Getting ready for 3 gun!

Jeremy Haynes · May 1, 2012

Well, i told myself that i am going to MAKE the time to shoot a few competitions this year and i have found a 3 gun match that is not too bad of a drive from where i am. I have shot USPSA and IDPA previously and have my pistol setup fine, but am still unsure about what i need for rifle/shotgun. Here is what i have currently, i will be adding too it and replacing stuff as i can, but it will not be an overnight process. I want to get some feedback from you guys on the changes i should prioritize.

Pistol: Glock 34 set up for IDPA SSP division. Plenty of mags, Comp Tac holster and mag holders. I think im fine there, will add a magwell and some extensions to a few mags to hit the 140mm lenght for 3 gun. Vanek trigger, good sights etc...

Rifle: CMMG 16" stainless bull upper, carbine gas system, spikes lower w ACE skeleton stock and A2 buffer. 2.5-10 Vortex Viper PST. I should have a TAC 30, MTAC or Viper PST 1-4x soon. Im going to be working on a 3 gun dedicated upper, but that will take some time. Also going to be doing a trigger ASAP for the lower, i like what i read about JP and CMC triggers and will probably go that route. they seem pretty good for the money.

Shotgun: Remington 1100, Skeet setup... 28" Barrel, full stock. I have 3 1100's, going to have 1 of the barrels cut down to 22" and have it threaded for rem chokes, its probably going to be a few weeks before this gets done, so i will be shooting a full length barrel until then, im not too worried about it at the local level, but should have it set up a bit better before long. I read something about the daves metal works feed ramp, and will be picking one of those up with a 3 round mag extension.

I currently have ZERO mag holders for the rifle and shotgun. What would i need as a bare minimum to start?

So, where should i start?!? I am just going to get out there with what i have a burn as many rounds down range and see what i feel like should go first, but with anything, i welcome other peoples opinions and feedback.

Thanks!

-Jeremy

Wall · May 1, 2012

I personally don't use mag holders for rifle. I use the space on the belt for Shotgun caddies. I run 2 pistol mag holders on my belt & 4 sometimes 5 caddies depending on the round count. I use my weak hand back pocket for a couple rifle mags.

It sounds like you've got eveything figured out with your guns already. On the shotgun....whatever tube extension you get, I'd make sure it will allow you to get (at the minimum) 8 in the tube. 9 is better but 8 minimum.

drmitchgibson · May 1, 2012

As a bare minimum you should get some shotshell caddies, but you can probably borrow some from other shooters. You could also borrow AR mag pouches. Choate makes inexpensive shell caddies, Blade-tech makes some inexpensive AR mag pouches via Midway, and Triple Crown might make some for a great price, too. You won't need more than two rifle mags for any stage unless you miss a lot on the long range, and if you get the 18-round Nordic mag extension you'll only need more than one mag for mandatory reloads. Your best money spent on modifying your AR will be free-floating the barrel, which will pay off immediately on the 200 and 300 yard shots.

Your Remington 1100 will probably work pretty well as long as it's clean before the match. Wall's right about the extension though. When you're loading shotshells during a stage time slows wayyyy down, at least for me..

brandt9913 · May 1, 2012

Mag extension is a definite yes. If you get a Nordic Comp mag extension, you can swap the mag tube and barrel clamp to a different gun and just replace the $40 mag extension nut.

I would wait to have the barrel on one of your 1100's cut down. A 26" or 28" barrel is not going to be that big of a deal at the local level. If you stick with 3 gun, you will end up with a benelli or FN eventually. No reason to cut down a barrel if you end up switching to another shotgun in 6-12 months.

I'm also new to 3 gun, but I ended up with buying a Benelli within 6 months. After shooting a few matches, you will see why Benelli is the shotgun of choice.

KurtM · May 1, 2012

Mitch has given you perhapse the best info you can get. Your 1100, while being a bit harder to use in general cvan still be very competitive, and the winner of the recent Colorado State 3-Gun used a Remington sportsman 58, which is like a really old 1100. Everything Mitch said is spot on, so beg or borrow untill you know what works for you, and a back pocket is always just fine.

brandt9913 · May 2, 2012

KurtM said:
Mitch has given you perhapse the best info you can get. Your 1100, while being a bit harder to use in general cvan still be very competitive, and the winner of the recent Colorado State 3-Gun used a Remington sportsman 58, which is like a really old 1100. Everything Mitch said is spot on, so beg or borrow untill you know what works for you, and a back pocket is always just fine.

And I believe a Benelli team shooter just endorsed a Remington shotgun.

mike cyrwus · May 2, 2012

Hardly

shootingbuff · May 2, 2012

Pretty much agree with everythng that has been stated. I would concentrate on the gas system and keep a spare O-ring er gas seal in your range kit.

I believe the "man" stated a fact in reference to a single match. lol

Jeremy Haynes · May 2, 2012

Thanks for the help guys!
The AR is free floated already, but the heavy barrel just has a target crown and no comp/flash hider, im pretty sure i can have it threaded for a comp but i will probably hold off on this upper since i have it set up for varmints.
Working on finding mag holders now, will probably just hit a few matches to see what i like.

For the 1100, ive already got a spare gas kit so i should be good there. Shotshell holder, tac bolt handle and easy loader are on the way!
Hope to see you guys at a match soon!