What is 3 Gun?
Three-Gun (3-Gun) is a rapidly growing shooting sport that combines skills from multiple disciplines to challenge shooters in a fun and competitive way. The concept is simple: instead of shooting in a single discipline, such as USPSA or IDPA, 3-Gun involves shooting three different firearms – a pistol, a rifle, and a shotgun – in a variety of courses of fire. In this article, we’ll dive deeper into what 3-Gun is, its history, the different stages, and what makes it an exciting sport for enthusiasts.
A Brief History of 3-Gun
The modern version of 3-Gun originated in the 1980s in the United States, primarily among practical shooting enthusiasts. However, the concept of shooting multiple firearms in a competition setting dates back to the early 20th century, when police and military forces would participate in tactical shooting competitions.
In the early 2000s, 3-Gun gained popularity among competitive shooters, and in 2005, the first national 3-Gun competition, the Bianchi Cup, was held. The Bianchi Cup is still considered one of the premier 3-Gun events, attracting top shooters from around the world.
Stages and Courses of Fire
3-Gun competitions typically involve a combination of stages, each with its unique set of challenges. Stages can be static, where shooters stand or move between positions, or dynamic, where they are required to move through the course quickly. The most common stages include:
• Paper Targets: Shooters engage paper targets from various distances, using either a pistol, rifle, or shotgun.
• Steel Targets: Shooters engage steel targets, often moving or swinging, with a rifle or shotgun.
• Moving Targets: Shooters engage moving targets, such as balloons or pop-up targets, using a pistol or rifle.
• Tactical Situations: Shooters respond to scenarios, such as clearing a room or taking out bad guys, using multiple firearms.
What Makes 3-Gun Exciting
So, what makes 3-Gun so exciting? Here are some key factors:
• Variety: With multiple firearms and stages, shooters experience a wide range of challenges and situations.
• Competition: 3-Gun is a competitive sport, where shooters can test their skills against others and strive to improve.
• Physical Demands: 3-Gun requires a combination of physical skills, including shooting, moving, and navigating obstacles.
• Strategic Thinking: Shooters must think strategically about how to engage targets, conserve ammo, and manage their time effectively.
Common 3-Gun Terms
As you dive deeper into the world of 3-Gun, you’ll encounter some unique terms and lingo. Here are a few to get you started:
• Gun Show: The overall competition or event.
• Stage: A single course of fire within the gun show.
• String: A group of shots fired in rapid succession.
• Mover: A target that moves or is designed to move.
• No-Move: A target that remains stationary.
What You Need to Get Started
Before you start shooting 3-Gun, you’ll need some basic equipment and knowledge:
• Three Firearms: A pistol, rifle, and shotgun.
• Ammunition: Suitable ammunition for each firearm, including shotgun shells and pistol/rifle rounds.
• Sights and Optics: A rifle and shotgun with suitable sights or optics for each firearm.
• Holsters and Gear: A belt and holster system for your pistol, and a carrying method for your rifle and shotgun.
• Shooting Skills: Basic shooting skills, including proper stance, grip, and trigger control.
Conclusion
3-Gun is a fun and challenging shooting sport that combines the skills and equipment from multiple disciplines. Whether you’re a seasoned competitor or just starting out, 3-Gun offers a unique and exciting experience. With its mix of physical and mental challenges, 3-Gun is an excellent way to test your skills, meet like-minded individuals, and enjoy the shooting sports.
