shooting-sports/3-gun-competition
3-Gun Competition
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.
how to start 3 gun
3 gun competition for beginners
3 gun equipment list
3 gun divisions explained
what is 3 gun
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01 // LEARN
#01
What is 3-Gun Competition?
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.
Types & Variations
Outlaw 3-Gun (club matches)
3-Gun Nation
USPSA Multigun
UML (Unlimited Multigun League)
02 // START
#02
Getting Started with 3-Gun
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.
Essential Equipment
What you need to get started
1Semi-automatic rifle (AR-15 platform common)
2Semi-automatic pistol (9mm or larger)
3Semi-automatic or pump shotgun
4Multiple magazines for each firearm
5Sturdy belt and holster setup
Safety & Rules
Know these before your first shot
1Muzzle discipline is paramount - 180 rule applies
2Finger off trigger until sights on target
3Unload and show clear at stage end
4Follow Range Officer commands exactly
5Know your division rules before competing
Pro Tips for Beginners
Advice from experienced shooters
Start with outlaw matches before major competitions
Master each firearm individually first
Practice transitions between guns
Invest in a quality belt setup before upgrading guns
Bring more ammo than you think you need
What Does 3-Gun Cost?
Realistic budget expectations
Getting Started
$2,000-3,500
Basic equipment to begin
Competitive Setup
$5,000-15,000+
Quality gear for serious shooters
Per event/match:$30-75 per match
Ammo per session:$80-150 (rifle + pistol + shotgun)
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.
3-Gun Division Comparison
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
#03
Frequently Asked Questions
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
#04
Upcoming Events
Find 3-gun events near you
View details
JUL
11
Southern Indiana Rifle & Pistol Club CMP HP Rifle Match
Training
A Civilian Marksmanship Program (CMP) sanctioned match. CMP matches preserve the tradition of marksmanship with courses of fire designed for service rifles, vintage military arms, and modern sporting rifles. | Format | Firearms | |--------|----------| | Garand/Springfield | M1 Garand, M1903 Springfield | | Vintage Military | Pre-1953 military rifles (Enfield, Mauser, etc.) | | Modern Military | AR-15, M1A/M14 platform | | Rimfire Sporter | .22 LR rifles | | As-Issued | Unmodified service rifles | Eligible rifle per match rules Ammunition (match-grade recommended, 50-88 rounds) Shooting mat, coat, and glove (recommended for prone) Spotting scope Eye and ear protection (required) Contact Southern Indiana Rifle & Pistol Club for the specific course of fire, eligible rifles, and registration. CMP matches welcome shooters of all skill levels, and loaner rifles are sometimes available.
Saturday, July 11, 2026• 00:00:00
Southern Indiana Rifle & Pistol ClubSouthern Indiana Rifle & Pistol Club, Borden, AL
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JUL
11
Texas Gun & Knife Show
Competition
Vendors selling new and used guns, knives, ammo, coins, jewelry, camping gear, accessories and so much more.
Saturday, July 11, 2026• 09:00:00
Hill Country Youth Event CenterHill Country Youth Event Center, Kerrville, TX
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JUL
11
Diablo Saturday Night Shooting
Night Shoot
Diablo Saturday Night Shooting Diablo will be hosting Saturday night shooting at the public pistol range. IMPORTANT: If you need ammunition PLEASE be sure to grab it BEFORE USI closes. Diablo will NOT be selling ammo. If you are in the mood to do some plinking, head over to USI. Make sure you have your USI “Blue” card if not please make sure you have done the online waiver. THIS WILL BE A WEEKLY SATURDAY NIGHT EVENT. BOTH RIFLE AND PISTOL WILL GENERALLY BE OPEN. Hope to see e
Saturday, July 11, 2026• 17:00:00
USI Public Pistol / Rifle RangeUSI Public Pistol / Rifle Range, Concord, CA
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JUL
11
Mid Range 300, 500, 600 Yard Match
Training
F-Class
Contact: Ben Jensen Unified Sportsmen’s Club High Power Prone and F-class Midrange Match Sponsored By: Unified Sportsmen’s Club Rexburg, Idaho Location: 8 Miles west of Rexburg, Idaho on HWY 33 Competition is open to: Open to the public. NRA membership is not required, but is recommended. Competitors under 18 require direct adult supervision. Range sign in: Range sign in at the clubhouse is required for all upon entering the range
Saturday, July 11, 2026• 07:00:00
Unified Sportsmens ClubUnified Sportsmens Club, Rexburg, ID
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JUL
11
USPSA Bay 1 - 5
Competition
USPSA
USPSA Bay 1-5 is a sanctioned pistol match where you run multiple stages against the clock, mixing accuracy and speed on paper and steel targets. You compete in your division—Open, Limited, Production, Carry Optics, or Single Stack—and your score reflects both hits and time. Expect 4-8 stages with different shot positions and distances. You'll shoot on a timer, reload under pressure, and see how your fundamentals hold up when it matters. This is USPSA's format: competitive but welcoming, and a solid way to test your pistol skills under real conditions.
Saturday, July 11, 2026• 08:00:00
Del Norte Gun ClubDel Norte Gun Club, Sandoval County, NM
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JUL
11
Pistol-Mounted Optics
Competition
Pistol-Mounted Optics - Idaho Sat, Jul 11 | Shoshone County Range Develop your ability to use pistol-mounted optics defensively. From the foundation to application. Buy Tickets Time & Location Jul 11, 2026, 9:00 AM – Jul 12, 2026, 6:00 PM Shoshone County Range, 1700 Government Gulch Rd, Kellogg, ID About the event DESCRIPTION This two-day class will develop your abilities with pistol-mounted optics on your handgun. Selection, mounting, acquiring the dot from the holster, ready positions, and mor
Saturday, July 11, 2026
Cougar Mountain SolutionsCougar Mountain Solutions, Unknown, IL