a Tac Rifle Match 12/29/07

Where have you been shooting? Billy's ?

What are all the laws in AL concerning all that hardware crossing the state line? Yes I have been shooting at Billys. How does Billys compare to others ? Are they set up similar /rules pretty much the same or no where close ?

[MCFooter]

What are all the laws in AL concerning all that hardware crossing the state line? Yes I have been shooting at Billys. How does Billys compare to others ? Are they set up similar /rules pretty much the same or no where close ?

I'm pretty sure carrying (semi auto) unloaded weapons to southern states is a non-issue but it could be for some of the socialist/communist states.

Billy's is not as strict as most matches but it's pretty close in most cases. Other matches may require you to shoot upto all 3 guns in a single stage.

[Guest price g]

I think the Cleveland club is now doing a monthly 3gun on the 2nd Sat. (me thinks anyway)

DaG

Roger that. 2nd saturday every month.$10 bucks to shoot I try to start around 9am, but that never works out.CHRPC.com for directions. pjag@comcast.net for rules. price g.

[Guest jcramin]

Well I think I am going to get a 22 and start some bullseye 22 stuff and maybe practical pistol and IDPA with my present 1911. I think ill also barrow a shotgun from my dad and use my 1911 and my M1 Carbine and try some 3gun too.

J

[tnroadrunner]

Keep an eye on the Calendar on this site as I will be posting all the IDPA and 3 Gun matches that will be held at Henry County Gun Club in Puryear, TN.