3-Gun Shotgun Mods

In 3-Gun, your shotgun can make or break your match. Not only is it important to select a reliable platform, you need to make sure it’s well-equipped for ease of loading as well as fast and accurate target engagements.

Picking up a 3-Gun-ready-shotgun like the Benelli M2 3-Gun Performance Shop, Mossberg 940 JM PRO, or Dissident Arms DAm2 Elite would be ideal, but not always in the budget for most competitors just starting out. I personally started with a used Benelli M2 Field for my first 3-Gun shotgun and modified it over time to suit the sport before eventually dropping money on a true race gun. This article will help guide you to do the same.

This article outlines the best 3-Gun shotgun mods that will help you squeeze every ounce of potential from your scattergun. They’re ordered from what I deem most critical down to “nice to have but can shoot a match without” below.

1. Extended Magazine Tube: More Shells, More Fun

An extended magazine tube is arguably the most crucial modification you can make to your shotgun, you want to match the specifications for your chosen division here so you’re not left throwing extra quad loads in on the clock when you should be moving or shooting.

• Capacity: Unless you’re shooting a limited division, a tube that provides 12-13 total rounds is ideal.
• Recommended Option: Look for quality extensions from brands like Nordic Components or Briley.
• Pro Tip: Ensure your magazine spring is trimmed correctly for reliable feeding, it should extend 14-16″ from the end of your tube.

2. Enlarged Loading Port: Feed the Beast

Reloading speed will make or break your performance. An enlarged and beveled loading port makes feeding shells into your shotgun faster and smoother. You can either attempt to DIY, but we strongly recommend leveraging any of the reputable shops out there that will cut a loading port for you at a reasonable cost.

• Smoother Reloads: Beveled edges help funnel shells into the magazine tube.
• DIY or Professional: You can tackle this mod yourself or seek a professional gunsmith.
• Determine Loading Style: Figure out if you want to strong or weak hand quad load, as the cuts can be slightly different.
• Caution: Be careful not to overdo it and compromise the receiver’s integrity.

If you want to take your enlarged loading port to the next level, you can pair it up with the A&S Engineering Enhanced Trigger Guard, which features a ramp with rails on the trigger guard itself.

3. Welded or Extended Shell Lifter

Depending on your model of shotgun, this may not apply to you – but if you have a factory lifter with forked prongs at the end, it’s best to either get it welded or replace with the Taran Tactical Innovations version to make loading even easier. It also helps prevent injury, as getting your thumb stuck in the load port between the lifter tends to result in some deep cuts and a lot of blood.

• Smooth Reloads: The extended lifter allows the shells to slide in without getting hung up.
• Safer Reloads: Keep the skin on your thumbs intact and out of the loading port.

4. Extended Bolt Release: Quick and Easy Action

Let’s be honest here, running a shotgun dry happens more than one would care to admit. An oversized or extended bolt release allows for faster, more reliable manipulation of your shotgun’s action when you’ve inadvertently made that dreaded mistake. Just drop a shell in, send the bolt home & proceed with a quad load to get back to work.

• Faster Follow-up Shots: Quickly get back into action after reloading.
• Ergonomic Advantage: Larger surface area for easier activation.
• Popular Choices: The Nordic Components Speed Button is a reliable and cost effective option, though my preference is the GG&G shell catch/bolt release combo if you have the funds for it.

5. Enhanced Charging Handle: Get a Grip

Similar to the Extended bolt release, an extended charging handle gives you better control over your shotgun’s action, especially when you need to rack a shell out or have a stage with an empty chamber start (rare, but you don’t want the lack of a proper handle slowing you down).

• Improved Manipulation: Larger surface area for easier gripping and racking.
• Installation Tip: Ensure proper fit to avoid affecting the gun’s cyclic rate, you also have to be mindful of larger handles getting caught up on things inadvertently.

6. Customized Sights: Precision Meets Speed

While many shooters prefer a bead sight for birdshot for fast shooting, having adjustable rear sights can significantly improve your rifled slug accuracy at longer ranges. I hesitated to go this route for quite some time due having to send it in for the work, but wish I hadn’t once I got to experience how much more accurate my slug shooting was.

• Versatility: Opt for low-profile fiber optic sights for the best of both worlds.
• Adjustability: Look for sights that allow for easy windage and elevation adjustments.
• Recommendation: The TruGlo Universal Dual-Color adjustable sight system is a solid choice.

Conclusion: Unlock Your Shotgun’s Full Potential

Each of these upgrades addresses specific challenges faced in 3-Gun competitions, from increasing ammunition capacity to improving reload speed and enhancing accuracy. By implementing these 3-gun shotgun mods, you can create a more efficient and effective tool for competitive shooting.

However, it’s crucial to remember that reliability is paramount in competitive shooting. Always test your modifications thoroughly before using them in a match. Spend time at the range with your modified shotgun, running drills that simulate match conditions. This practice will help you identify any potential issues and allow you to fine-tune your setup.

Additionally, while these modifications can significantly improve your shotgun’s performance, they are not a substitute for skill and practice. Use these upgrades as a foundation to build upon with consistent training and technique refinement.

With these upgrades properly installed and tested, you’ll be able to focus more on your performance during matches. You’ll spend less time worrying about equipment limitations and more time concentrating on your shooting technique, stage strategy, and overall execution.

Remember, the goal of these modifications is to remove equipment-related barriers to your performance. A well-modified shotgun becomes an extension of the shooter, allowing you to compete at your highest level. Whether you’re a seasoned competitor or just starting in 3-Gun, these modifications can help you make the most of your shotgun and potentially improve your match results.