3-gun Match - Dust em' off

[DoxaPar]

So.. a few other questions that have been on my mind. I know some of them are probably "dumb questions" so please keep in mind my only experience with 3-gun is reading the rules sent to me and watching a few videos and browsing the web. I *think* I know the answers to some of these but want to confirm. I know there are new folks who are also coming too so maybe some of these will help if they've never seen a 3-gun match.

1) Are the "stages" designations of what type of firearm you use (i.e. "shotgun stage", "rifle stage", "handgun stage") and you only use that firearm at that stage or are the stages merely designations of position / targets type, etc?

2) Is it clear at each stage which firearm to use? Or are you allowed to use whichever you prefer for each stage?

3) Is a bipod, sling or shooting sticks required or recommended? Also are there rules regarding shooting positions (for example, you may not shoot from a kneeling position)?

4) While moving from stage to stage do you carry your firearms with you or do you leave them at each stage prepared for your use (application to the sling question)?

5) Besides a shotgun, handgun, rifle, ammo and a belt/holster is any other gear required or recommended?

6) Do folk generally confirm the sightings on their rifle on-site or must that be done prior to the match day? Or, in other words, is there a designated place to confirm your firearms are functioning correctly prior to starting?

7) Is there a "maximum time" allowed per stage or for the entity of the stages.

Thanks a ton guys and sorry to be a pest with all these questions!

[Payne]

So.. a few other questions that have been on my mind. I know some of them are probably "dumb questions" so please keep in mind my only experience with 3-gun is reading the rules sent to me and watching a few videos and browsing the web. I *think* I know the answers to some of these but want to confirm. I know there are new folks who are also coming too so maybe some of these will help if they've never seen a 3-gun match.
No dumb questions and you have some good ones here. I will do my best to answer them for you.

1) Are the "stages" designations of what type of firearm you use (i.e. "shotgun stage", "rifle stage", "handgun stage") and you only use that firearm at that stage or are the stages merely designations of position / targets type, etc?
Stages may consist of only one weapon, or all three. More to this answer is in the answer to question #2.

2) Is it clear at each stage which firearm to use? Or are you allowed to use whichever you prefer for each stage?
Each stage will have a "written stage description" posted at the front of the stage. Reading this will describe which weapons will be used and may even designate which targets can be engaged with which weapon, and may even designate strong hand, weak hand, etc..

3) Is a bipod, sling or shooting sticks required or recommended? Also are there rules regarding shooting positions (for example, you may not shoot from a kneeling position)?
Any rifle supporting device would put you into the "open" class. Slings are not considered a supporting device but they do tend to get caught up on other shooting gear during a course of fire and can sometimes pose a safety concern. They are not usually needed. Shooting positions are pretty much "free style", use whatever works for you.

4) While moving from stage to stage do you carry your firearms with you or do you leave them at each stage prepared for your use (application to the sling question)?
You will bring your weapons with you. Rules require that they be cased or put on shooting carts, weapon empty with chamber locked back. Handgun empty and either bagged or holstered with slide forward and hammer down.

5) Besides a shotgun, handgun, rifle, ammo and a belt/holster is any other gear required or recommended?
Eye and Ear protection are mandatory. Choke tubes, extra magazines, knee and elbow pads, colored shooting glasses, ammo boxes, shooting cart, folding chair, water and snacks, sunscreen, proper clothing for the weather, rain gear, etc.. are all optional equipment. After the first match you will see some unique things that shooters use. Some things will work for you other things maybe not so much.

6) Do folk generally confirm the sightings on their rifle on-site or must that be done prior to the match day? Or, in other words, is there a designated place to confirm your firearms are functioning correctly prior to starting?
It is best to come prepared with your rifle and pistol already sighted in.

7) Is there a "maximum time" allowed per stage or for the entity of the stages.
Some stages will have a maximum time only to assist in having the match run on time. Some of the targets you face will be difficult to hit and some shooters fail to remember that a miss might only cost them a ten second penalty and they will go through 3 magazines worth of ammo and spend 70 seconds trying to hit one target. Not a wise use of your time but this is hard to remember when under the pressure of a match.

