Shawn Nelson - Action Gunner

The Complete 3-Gun Travel Match Checklist: A Competitor’s Packing Guide

Shawn Nelson November 25, 2025

Local 3-gun matches are forgiving when you forget something—you’re surrounded by squadmates who can help, and the stakes are low. Travel matches are a different story. Forget something critical at the Texas 3-Gun Championship and you might be hunting down a sporting goods store instead of walking stages. This checklist breaks down exactly what to pack, how to prioritize your gear, and the hard-won lessons that keep experienced competitors from scrambling at major matches.

Gear Breakdown for The Tactical Games: Insights from Elite Competitor Austin Alward

Shawn Nelson February 6, 2023

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yvRZIDJfrEg For competitors looking to break into The Tactical Games, understanding the gear used by elite-level athletes is a huge advantage. The Tactical Games combines fitness challenges and shooting proficiency, creating unique demands on gear that isn’t just high-performance but also highly adaptable. In this article, we’ll dissect the setup used by seasoned competitor Austin Aylward, who regularly takes the podium in the Elite Division, to help new athletes get a grasp of what gear is

The Best Plate Carrier build-out for The Tactical Games

Shawn Nelson January 24, 2023

The Best Plate Carrier Build-Out For The Tactical Games: A Guide for Competitors Choosing the best plate carrier for The Tactical Games is crucial for competitors seeking to optimize their performance. This guide will walk you through top plate carrier options, plate selections, and key considerations to help you build the ideal setup for The Tactical Games. Oh, and spoiler alert, it’s not very “Tactical”. Understanding Plate Carrier Requirements for The Tactical Games Before diving

The Ultimate Rifle for The Tactical Games

Shawn Nelson November 3, 2022

When it comes to choosing the ideal rifle for The Tactical Games, competitive shooters often find themselves on a journey of continuous improvement. As a member of Team JP, I’ve experienced firsthand the evolution of my rifle setup for this demanding sport. In this article, we’ll explore the process of creating the perfect rifle for The Tactical Games, from initial setups to the final, optimized configuration. The Quest for the Perfect Rifle for The Tactical

2022 Jeff Kirkwold Memorial 3 Gun Benefit Match

Shawn Nelson August 24, 2022

Howard Leight Impact Sport Electronic Earmuffs Reviewed

Shawn Nelson March 4, 2016

As a 3gunner, or participant of any action shooting sports, hearing protection is important. Equally important is the ability to effectively and clearly hear commands from the Range Officer. I’ve tried other brands of “cheap” electronic hearing protection but had been left unimpressed by both build quality and actual function of the electronics. That opinion changed greatly when I gave the Howard Leight Impact Sport earmuffs a chance. The Specs: Noise Reduction Rating (NRR): 22

Avoiding Match Disasters: Understanding and Preventing Squib Loads

Shawn Nelson August 26, 2015

Squib Loads: What Every Competitive Shooter Needs to Know In the fast-paced world of competitive shooting, every round counts. Accuracy, timing, and reliability are critical to staying ahead in the match. But what happens when something feels… off? Your shot is quiet, there’s little to no recoil, and your bullet doesn’t hit the target. Suddenly, panic sets in. Congratulations—you’ve just encountered a squib load. Squib loads can range from inconvenient to downright dangerous, depending on

How To Weak-Hand Load Shotgun for 3 Gun

Shawn Nelson June 13, 2015

Weak Hand Loading Shotgun for 3 Gun A.K.A Dual Load, Quad Load, Load 2 or Load 4 Methods We covered how to traditional weak hand load your shotgun, now it’s time to move on to something that will put shells in your tube faster. Commonly referred to L2/L4, Load Two/Load Four, or Loading Twins or Quads. Aside from strong hand quad loads, this has been proven under the clock to be one of the quickest methods when

There’s No Shame In Using A Pump Shotgun For 3 Gun

Shawn Nelson February 25, 2015

Ask around at any 3-Gun match and most folks will tell you that you’re wasting your time with starting out on a pump shotgun in the sport. “Too slow,” they’ll say. “You’ll be outgunned.” In fact, if you’re brand new, odds are someone has already advised you to not even consider that old Mossberg 500 or Remington 870 duck gun collecting dust in your safe. Well, I’m here to challenge that advice. Back when I

Opening the loading port on a Benelli M2 (DIY)

Shawn Nelson February 16, 2015

Aside from adding a magazine extension tube, opening the loading port up on your shotgun is probably the most important modification you make. This was a DIY task that warranted much contemplation when I considered the risk of potentially ruining a $1,400 shotgun, but some practice with a less expensive 870 made me a bit more comfortable with the process. There are plenty of shops out there that will do this for a nominal fee, but

Author: Shawn Nelson