So...I have decided that I want to get into 3 gun. I have shot handguns, shotguns and rifles before but I want to get some "expert opinions" on what is good gear to get and why. I am looking for all the info I can get so......let it flow.

If I lived in the US I would definately enjoy this type of competition. As far as I am aware there are categories within 3 Gun comps which group by iron sights only...optical sights on rifles only...then open categories which can have optics on anything and speed loaders for the shotgun stages. So letting us know the weapons you will be using might help on determining which division you would likely fit in.

Most rifles are AR platforms as the ranges they are held at are often only able to offer short range stages for the rifles out to 200 yards. .308 scores major and .223 scores minor but central hits count the same. Most seem to go for a .223 but again it depends on what you have.

Shotguns are nearly always semi-auto as the gas cycle systems are quicker to return to target than pumps due to less recoil. Slug barrels or interchangeable chokes to enable a slug to be fired are again the norm.

Pistols are 9mm and above and can be anything from stock factory to custom race guns.

If I were doing this I would use my Benelli M90 multi choke combat shotgun which groups slugs best using a half choke fitted and has an illuminated TV screen red dot sight....I would try and get my custom Para Ordinace P14 .45 fitted with a Gold Cup barrel and trigger back from abroad...and rifle wise I would go for a Custom AR platform chambered for the 6.5 x 47 which is the best calibre choice for this type of comp IMO and can work by altering the lips on .308 mags and may work by altering .223 mags but I have never gone down that route myself...prefering the larger mags so I can seat the bullets out slightly more.

Knob Creek does a good 3 Gun Comp I believe which is near you...so you could combine this and checking out the Busse stand <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" />

check out 3 gun forums..learn as much as you can,,before you spend the bucks..

99 of people at my range would shoot an AR, 1911 and semiauto shotguns(1187 or 1100s).

all good advice!! Thanks so far!

I have multiple M1A's and AR-15 so that long guns are not a issue. I am more or less looking at a different pistol and shotgun. I don't own a 40 cal. I have tons of 45's and various other calibers. I was reading that a lot of people prefer the 40 due to recoil and ammo capacity. Also, I have a ton of shotguns but they are all intended to hunting...so no extended mags there either.

If I plan to shoot 3 gun I will most likley do it in the tactial section...no sights execpt on the rifle.

I've always preferred a Glock and a Mossberg 590A1. Both are built like tanks which should be right up your alley. Good luck! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" />

those are good options... what do you all think about FNH products? I am thinking about the FNP 40 one of there tac shotguns and the FNAR.

Also, if there is any 3 Gun shooters in and around Ft Knox would they be interested in showing me the "ropes"?

Well, for their handguns, I'm not a big fan. To new (unproven) and look kind of antiquated to me. I've held one and wasn't very impressed. Their shotgun and FNAR are just modified versions of other Browning or Winchester guns. I think there are better options out there. I suggest going to AR15.com and getting some other opinions over there. Good luck!

I shoot a little 3 gun here in CO. I would say, take what you have and see what others have/what works for them before you buy based on interwebz advice. For instance, I shoot a Glock 26, an AR and my Rem 870. Are those the best guns for this competition (as in scoring the best times), no. I shoot my Glock 26 because that is what I carry and I want the competition to act as a form of training for me, I shoot the 870 because that is the shotgun I have and I wanted the most durable gun I could get (and then train to beyond proficiency with it). I know that not everyone at my shoots has that same mentality...some are there to win (and there is nothing wrong with that).

With that being said (and take this with a large helping of salt), IF my main goal was to win (score the best times), I would likely shoot a high cap 9mm (Glock 19, 17 or similar; faster follow up shots, more capacity, cheaper ect ect). For rifle, ARs with some form of red-dot seem to rule for the same reason.
Shotgun: Not sure if all 3 guns are this way, but in my limited experience, the shotgun is where matches are won and lost. Those who score high all have simi autos...these range from supper high dollar Benellis to now discontinued Winchesters (and all with extended mag tubes). Time is lost to the greatest degree during reloads, and a shotgun tube is slower than any detachable magazine gun (we can't use detachable magazine shotguns at our shoots, check your rules as they may be different) therefore you want something with the greatest capacity. For “out of the box” pumps, the Mossberg 590 A1 is very prevalent (8+1 vs my 870’s 6+1...those two rounds have made a huge difference before). Also, along these lines, you may want to pick up a belt mounted shotgun shell carrier (like this--> http://www.midwayusa.com/viewProduct/?productNumber=422576 )

Either way, in my experience, most of the guys (and gals) at 3 gun shoots are great people and have no problem letting other people try out their guns/ gear. Whatever you do, I would highly recommend you attend; they are a lot of fun with good people and a great way to induce some form of stress/anxiety into your firearms training.

edit to add: Not sure which FN shotgun you are mentioning, but I would avoid the one with the AR style sights. They look cool and all, but "nose to the charging handle" style of sighting would not be my preference on a 12 ga <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

Agreed!

That would work also. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" />

You seem to have the rifles covered nicely...the best scope for an AR platform is the Schmidt & Bender 1-4 long eye relief red dot/ illuminated reticle...the turrets have to be lifted upwards to turn the elevation or windage and are incredibly robust...I have one and now use it on a .375 H&H for dangerous game in Africa...it works just as well or even better on Tactical rifles. On 4 power the reticle works great out to 300m. Definately worth checking out as the reticle illumination has day/night settings and is way better than anything I have come across before. Very very fast target aquisition.

The Bennelli M90 is a great shotgun for your use. It has an 8 shot tube and the rear peep sight and fore sight blade are adjustable and very quick for target aquisition on iron sights. Plus it has multi choke options and you can find which one to use to group slugs the best. Contrary to the recommended norm...some choke helps and you don't just want to go with open cylinder.

Pistol wise...if you are looking at open sights...a long slide .45 high capacity like the P14 works well as you score "major" and can keep up with 9mm's with practise no problem. I used slightly lower velocity re-loads to reduce recoil and keep a fast sight picture re-acqusition...and still qualified as a "major" calibre. If mussle compensators are allowed....38 Super was the best calibre in my day for qualifying as "major" and fast target second shots on a compensated Race Gun...again para ordinance high capacity frames were the preferred choice. Personally I preferred the .45 as the scores are inward scoring and small as it may be...the larger calibre advantage was worth having on the competition circuit.

FN wise, the best pistol they ever did was the Browning Hi-power...fitted like a .45 with an extended beaver tail rear grip to avoid hammer bite...and try and get a Commander type hammer...brilliant pistols in .40 cal IMO...the weight of a steel pistol is a definate advantage in a comp compared to polymer pistols.

The FN SLR/FAL variations are great rifles as well...but the AR's you have should be fine.

I have never come across their tactical shotguns...went with what works and got a Bennelli.

Good advice all. S&B is a real nice, if not costly scope. Wish I could afford one.