Cost of Being a Pro 3-Gun Competitor 2013

jtischauser · Dec 10, 2013

I try to keep pretty accurate tabs on what it cost me to try not to lose money shooting matches all year. I shot 19 major state, regional or national level matches in pistol, shotgun, 2 gun, and 3 gun disciplines. I thought I would share my expenditures from this year's major matches in case anybody else has dreams of becoming a "Pro" shooter.

Well at least it looks like I'll be getting a tax refund this year.

drmitchgibson · Dec 10, 2013

Awesome post, no sarcasm.

Eric_williams · Dec 10, 2013

that is a great post and your expenses took everything into account too.

Burk Cornelius · Dec 10, 2013

You cam a lot closer to breaking even that I did as a "Pro" team roper.

mike cyrwus · Dec 10, 2013

All it costs to be a "pro" when I had the chance was a membership card that cost $250 or so.

jtischauser · Dec 10, 2013

mike cyrwus said:
All it costs to be a "pro" when I had the chance was a membership card that cost $250 or so.

It cost $250 per match to shoot the pro series. We aren't talking about that. The point of my post was about trying to make a living as a pro shooter there Kurt. Err I mean Mike.

mike cyrwus · Dec 10, 2013

oh, I thought it was how much is costs to be able to call yourself a pro.

well, I guess Ill open up your spreadsheet and give it a gander

mike cyrwus · Dec 10, 2013

thats pretty close to break even.
but your business enterprise gets killed when you take into account ammo, guns and others stuff like that, even the ones you get a deal on.

So, its looking like if someone wants to make a run at 3gn, they better be independently wealthy and have some free time (and a wife who hasnt killed him yet!)

charger arms · Dec 10, 2013

You need to include all the comps you get from your sponsors, like your bountiful harvest of Dominoâ€™s, KFC, and the always delicious Taco Bell as seen in this recent family dinner photo

dennishoddy · Dec 10, 2013

Doing Pro anything is largely a loosing battle. I tried the pro route in MotoX, and finally Bass Fishing. Unless your picked up by a factory for a full ride, with a salary, its tough to make ends meet with winnings.

Its all about the self challenge, and the love of the sport for 99.99% of competitors at that level.

Jesse, I can't open your file as I don't have office at home, but I'll bet I know exactly how it reads.

Avezorak · Dec 10, 2013

Thats really cool. I know you have a lot more invested than what is on the list, but thats pretty cool to be able to do that much shooting and travelling and only cost a little over a grand. Hard work pays off. Thanks for sharing.

Bob Sanders · Dec 11, 2013

That's pretty amazing! I didn't think you were getting rich, but I did believe it would be more than break even. From the other end of the shooting spectrum, I'm also in the red. Expenses: guns, gear, ammo, fees. Winnings: 2 pmags and a pair of tactical gloves. Intangibles: new friends, first major match, and one of the best summers of my life. Priceless!

James Peel · Dec 11, 2013

I don't even want to think about how much I've spent on this sport since taking that first shot in January 2013......

Feegee · Dec 11, 2013

This is a cool post. I need to do this to see how much shooting cost in general. Oh and also hide it from the wife.

mike cyrwus · Dec 11, 2013

-Dear baby Jesus, we ask that you bless my sponsors......

jtischauser · Dec 11, 2013

Yep without the help of my great sponsors I wouldn't be a me to do it that's for sure. Especially when you tack on 20,000 rounds of ammo, a new Open Pistol, a new Benelli and new rifle every year or two.

Speaking of sponsors here is a shout out to mine...

Stag Arms
Red Dirt Plants
Accurate Iron
Optics Planet
Swarovski Optik
Streamlight
5.11 Tactical
Bladetech
BoomerShooter.com
AR Gold Triggers
Make Ready Pro Shop
TACCOM
AP Customs
Samson Manufacturing
Fiocchi USA
XRail

hunter_dmw12 · Dec 11, 2013

the cost of being a rolemodel to a 5 year old boy...... priceless

WillR · Dec 11, 2013

Just under a grand average per match. It's a expensive sport.

jtischauser · Dec 11, 2013

WillR said:
Just under a grand average per match. It's a expensive sport.

I'm definitely going to choose the right matches in an attempt to loose less $ next year. Unfortunately the shotgun stuff doesn't pay the bills but damn I love shooting them. Gonna be a tough decision on those. Gotta book flights and such early too. The last match cost me a fortune to get my flight late. Baggage fees suck too on any airline other than SW where you get two bags free.