Newbie 3 Gun Match question

R

RedRaider271

Private
Full Member
Minuteman
Mar 12, 2010
137
19
47
DFW Texas
#1
I have read numerous posts on ideal setups for 3 gun matches, and I have also read numerous posts that say don't go out and spend tons of $$ until you know you like it and want to pursue the sport.

I have been shooting my whole life and finally decided this year that I am going to try a couple of matches out. I am shooting in two events over the next month.

** Question:
Everyone I talk to says 1-4x scopes are the way to go for 3 gun, I have a Leupold 2-7x that I have had my whole life that I have been shooting on my Larue 18" stealth. I am open to upgrading later if I like 3 gun, but can I manage a few months with my 2-7x...?

The competition states that I need a carbine capable of engaging targets from 0-500yrds. Is there that big of difference in 1-2 power? Could I get through close range shooting?

Additionally I have access to an aimpoint M3, but is that bad idea for tactial class???

I appreciate any input or advice for my first matches... I am excited, but want to be prepared before getting there.
Thanks
 
#2
Re: Newbie 3 Gun Match question

Lose the Leupold and get a 1x scope. You could go with what you have but the biggest issue is the 2x and second issue is the leupold. Can you keep both eyes open and engage targets at fifteen yeards? Now what about fifteen to ten feet? I have been to some with targets from 2 feet away all the way out to six hundred yards on the same stage. Biggest of all is know your rifle and know your gear well. And don't show up with a magazine in the magwell. "cold ranges always"
 
#3
Re: Newbie 3 Gun Match question

At close range you can just shoot over the top of the scope. I run a 1-4, but tried a 2-7 at a match that had longer shots. I just "point shot" all the close stuff. I suffered on mid range movers though,
In the end you should just go try it with what you have. It will be fun, you will keep doing it. Good luck.
 
#7
Re: Newbie 3 Gun Match question

Good advice to shoot what you've already got for your first match. 2-7x is not optimal, but it'll get you by. There are a bunch of low power variables out there and lots of opinions on which one is "best". Go slowly and give a lot of thought into the gear you buy. You can spend a lot very quickly if you aren't careful. Ask me how I know....

Talk to the other shooters at the match. You'll find most of them friendly and willing to help you out with advice on equipment and suggestions on how to negotiate the stages.

Good luck and above all else, have fun!
 
#8
Re: Newbie 3 Gun Match question

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: DT1</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Good advice to shoot what you've already got for your first match. 2-7x is not optimal, but it'll get you by. There are a bunch of low power variables out there and lots of opinions on which one is "best". Go slowly and give a lot of thought into the gear you buy. You can spend a lot very quickly if you aren't careful. Ask me how I know....

Talk to the other shooters at the match. You'll find most of them friendly and willing to help you out with advice on equipment and suggestions on how to negotiate the stages.

Good luck and above all else, have fun! </div></div>

+1
 
#11
Re: Newbie 3 Gun Match question

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Delta271</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Thats cool, I am actually pretty good with my irons, I have been shooting them the longest, just never shot in any competitions to see how good I really am... </div></div>
If you are good with irons I would shoot with those. Irons is what I started with and I did just fine.
Practice the long shots with irons is the hardest thing. I have had been running the Troy DOA and they work great for up close and out to five hundred yards. After your match let us know how it went. Trust me you will be into this sport after the first comp. It is addicting.
 
#12
Re: Newbie 3 Gun Match question

I suggest you use your current scope to try out 3 Gunning.

Every match has a "flavor" and will reward/punish one type of optic or another with target choice and distance.

Assuming you like 3 Gun competition, the other competitors will have plenty of gear to look at, which will make your next purchase far more comfortable.

Have fun and don't get too wrapped up in planning to win before you know if you like it.
 
#13
Re: Newbie 3 Gun Match question

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: BOLTRIPPER</div><div class="ubbcode-body">there are some that have spanked the optics players,....with plane'ole irons.......on numerous occasions </div></div>

I have been spanked...on more than one occasion...by shooters with iron sights. It is humbling to watch that kind of shooter with his equipment.

I run matches here, and I encourage a "run-what-you-brung", "you brought her to the dance" kind of matches. It is all for fun. If you decide that different gear is in your future, put your hands on many different scopes. Look through them, shoot with them if you can. If you were closer, I would let you run my menagerie through the paces.

Wally
 
#14
Re: Newbie 3 Gun Match question

thanks for the advice, I am going to give it a try, got rained out this weekend but will be at the next one....

Any of you guys run 1911 handgun in the 3 gun matches...just curious what type of round count you haul, 8 or 10 round mags etc??
 
#15
Re: Newbie 3 Gun Match question

use the 2-7 until you get to try some other equipment. A friend of mine runs a simple Leupold 3-9 hunting scope. He competes nationally and is sponsored by a major firearms company.
 
#16
Re: Newbie 3 Gun Match question

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Delta271</div><div class="ubbcode-body">thanks for the advice, I am going to give it a try, got rained out this weekend but will be at the next one....

Any of you guys run 1911 handgun in the 3 gun matches...just curious what type of round count you haul, 8 or 10 round mags etc?? </div></div>

The match you shoot will probably have rules on round count. The two most common pistol platforms at 3-gun or multigun matches are Glock & 1911 (hi cap & single stack).
 
#17
Re: Newbie 3 Gun Match question

I have a single stack custom 1911, I run Wilson Combat 8 round magazines...I know they make 10 round mags as well, just curious if in most stages if carrying 40 rounds is enough on average to complete a stage or if I need to trade my 8 rounds for tens... obviously it depends on hitting the target, and stage design
smile.gif
but just curious what most people carry on a single stack. I had a XDm I just traded, I am partial to the 1911 just because I have shot them all of my life.
 
#18
Re: Newbie 3 Gun Match question

Delta, where in the DFW area are you? If you want to meet up in the near future, I have a Millett DMS-1 1-4x and a Falcon M1.5-5x you are more than welcome to try out and see how you like them. Send me a pm and let me know.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

M
Rifle Competition Events Geissele Gas Gun Series Questions
Replies
8
Views
402
ZA206
ZA206
earthquake
20” CF Creed: how bad will this suck for a 2-day PRS match?
Replies
7
Views
521
earthquake
earthquake
C
PRS Talk Gas gun questions
Replies
6
Views
532
loclass
L
PBWalsh
AL DMR Match
Replies
11
Views
419
newageroman
newageroman
M
First PRS match next month, interested in opinions on what to shoot
Replies
57
Views
3K
gng4life
G
Top Bottom
Back
Home
Forums
Merch
Alerts