Stutzcattle wrote:
"What's the best way for me to get into the practical shooting side of things? I shoot quite a bit on my own, but feel that I could sharpen some skills by getting together with some other folks and doing it under pressure.
I'm not really concerned about winning anything, I really just want to shoot under pressure and do it realistically. Are the three gun matches even what I'm looking for?"
There are probably a large number of opinions out there regarding the "proper" answer to your question. I'll just say that I think that practical shooting, while not teaching or practicing anything resembling defensive tactics, does a good job of helping you improve your shooting skills under a variety of situations you wouldn't normally practice, along with putting you under pressure (physical, mental, and emotional) which is something you simply can't get on your own.
As for whether or not 3-gun is what you want---truthfully, I'd suggest shooting everything---for the simple reason that you can get very different things out of the different shooting sports.
Chris Zeeb holds some great Rock-Your-Glock matches that really push accuracy (and he has an indoor league starting this month in Lincoln, too)
http://rockyourglock.tripod.com/ENGC holds a Steel Challenge match 5 times a year, which takes the accuracy/speed ideas of the RYG matches, and adds drawing from a holster, and steel targets.
ENGC also holds USPSA pistol and Multigun-Rules 3-Gun events. (Pistol once a month, and 3-Gun 6 times a year.) They each stress different things, but all push your limits in shooting---and that is where you get better. I'm not saying they substitute for personal practice, but they certainly enhance your personal practice in a way that again, you just can't get by yourself.
I really would suggest simply trying everything once, and seeing what sorts of things you like. Information about the practical shooting matches at ENGC are found on the Eastern Nebraska Practical Shooters page at:
http://www.easternnebraskapracticalshooters.com (or find us on Facebook, because we like to post pictures of people shooting).
First USPSA pistol match of the year is---tomorrow.
It'll be cold, yes, but it'll still be fun. Pistol, safe hip holster that covers the trigger guard (Uncle Mike's kydex, Blackhawk CQC, Blade-tech sting ray, various leather holsters---but no crossdraw, or shoulder holsters) and about four magazines (and lots of ammo!) and you are good to go. See
http://www.nebraskafirepower.com/forum/index.php?topic=3010.0 for some details. Show up, and we'll help you pick what division you are shooting in, give you a safety briefing, squad you with a group of people, and you'll be shooting.
First Steel Challenge match of the year is January 16th (two weeks from tomorrow) Here's a short blurb I wrote about how these run:
http://hapkido.4t.comDownloadsSteelChallengeComments.pdfAnd here is some video of people of several different skill levels shooting:
"If this is what I'm looking for, what are people using for shotguns? I've got two semi autos, are those allowed?
I'm pretty well set on rifle, pistol and chest rig. Any info is appreciated."
Pumpgun or semi-auto, both are allowed. Here is a short blurb I wrote to describe 3-gun competitions:
http://hapkido.4t.com/Downloads/3-GunComments.pdfOne important thing---this year, we are operating under Multigun Rules, instead of USPSA 3-Gun---which makes things a little different. Here are the Multigun Rules we will be using:
http://www.easternnebraskapracticalshooters.com/multigun/MultiGunRules2010.pdfJust so people know what they are getting themselves into, here are a couple of YouTube videos of some of our 3-Gun matches:
---note, these were shot under the USPSA 3-Gun rules, so it'll be a little different this year.
Some people do run chest rigs and such---but most don't. Our matches aren't like the MGM Ironman, so it isn't necessary.
Nothing wrong with doing so, mind you---but if you don't have that gear, it is okay. Some people just stick the AR mags into a pocket. Pretty much the big thing that most people don't have, gear-wise, is something to use to reload shotgun shells. Our shotgun stages tend to be lots of rounds, and having a bag full of shells on your hip works--but not very well.
Burnsy87 wrote:
"I'd love to get into 3-gun.
Need a shotgun, set on a Benelli M2 when the funding gets here.
I have a Beretta 45, I doubt that's optimal for 3-gun.
I'm currently turning my 16" AR carbine into a 12.5" SBR, which I also doubt is optimal for 3-gun.
I have a basic MOLLE FLC vest, but I think I want a modular belt instead. Do people run belts?"
You'd be amazed what people try. Quite frankly, the first time you come out, don't worry about winning or placing---just show up and shoot. You'll then know more about what equipment is needed, and what isn't, plus you can talk to people who've been doing it for awhile.
In general, bring what you've got, bring lots of ammo, and come on out--we'll find a way for you to shoot it. Mostly, you just need to bring safe gun handling skills. If you've got that, everything else will work out.
See you at the range!
