Loading...
Loading...

3-Gun is a dynamic shooting sport where competitors use three firearms: a rifle, pistol, and shotgun. Stages are designed to test speed and accuracy across varying distances and target types.
01 // LEARN
Understanding this shooting discipline
3-Gun is a dynamic shooting sport where competitors use three firearms: a rifle, pistol, and shotgun. Stages are designed to test speed and accuracy across varying distances and target types. Shooters engage steel, paper, and clay targets while navigating through courses of fire.
The sport has grown rapidly with organizations like 3-Gun Nation and USPSA Multigun hosting national championships. Local "outlaw" matches at clubs provide accessible entry points for new competitors.
02 // START
Equipment, costs, and tips for beginners
Getting into 3-gun doesn't require starting with top-tier gear. Focus on safety fundamentals, basic equipment, and finding welcoming places to learn. The community is generally helpful to newcomers who show up prepared with the right attitude.
What you need to get started
Know these before your first shot
Advice from experienced shooters
Realistic budget expectations
$2,000-3,500
Basic equipment to begin
$5,000-15,000+
Quality gear for serious shooters
Hidden costs to consider: 3-gun has the highest startup cost of action sports. Start with club matches using existing firearms before investing in race gear.
Compare your options
| Type | Best For |
|---|---|
| Tactical/Limited Iron sights or 1x optics. Standard capacity magazines. Most accessible. | Beginners and those using existing firearms |
| Open Division Any optics, extended magazines, compensators allowed. Highest equipment cost. | Experienced competitors seeking maximum performance |
| Heavy Metal .308 rifle, .45 ACP pistol, 12ga shotgun. Iron sights required. | Shooters who want a challenge with full-power calibers |
03 // ASK
Common questions about 3-gun
New to 3-gun? These are the most common questions from shooters exploring this discipline. The shooting community is generally welcoming and happy to help newcomers.
Find answers to common questions about 3-gun competition. Can't find what you're looking for? Contact us and we'll help you out.
Entry-level 3-gun can start around $2,000-3,000 for basic firearms. Most club matches allow you to compete with standard equipment. As you advance, competitors often invest $5,000+ in race guns and gear.
Yes, many outlaw matches welcome pump shotguns and basic equipment. You may be at a competitive disadvantage against semi-autos, but the experience is valuable for learning the sport.
Common divisions include Tactical/Limited (iron sights, standard capacity), Open (optics, extended magazines), and Heavy Metal (308/45ACP/12ga). Club matches often have local division variations.
Typical matches require 100-150 rifle rounds, 100-150 pistol rounds, and 25-50 shotgun shells. Always bring 20% extra and check match announcements for specific round counts.
04 // FIND
Find 3-gun events near you
NRA Basic Personal Protection In The Home Course $125.00 This is an eight-hour course. Students should expect to shoot approximately 100 rounds of ammunition. Students will learn basic defensive shooting skills, strategies for home safety and responding to a violent confrontation, firearms and the law, how to choose a handgun for self-defense, and continued opportunities for skill development. Students will receive the NRA Guide to the Basics of Personal Protection In The Home handbook, NRA Gun Safety Rules brochure, the Winchester/NRA Marksmanship Qualification booklet, and course completion certificate.
=== PAGE BREAK === First Coast Shooting Sports A blog about shooting sports and hunting in Northeast Florida.
Course Overview: Beyond Vigilance is an advanced course designed for individuals seeking to enhance their situational awareness and threat detection skills. This course goes beyond basic vigilance to teach participants how to recognize and respond to potential threats in various environments. Ideal for anyone interested in personal safety, this class provides the tools and techniques necessary to maintain a high level of awareness and readiness. Course Objectives: Develop advanced situational awareness and observation skills. Learn to identify and assess potential threats quickly and accurately. Enhance decision-making and response strategies under pressure. Understand behavioral indicators and patterns associated with potential threats. Improve overall personal security through proactive measures. Key Topics: Advanced Situational Awareness: Principles of heightened awareness in different environments Techniques for scanning and monitoring surroundings effectively The OODA loop (Observe, Orient, Decide, Act) in threat detection Threat Identification and Assessment: Recognizing behavioral indicators of potential threats Assessing risk levels and prioritizing responses Identifying pre-attack indicators and suspicious activities Behavioral Analysis: Understanding body language and non-verbal cues Identifying stress and deception signals Profiling techniques and behavioral pattern recognition Environmental Awareness: Adapting situational awareness strategies to different settings (urban, rural, etc.) Identifying and utilizing environmental cues Enhancing awareness in low-light and high-noise environments Decision-Making Under Pressure: Rapid threat assessment and decision-making techniques Stress inoculation and maintaining composure Developing mental resilience and cognitive agility Proactive Security Measures: Implementing personal safety protocols and routines Enhancing security through physical and procedural measures Planning and preparing for potential threats and emergencies Prerequisites: Participants should be ready for a basic understanding of situational awareness and personal safety principles. Join us for Beyond Vigilance and elevate your situational awareness and threat detection skills to the next level, ensuring your safety and readiness in any environment.
Duration: 4 Hours Course Description: The Maryland Handgun Qualification License (HQL) course is a state-mandated training program designed for individuals seeking to purchase, rent, or transfer a handgun in Maryland. This comprehensive 4-hour course provides participants with the essential knowledge, skills, and legal understanding necessary to safely own and operate a handgun. Course Objectives: Firearm Safety: Learn the fundamental principles of handgun safety, including safe handling, stora
03 Apr Basic Pistol / Revolver Marksmanship 4/3/2026 Organized By: Michelle Kahn Location : The Gun Range April 3, 2026 2:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Active April 3, 2026 - Friday XTC Team Practice 8:00 AM- 12:30 PM High Power Range Mornings Lee Farrell (303) 915-7306 Email Contact