Thanks a ton guys and sorry to be a pest with all these questions!

I hope this has helped.[/color]

[-=VILLY=-]

To answer your questions:

1) Are the "stages" designations of what type of firearm you use (i.e. "shotgun stage", "rifle stage", "handgun stage") and you only use that firearm at that stage or are the stages merely designations of position / targets type, etc?

Each stage will have a designation on which firearm to use. Note that the stages we do almost always use a combination of two or three guns, so you’ll be transitioning from gun to gun.

2) Is it clear at each stage which firearm to use? Or are you allowed to use whichever you prefer for each stage?

The stage will designate which targets must be engaged with which gun. Pay close attention to that as some of the targets cannot be engaged with certain guns, particularly steel targets not rated to be hit by a rifle round. The course of fire will be descriptive, but each shooter will come up with their own strategy to go at it. That is the challenge.

3) Is a bipod, sling or shooting sticks required or recommended? Also are there rules regarding shooting positions (for example, you may not shoot from a kneeling position)?

Bipods are only allowed in the Open Division. In that division, you’re allowed to put anything you want on your guns including curb feelers if you like. Slings are allowed but not recommended as you will not need to use it. Slings are a risk as they may get tangled on something. Shooting sticks are not allowed. Unless the stage procedure says otherwise, you’ll have the option to shoot on any body position you’d like.

4) While moving from stage to stage do you carry your firearms with you or do you leave them at each stage prepared for your use (application to the sling question)?

When moving stage to stage, it is recommended that your rifle and shotgun be cased or secured on a shooting cart. The shotgun and rifle must have the bolt locked back with an open chamber at all times when you’re not up as the shooter. Handguns must remain in your holster or cased at all times when not shooting. There will be times when shotgun tubes can be preloaded but wait until instructed to do so.

5) Besides a shotgun, handgun, rifle, ammo and a belt/holster is any other gear required or recommended?

Those are the basic equipment you’ll need. At the match, you’ll be able to see the gear the other people use and you can decide what other gear you might want to get. There’s a lot of options when it comes to gear. Some gear works better for others.

6) Do folk generally confirm the sightings on their rifle on-site or must that be done prior to the match day? Or, in other words, is there a designated place to confirm your firearms are functioning correctly prior to starting?

It is the shooter’s responsibility to come to the match with functioning firearms. There will not be a chance for you to test fire your gun unless a special circumstance arise. So sight-in and test fire your guns before the match.

7) Is there a "maximum time" allowed per stage or for the entity of the stages.

There will be designated par times for each stage. Those will be predetermined and written in the stage description. This is to keep any stages from causing a back-up.

[-=VILLY=-]

Damn Payne beat me to it again. Guy is just to quick. I might have to do some twiggin on his fingers.

[Keith]

Damn Payne beat me to it again. Guys is just to quick. I might have to do some twiggin on his fingers.

I know! I had a draft all ready to go too and while I was proofreading it I saw Payne's show up.

Oh well, my answers were better than both of yours anyway.

[shooter115]

So.. a few other questions that have been on my mind. I know some of them are probably "dumb questions" so please keep in mind my only experience with 3-gun is reading the rules sent to me and watching a few videos and browsing the web. I *think* I know the answers to some of these but want to confirm. I know there are new folks who are also coming too so maybe some of these will help if they've never seen a 3-gun match.

1) Are the "stages" designations of what type of firearm you use (i.e. "shotgun stage", "rifle stage", "handgun stage") and you only use that firearm at that stage or are the stages merely designations of position / targets type, etc?
You will use multiple weapons on each stage.

2) Is it clear at each stage which firearm to use? Or are you allowed to use whichever you prefer for each stage?
Target designations will be called out in the stage description

3) Is a bipod, sling or shooting sticks required or recommended? Also are there rules regarding shooting positions (for example, you may not shoot from a kneeling position)?
Unless you are shooting open division supporting devices such as a bipod are not allowed. You will not need a sling at the SCAPSA match. If you don't need it, you don't want it. Slings have the capability to snag on things such as your handgun which could get ugly.

