3 Gun Competition Guide - Action Gunner

What is 3-Gun?

If you’ve ever watched a shooter blaze through a stage, sprinting between positions while swapping between rifle, pistol, and shotgun—you’ve seen 3-Gun in action. It’s fast, dynamic, and downright addicting once you try it.

3-Gun is a practical shooting sport that challenges competitors to engage targets with all three firearm platforms: rifle, shotgun, and pistol. Each stage is a problem to solve under time pressure, where speed, accuracy, and gear handling all come into play. You’ll shoot steel, paper, clay, and sometimes even moving targets.

No two stages are the same. One might test your rifle skills on targets out to 300 yards or more. Another might run you through a maze of walls with a pistol. And some stages throw everything at you at once. It’s controlled chaos—in the best way.

Scoring usually combines speed and accuracy. Most 3-Gun matches use a “time plus penalties” system, but some follow scoring methods like Comstock or Virginia Count depending on the host club. The goal is simple: be fast and make your hits count.

Despite what social media might suggest, 3-Gun isn’t just for pros with tricked-out race guns. Most shooters start with what they already have and upgrade over time. If you’ve got a reliable rifle, a working shotgun, and a serviceable pistol—you’re more than ready to jump in.

This guide is here to help you understand the basics, find your first match, and show up confident. Because the truth is: you already belong here. Let’s get into it.

Finding Your First Match

You’ve got the itch—now it’s time to scratch it. The good news is, 3-Gun matches are happening all over the country. The trick is knowing where to look and how to get started.

Start Local

Your first step should be checking in with nearby gun ranges and shooting clubs. Not all of them host 3-Gun, but many offer similar disciplines like USPSA or IDPA, which share a lot of crossover. Don’t be afraid to call, email, or just walk in and ask. Word of mouth is still gold in this sport.

Look for clubs that advertise any of the following:

3-Gun or Multi-Gun
2-Gun Matches
Tactical Shotgun or Carabine Events
PCSL Matches

Even if it’s not “pure” 3-Gun, these matches help you build foundational skills and connect with the right people.

Use Online Match Calendars

These tools will help you find matches near you:

Practiscore.com – Filter by state or zip code and search for matches labeled 3-Gun, Multi-Gun, or Outlaw.
Actiongunner.com – We maintain a national match calendar that covers 3-Gun, 2-Gun, shotgun-only, and more. It includes direct links to registration pages and match details.
Facebook Groups – Search for groups like “Minnesota 3-Gun” or “[Your State] Multigun.” These are goldmines for local intel, gear swaps, and match announcements.

Not Ready to Compete Yet? Go Watch

If you’re hesitant to jump in, spectating is a smart move. Most clubs welcome visitors, and it’s one of the best ways to learn the rhythm of a match. You’ll see how squads move through stages, what kind of gear people run, and how scoring and resets work.

Just bring eye and ear protection, wear comfortable clothes, and introduce yourself to the match director or a squad member. Most shooters will be glad you stopped by and happy to talk shop.

Talk to the Regulars

Once you find a match that’s within range, reach out. Message the match director or post in the local Facebook group. Let them know you’re new. Odds are, someone will offer to squad up and walk you through the day.

Plenty of clubs offer a short “new shooter brief” before the match starts, and many have veteran shooters who will pair up with newcomers to help with gear, rules, and stage planning.

Don’t Wait to Be “Ready”

This one’s important. You don’t need fancy gear or months of practice to shoot your first match. Bring what you have. Be safe. Ask questions. And go shoot.

You’ll learn more in one match than in six months of YouTube videos and gear forums. Just show up—you won’t regret it.

Safety and Match Etiquette

If there’s one thing every 3-Gunner agrees on, it’s this: nobody cares how fast or accurate you are if you’re not safe. Safety comes first, always. If you follow the rules and treat others with respect, you’ll be welcomed into the sport with open arms.

Cold Ranges and Safe Tables

Most matches operate on a cold range policy:

Firearms stay unloaded unless you’re under direct Range Officer (RO) supervision.
Magazines out, chambers empty, and chamber flags in (if required).
Safe tables are designated areas where you can handle your firearms—but no ammo is allowed there.

Use safe tables to unbag your guns, adjust optics, or dry fire. If you’re handling ammo, stay away from these areas. Never handle a firearm in a parking lot or near your vehicle unless it’s a designated safe area.

Muzzle Discipline and the 180° Rule

Imagine a semicircle extending from your body (perpendicular to the back berm), your muzzle must stay inside that arc. Breaking the 180° line, sweeping someone (including yourself), or pointing your gun up-range will get you disqualified.

This isn’t meant to scare you. It’s how we keep the sport safe and enjoyable for everyone. Think of it as trust-building. Everyone needs to trust that the people around them are safe and disciplined.

Finger Off the Trigger

Your trigger finger should only be inside the guard when you’re actively shooting. Not while moving, reloading, or transitioning between positions.

Range Officers will call out:

“Finger!” – If they see your finger on the trigger when it shouldn’t be.
“Muzzle!” – If your barrel’s close to breaking the 180° rule.
“Stop!” – Something’s gone wrong. Freeze immediately and wait for instructions.

Listen and respond immediately—your match (and everyone’s safety) depends on it.

