3 gun questions?

tzimm007 · May 5, 2012

Howdy,
I am new to the forum and had a few questions. I would like to shoot the three gun matches at the Okc gun club but I want to make sure my guns are adequate and allowed. I have an AR but it is chambered in 7.62x39. I believe that round is allowed as long as the bullet is non magnetic? If there is anyone else that shoots one any info would be greatly appreciated as the ammo choices are every which way but loose! Should I consider switching to a 5.56 or 223 for ammo availability? I have mossberg pump 20 ga that I will have to run for awhile. I will also have to invest in a higher capacity pistol as mine are all single stack. Would it be reasonable to start with a 7+1 type pistol or would I have to carry 5 mags to get through a course of fire!! Last one for now... I have to be to be at work at 3:00 on Saturdays I would have to leave the range at 2:00 so is that enough time to compete?
Thanks for any info TJ

drmitchgibson · May 5, 2012

5.56/.223 is really only useful on long range shots. It is an extremely accurate cartridge. 7.62x39 is not as inherently accurate, and it's slow and heavy, so holdover becomes very problematic unless you're very well-practiced with the gun/load combo. Single stack pistols are fine, just get plenty of mags. You could probably sell or trade that Mossberg for an equivalent 12ga, but it doesn't really matter if you shoot it well.

OUshooter · May 5, 2012

I've actually seen a guy smoke some pretty nice 5.56mm with an AK. But he is an old school rifleman so I don't recommend it. Before you get to crazy with buying stuff I'd strongly recommend coming out asking lots of questions and shooting some different gear. Then you can make an informed decision. Funny thing about 3gun is that it gets expensive fast, and you want to make sure you spend wisely.

Lots of our local 3gunners would be happy to let you run their stuff and see what you like. Mitch's point is well taken. If you shoot it well, then what you are shooting doesn't matter.

tzimm007 · May 6, 2012

I'm planning on attending this month and trying to get a feel for it. My budget is pretty small so I'm afraid I'm stuck for awhile! I am really excited to give it a try! Is there any opportunity to try it on outside of a match?

drmitchgibson · May 6, 2012

If you're a member of the gun club, you can set up your own stages there and run them. If not, see you at the match.

tzimm007 · May 6, 2012

Alright the match it is!

OlSlyGuy · May 6, 2012

Hey tz, I'm planning to make that my first 3 gun match as well so you won't be alone. If you need to borrow some gear I'll be glad to help you out as much as I can and from what I hear so will everyone else there. These are some of the friendliest and most helpful guys on the planet.

See you there.

jtischauser · May 6, 2012

Does your shotgun have chokes? If not u may not be able to knock everything down depending on the stage design. If you need a 12 gauge, .223, and a double stack 9mm. I know a guy that has a loaner setup u could use if you want to.

tzimm007 · May 6, 2012

Looking forward to it OlSlyGuy. I would have to agree with you on the willingness of the guys to share the advice and equipment with the newbies.

tzimm007 · May 6, 2012

Thanks Jesse I might take him up on that! My 20 is a 18in cylinder bore I do have the 24 in barrel that I hunt with and it has a polly choke. How long do the matches usually take to complete?