What division for new 3-gunners

darkmark · Nov 13, 2012

I just shot my first 3 gun match and I'm hooked. It's the most fun I've had with my pants on

What division would you recommend to a new shooter and why? I shot tac irons but had a hard time with the rifle shots at distance.

THanks for any and all input.

jtischauser · Nov 13, 2012

Most new shooters have either irons on their rifle or a red dot because that's what the M4's have and everybody wants a cool M4 clone. Unfortunately its not easy to shoot past 150-200 yards with irons or a red dot without a lot of practice. So I would shoot Tac Optics. Get a good entry level scope such as the Burris Tac 30 and get after it. It's amazing how much more fun the game is when you can see and hit the targets.

45recoil · Nov 13, 2012

+eleventy billion to what Jesse said.

Dustin Cantrell · Nov 13, 2012

I'm not an expert but wanted to welcome you to the forum. Thanks for joining!

jtischauser · Nov 13, 2012

Oh and welcome to the party!

Matt1911 · Nov 13, 2012

Rock it with a 1-4x scope and you'll be tits.

Wall · Nov 13, 2012

Welcome aboard!!!!
Red Dots are a blast for hosing fast and close. Unfortunately my eyes won't allow me to use my Eotech for the long range targets. If you can't see well enough to hit the distance targets your best option is Tac Optics with at least a 1-4x scope. As suggested, the Tac30 is a nice entry level scope. Whatever you get, just make sure it goes down to 1x.

Steve L · Nov 13, 2012

Howdy...I will reiterate what has already been said with one addition. What is the furthest distance you will shoot at any local 3 gun you may have? If its under 200 yards (like my local matches) stick to the red dot and shoot a ton of ammo through what you have. If its further then that, well back to what was said the Tac30 is hard to beat for the money.

jtischauser · Nov 13, 2012

Steve L said:
Howdy...I will reiterate what has already been said with one addition. What is the furthest distance you will shoot at any local 3 gun you may have? If its under 200 yards (like my local matches) stick to the red dot and shoot a ton of ammo through what you have. If its further then that, well back to what was said the Tac30 is hard to beat for the money.

Good point Steve! I'd go with a red dot if the max was only 200 as well. They are super fast up close which is usually 80% or more of the shooting.

Burk Cornelius · Nov 13, 2012

Matt Rigsby said:
Rock it with a 1-4x scope and you'll be tits.

Actually, forget all of the advice you have read so far. All you have to do is talk like this and nobody will care what division you are in. You will be one of the cool guys!

darkmark · Nov 13, 2012

Steve L said:
Howdy...I will reiterate what has already been said with one addition. What is the furthest distance you will shoot at any local 3 gun you may have? If its under 200 yards (like my local matches) stick to the red dot and shoot a ton of ammo through what you have. If its further then that, well back to what was said the Tac30 is hard to beat for the money.

The problem is I don't have a red dot, just irons. Is it worth it tobuy a red dot or is money better spent on a 1x 4? Also will my FSB become an issue with the 1x4?

Spiff · Nov 13, 2012

darkmark said:
The problem is I don't have a red dot, just irons. Is it worth it tobuy a red dot or is money better spent on a 1x 4? Also will my FSB become an issue with the 1x4?

It depends on where you want to end up. There is absolutely nothing wrong with shooting irons, and they can be wicked fast. It sounds like you're just starting out, so I'd stick with that until you've got a few more matches under your belt and a better idea of what you want to do.

Shooting a red dot at distance is not much easier than shooting irons, so if you're having trouble with that you may want to go straight to a scope. Or maybe it's something a little practice can sort out!

Steve L · Nov 13, 2012

My opinion is I want to play with the most competition and that is Tac Ops so if I were you I would buy the scope...BUTTT!!!with your FSB question, the more you shoot 3gun the more you are going to realize the gun set up you have is not ideal for what you are doing. so with that you have to decide how crazy you want to go with altering your current rifle or getting something else. you can use a 1-4 with a front post without too much issue. the burris pepr mount is hard to beat for the money.

and what spiff said!

Matt1911 · Nov 13, 2012

Burk Cornelius said:
Actually, forget all of the advice you have read so far. All you have to do is talk like this and nobody will care what division you are in. You will be one of the cool guys!

Damn straight. It doesn't matter what the Hell you shoot if you ain't kickin it with the cool kids.

nikatkimber · Nov 19, 2012

darkmark said:
The problem is I don't have a red dot, just irons. Is it worth it tobuy a red dot or is money better spent on a 1x 4? Also will my FSB become an issue with the 1x4?

Spiff said:
It depends on where you want to end up. There is absolutely nothing wrong with shooting irons, and they can be wicked fast. It sounds like you're just starting out, so I'd stick with that until you've got a few more matches under your belt and a better idea of what you want to do.

Shooting a red dot at distance is not much easier than shooting irons, so if you're having trouble with that you may want to go straight to a scope. Or maybe it's something a little practice can sort out!

Basically, I agree with Spiff. It's also what I'm doing.

I don't want to put money in something not worth it, so I'm sticking with irons until I can afford a scope worth buying.

Not that my opinion is worth much on this, as I've only shot one match also. But I thought I'd go ahead and say something since I'm in the same boat right now.

Also, I figured I'm better off spending $3-400 bucks on practice ammo right now than on a scope.

DonC · Nov 19, 2012

Jesse Tischauser said:
Most new shooters have either irons on their rifle or a red dot because that's what the M4's have and everybody wants a cool M4 clone. Unfortunately its not easy to shoot past 150-200 yards with irons or a red dot without a lot of practice. So I would shoot Tac Optics. Get a good entry level scope such as the Burris Tac 30 and get after it. It's amazing how much more fun the game is when you can see and hit the targets.

Jesse; i would like to use both the Burris Tac 30(straight up) and the fastfire(angled)..... what kind of mount is available to do this or is it a custom build piece?

jtischauser · Nov 19, 2012

There are a bunch of offset red dot mounts. The Burkett mount is the biggest most expensive looking thing. I have one and its all good except it likes to come loose on me. Matt have me a remedy but I can't remember what he said. I bought the cheaper JP and other less expensive options and non of them seemed as robust.

DonC · Nov 19, 2012

Jesse Tischauser said:
There are a bunch of offset red dot mounts. The Burkett mount is the biggest most expensive looking thing. I have one and its all good except it likes to come loose on me. Matt have me a remedy but I can't remember what he said. I bought the cheaper JP and other less expensive options and non of them seemed as robust.

So i don't think i am going to use mine as hard as you do so which one, that you are not using, can you loan me for an extended period of time.................

jtischauser · Nov 19, 2012

I sold everyone but the burkett mount

I don't use them hard. In fact I've only used mine in about 3 matches.

KurtM · Nov 19, 2012

Scope with off-set red dot of any kind = open division.

Irons are much more usefull than most on here give them credit for. If that is what you have, use that untill you are sure what way you want to go and in the mean time you will learn about visual patience and trigger control, something alot of scope only folks struggle with. since they never really learned it.