4) While moving from stage to stage do you carry your firearms with you or do you leave them at each stage prepared for your use (application to the sling question)?
You take them with you. You might have a gun staged somewhere on the course though, depending on the stage.

5) Besides a shotgun, handgun, rifle, ammo and a belt/holster is any other gear required or recommended?
Some way to carry 2 extra pistol mags and one rifle mag, plus your shotgun shells. For your first match you can get by with using the pockets on a pair of cargo pants and chalk it up as an educational experience. It won't be ideal, but it will get you out there to see what works and what others are using.

6) Do folk generally confirm the sightings on their rifle on-site or must that be done prior to the match day? Or, in other words, is there a designated place to confirm your firearms are functioning correctly prior to starting?
You should have your gear ready to go before you get to the range.

7) Is there a "maximum time" allowed per stage or for the entity of the stages.
Yes. There is generally a par time on each stage.

Thanks a ton guys and sorry to be a pest with all these questions!
Hey better to ask now and try to get your mind around it vs. wait to the day of the match and hope to wing it.
Here's a video (courtesy of Dave/Huldra) from one of the matches at SCAPSA to give you a feel of what the match will be like. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LEH4VWyNjcs

[shooter115]

Damn Payne beat me to it again. Guys is just to quick. I might have to do some twiggin on his fingers.

I know! I had a draft all ready to go too and while I was proofreading it I saw Payne's show up.

Oh well, my answers were better than both of yours anyway.

Awe Crap....... better late than never I guess.

[DoxaPar]

I think we've just determined who will secure which place at the match.

Seriously, thanks guys. This is awesome.

[-=VILLY=-]

I think we've just determined who will secure which place at the match.

Don't count on that just yet. I got a few twigs, I mean tricks, up my sleaves.

[shooter115]

I think we've just determined who will secure which place at the match.

Don't count on that just yet. I got a few twigs, I mean tricks, up my sleaves.

Perfect.... and while he's down I'll blow by the two of you

[Payne]

No twig chukin allowed this year. You could take an eye out.

[Scoobyvroom]

Newb here wanting to attend this. Question I had. How many shotgun shells will be used on a stage. Can I get away with just putting shells in my pocket or am I going to need to carry 10+? Which would make getting a caddie a must. Then the question is what a 3X2? 2X4? or two 2X4s?

Just trying to get an idea, thanks!

[Keith]

Newb here wanting to attend this. Question I had. How many shotgun shells will be used on a stage. Can I get away with just putting shells in my pocket or am I going to need to carry 10+? Which would make getting a caddie a must. Then the question is what a 3X2? 2X4? or two 2X4s?

Just trying to get an idea, thanks!

Stages can vary from not having to reload your shotgun at all to reloading it 2 or 3 times. Or more.
Pockets would be fine to start or if you have something as simple as one of those trap shooting pouches for your belt, better yet.

Unless you really want to I wouldn't spend money on caddies right away. See what others are using at the match and ask why. Lots of options.

[tazdevil]

Newb here wanting to attend this. Question I had. How many shotgun shells will be used on a stage. Can I get away with just putting shells in my pocket or am I going to need to carry 10+? Which would make getting a caddie a must. Then the question is what a 3X2? 2X4? or two 2X4s?

Just trying to get an idea, thanks!

Caddie's are nice, but people have used pockets only (especially with cargo pants or tac pants that have larger, deep, easy to access pockets). Stage design is a mystery until your at that stage, but most will not go over 20-30 shells for a shotgun stage (except the shotgun match in July, but that's a different situation completely). Caddies make it easier to reload, some use chest "caddie" holder that works well for them. Practice reloading (with dummy shells please) in the house can do wonders for your ability there. B. Payne has a video of him reloading shells scarily fast from a chest device.

I'd say for your first time out, don't worry about too much gear. Buy gear after your first experience, see what others use and what might work best for you. You'll save lots of money for ammo that way!

[tazdevil]

Keith with the one minute faster draw time there!