ATTN 3 Gunners, what do I need?

Outcrydrummer

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I know this is an open ended question but wondering what I need at a minimum to go out and shoot 3 gun?
Yes, obviously 3 guns LOL

Pistol setup is good to go. Really just want to know about rifle and shotgun??
Was looking at the M3K and possibly a used Armalite 3gn.

Probably start out in factory division since my pistol setup already meets that criteria and it seems cheapest on gear. I already own a red dot I could throw on the rifle so that's one less expense.

I'm not a rich man so I'm going to have to chip away at this for the next two months but it's something I intended on doing before I started even shooting USPSA. I only started there because I didn't have the money to do 3 gun. I feel like it's time to start moving in that direction finally.

So I have a shooting belt and all the pistol stuff I could ever need. I know I'm gonna need a shot shell caddy, magazine pouch for AR magazine etc. What's some good budget gear for a mediocre setup???

Anything I really need that's not painfully obvious?
Anything to really watch out for??
Any rifles floating around frequently to be on the lookout for besides the armalite? The shotgun is no big deal to buy new but I just can't afford to drop 1300 on a rifle. I'm also a trigger snob so I have to plan on buying a good trigger if it's not already equipped haha.

Anyways any help is appreciated, any tips from the wise are dually appreciated.

Thanks
 
Rifle....pick up one of the PSA specials with a free floated hand guard and drop in a Hiperfire trigger. You CAN spend big bucks on the rifle, it's just not necessary. Remember that - mostly - 3 gun is about speed not precision accuracy. There are exceptions of course depending on venue, but if your rifle can make 2-3MOA you'll be fine getting started. Upgrading a barrel and optics down the road is easy.

First couple matches...just get a "dump pouch" for shotgun shells. Then spend some matches observing to see what you think looks good. I use a chest rig for shotshells, others use belt caddies of different flavors. Loading the shotgun is the hardest skill to pick up, and there are many schools of thought on how to do it. Go and observe before dropping huge bucks.

The M3K is a great choice on the shotgun. It can run well out of the box and you won't feel a need for something else as you progress.

Mostly, just go!
 
The biggest thing is to go run what you got first IMO. You will make better purchase decisions after going to some matches.
 
Get a rifle, pistol, shotgun, a good holster, and a way to carry some magazines. Done. Decide on the expensive stuff after you have some experience. My first match, I had AR magazines in my cargo pants pockets.
 
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Get a rifle, pistol, shotgun, a good holster, and a way to carry some magazines. Done. Decide on the expensive stuff after you have some experience. My first match, I had AR magazines in my cargo pants pockets.

I have a competition belt, holster, and mag pouches i use in uspsa. Not worried about getting an ar pouch or two.
 
@Outcrydrummer, I think picking a shotgun is probably more important than the AR because the AR is so easily customized to your desires. I wouldn't get hung up on this rifle or that rifle like an armalite vs a S&W. Get one that has a good reliability reputation and the options you want. I know it's easier to tell someone that they have to go buy this rifle because it's the best; but the truth is, a lot of people change the components on their rifles and what they run is not a factory set up.

A good free float rail and a good quality barrel is my biggest suggestion to you on AR parts just because it gives you more options on sights/optics by not having a front sight/gas block in the way. Triggers, grips, and stocks are easy to change.
 
Most of it covered, but here's my thoughts:
I think your gun choices will work well. Any decent AR and a shotgun geared towards 3 gun, like the Stoeger, Beretta 1301, Versamax, Benelli m2, etc. Buy once, cry once.

You are going to need a few shotshell carriers at the least, and ideally you have those and a chest rig. But if you can only have one, get a chest rig. You're going to need to carry lots of shells. 36 round stages or more is not unheard of, and likely with some slugs at the end. Learn to load duals at the very least. Quads preferably. No way around it: the carriers are expensive.

Get your AR mag carrier and shotgun caddies mounted on something like TekLok so you can remove and reinstall them easily.

I personally love Factory division. It's less an equipment race.
For rifle I would just say a decent 16" mid length is a good place to start. I'd feel confident using a bone stock Aero Precision with an added trigger and a muzzle brake. That will get you 95% of what even the best have. Then learn how to make hits with it from many positions and out to 400+ yards.
 
@Outcrydrummer where and when do you plan on shooting? I have some old gear I can send to you if you want, a mag pouch and old 4x4 shotshell carrier. Be observant to what other shooters are using for gear, don't be afraid to ask someone what their thoughts are on a product.

I was on a budget too first starting out, and saved up for a top of the line shotgun. If this is something you think you'll stay in, buy the best you can
 
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@Outcrydrummer where and when do you plan on shooting? I have some old gear I can send to you if you want, a mag pouch and old 4x4 shotshell carrier. Be observant to what other shooters are using for gear, don't be afraid to ask someone what their thoughts are on a product.

I was on a budget too first starting out, and saved up for a top of the line shotgun. If this is something you think you'll stay in, buy the best you can


I plan on shooting the cggr match. Probably wont have all the gear to shoot the april match so guessing may is my goal.
Anything helps so i certainly appreciate the offer for the gear, that would be great!
 
I plan on shooting the cggr match. Probably wont have all the gear to shoot the april match so guessing may is my goal.
Anything helps so i certainly appreciate the offer for the gear, that would be great!
Pm me your address and Ill send you some stuff.

Also make sure you have a good retention holster. Ive been DQed for using a holster that didnt cover the barrel and my thunder thighs pushed it out when running.
 
I plan on shooting the cggr match. Probably wont have all the gear to shoot the april match so guessing may is my goal.
Anything helps so i certainly appreciate the offer for the gear, that would be great!

if you get a rifle setup by april go ahead and register for the 2gun division. that match has some complicated stages and shooting it 2gun only the first time around will give you a better idea of what you need when you shoot 3gun.
 
I will have a rifle setup for sure. I had just remembered that my brothers AR ( S&W M4) is in my dads gun safe doing nothing since he's gone for a bit.
I talked to him and he's cool with me using it. So guess I will just do a hyperfire trigger, new handrail, and a good muzzle break and go for it with that.
Now I'm just on the lookout for a steal on a Stoeger.
 
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I will have a rifle setup for sure. I had just remembered that my brothers AR ( S&W M4) is in my dads gun safe doing nothing since he's gone for a bit.
I talked to him and he's cool with me using it. So guess I will just do a hyperfire trigger, new handrail, and a good muzzle break and go for it with that.
Now I'm just on the lookout for a steal on a Stoeger.
Talk with Jerek at Backwoods Bang shop
@knifeman32
 
Here’s what you need for 3 Gun:View attachment 46631
Very true, except it only goes up to 11.
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