Generation III Gun

Generation III Gun is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization focused exclusively on growing competitive 3-gun shooting among juniors. The organization was founded in 2013 by Chad Francis, Jeff Welsh, and Jesse Tischauser—all experienced 3-gun competitors who recognized that the future of the sport depends on getting younger shooters involved.

The core mission is simple: remove financial barriers. Junior shooters (under 18 on match day) shoot the Generation III Gun Championship for free. For adult competitors, the match fee is $350 and includes a custom match shirt.

Generation III Gun hosts its championship every September at Gadsden Shooting Center, 538 MO EE, Iberia, Missouri 65486—located 14 miles east of Highway 54/Osage Beach Parkway off Highway 42.

Chad Francis (Founder, Match Director, Vice President) spent 25 years in the Army as a Sergeant First Class, running the marksmanship and competition program for the Missouri Army National Guard. He's been shooting 3-gun since 2008 and directing matches since 2010. His daughter Katie competes in 3-gun.

Jeff Welsh (Founder, Treasurer) works in banking and has been shooting 3-gun since 2009. He inspired the organization's name—three generations (Jeff, his father John, and his son Jack) were all competing in 3-gun at the same time.

David Power (President) is Vice President of Sales for Oneida Molded Plastics, a major firearms component supplier. He's been competing, running stages, and directing matches nationwide for 15+ years.

Sandra Orvig (Secretary) is Range Director for the Foothills Public Shooting Complex in North Carolina and has been competing in USPSA since 2003 and 3-gun since 2007. She handles match statistics and has worked major 3-gun events including Zombies in the Heartland.

J.J. Bradshaw (Chairman Emeritus) is a USPSA Certified Range Officer for pistol, SCSA, and 3-gun. He's been working matches as a troubleshooter and advocate for the sport since the organization's inception.

The organization's stated goal: ensure every junior shooter who wants to compete can do so. They've already accomplished free entry for juniors at their championship. The next phase is reimbursing junior shooters for entry fees at other major 3-gun matches nationwide.

Generation III Gun was selected as a top charity by the Industry Choice Awards, a partnership that's been instrumental in raising funds for junior scholarships. The organization actively seeks corporate sponsors and accepts donations via Venmo.

Historical matches have included multiple competitive divisions: - Open Division - Heavy Optics - Tac Optics - Tac Irons - Heavy Iron

Past competitions dating back to 2014 are archived on the website with full results and stage layouts.

Generation III Gun operates a loaner equipment program to remove another barrier for new junior competitors who don't yet own all the gear needed for 3-gun competition.

• •Volunteer: The organization actively recruits Range Officers and match staff. Interested volunteers can contact Chad Francis at [email protected] for sign-up details.

• •Sponsor: With only 25 main sponsor slots available annually, companies can reserve sponsorships early. Additional sponsored shooter slots are available. Contact Chad for details. All sponsorships are tax-deductible since Generation III Gun is a 501(c)(3).

• •Scholarship Applications: Junior shooters needing financial assistance can apply through the website.

• •Attend: Registration opens January 5, 2026. Juniors shoot free; adult competitors pay $350 entry.

Gadsden Shooting Center is situated in the Lake of the Ozarks region. Lodging options nearby include cabins, hotels, lake resorts, and condos through www.funlake.com, www.lakeareachamber.com, and www.camdentonchamber.com.

Contact: Chad Francis 114 Cornerstone Lane St. Thomas, MO 65076