Common Range Commands

These are the basics you’ll hear before and after your run:

“Make ready” – You’re now under RO supervision and may load and prep your gun.
“Are you ready?” – A courtesy check.
“Stand by” – Timer’s coming. Beep follows within a second or two.
Beep! – Go time.
“If you are finished, unload and show clear.”
“If clear, hammer down and holster.” – For pistols only.
“Range is clear!” – Everyone may proceed down range and reset targets.

Practice these commands during dry fire at home. It’ll help you feel prepared and less nervous on match day.

Resetting Targets

Matches don’t run themselves. After every shooter, the squad resets the stage:

Pasting paper targets
Resetting steel & shotgun clays
Picking up hulls and brass (if asked)

Jump in and help. You don’t need to sprint, but standing around while others work won’t earn you many friends. All supplies required for reset are provided by the match, but you’re more than welcome to bring paster guns and mojo sticks for picking up hulls if you’ve got them.

Be a Good Squadmate

Show up early—on time means at least 20 minutes early.
Introduce yourself and let folks know you’re new.
Keep quiet when someone’s shooting or prepping to shoot.
Help reset, load mags, and keep things moving.

Most folks in this sport are more than happy to help newcomers. They’ll remember your effort—and your attitude.

Lead Exposure Is Real

Steel targets and spent brass create fine lead dust. Add heat and wind, and it ends up on your skin, clothes, and gear.

Here’s how to stay safe:

Use gloves when resetting targets.
Don’t touch your face or eat with dirty hands.
Wash up with proper lead-removal wipes—Hero Wipes, D-Lead, or Hygenall.
Shower and change clothes when you get home, especially if you have kids or pets.

This is a long-term health issue, so treat it seriously from day one.

If You Get DQ’d, It’s Not the End

Disqualifications happen. Sometimes to new shooters. Sometimes to veterans. If it happens to you, own it, learn from it, and stick around to help reset stages. You’ll gain respect for handling it the right way.

Gear: What You Need (and Don’t) for Your First Match

Let’s get one thing straight—you don’t need a six-thousand-dollar race rig to shoot your first 3-Gun match. What you do need is gear that works, fits the rules of your division, and helps you finish stages safely and confidently. That’s it.

The truth is, your first match is where you learn what gear works for you. Not the gear forums. Not YouTube. The match.

The Big Three: Rifle, Shotgun, Pistol

Rifle

Platform: Standard AR-15 in 5.56/.223
Optic: Red dot or LPVO (1–4x, 1–6x, etc.)
Bring at least 3 reliable magazines
Optional: Sling (some matches require one)

Shotgun

Platform: Tube-fed 12-gauge, 18–24” barrel
Action: Semi-auto preferred, pump works but you’ll work harder
Ammo: Lead birdshot (no steel), plus buckshot and slugs if required
Choke: Modified or Improved Cylinder is a solid start
Loading: Use pockets, belt pouches, or chest rig for now—shell caddies come later

Pistol

Caliber: 9mm is most common
Type: Service-style semi-auto with at least 3 mags
Holster: Must fully cover the trigger guard and retain securely
Cross-draw and shoulder rigs are not allowed

Belt Setup

You don’t need a full competition rig on day one. A stiff tactical belt or duty belt works fine.

1–2 pistol mag pouches
1 rifle mag pouch
Basic way to carry shotgun shells (pockets, dump pouch, chest rig)

Don’t stress about having the “perfect” belt. Plenty of new shooters run minimalist setups just fine.

Eye and Ear Protection

Eye protection is mandatory—wear it anytime people are shooting
Ear pro: Electronic is ideal so you can hear commands
Invest here—your hearing doesn’t come back

Range Bag Essentials

Ammo for all three guns (plus 15–25% extra)
Gun oil and a basic tool kit or multitool
De-lead wipes or sanitizer
Snacks, water, sunscreen, and bug spray
Chamber flags (some matches require them)
Small rag or towel

Don’t Waste Your Money Yet

Avoid these traps before your first match:

High-end speed belt setups
Shotgun shell caddies you don’t know how to use yet
$3,000 open pistol you saw on Instagram
Gear bags with 30 pockets and no purpose

Ask around and borrow what you can. Most shooters are happy to loan gear to help a new face get started.

Final Word: Run What You’ve Got

If your guns run, and you can carry your mags and ammo safely—you’re good to go. Don’t wait until your setup is “perfect.” Your first match will show you what actually matters.

Choosing a Division & Understanding the Rules

If you’ve been browsing match pages or watching YouTube videos, you’ve probably heard shooters talk about divisions like Tac Ops, Open, or Heavy. Don’t let the names scare you off. Divisions just sort competitors based on their gear, so it’s a fair playing field.

You don’t need to memorize every rulebook to get started. Just figure out where your current setup fits—and run it.

Common Divisions

Most matches follow one of two systems: 3-Gun Nation style or USPSA Multigun rules. Local outlaw matches may tweak things, but the general breakdown stays the same.

Tactical Optics (Tac Ops)

Rifle: One optic (usually an LPVO)
Pistol: Iron sights only
Shotgun: Iron sights, tube-fed only
No shotgun speed loaders or optics

Best for: Shooters running an AR with LPVO, iron-sight pistol, and traditional shotgun.

Modified

Rifle: Optics allowed
Pistol: Optics allowed
Shotgun: Tube-fed only, no speed loaders or optics

Why it’s popular: Lets you run your red dot pistol and tricked-out rifle while keeping the shotgun traditional. This is becoming the “new normal” at many matches.

Open

Anything goes: shotgun optics, box-fed shotguns, speed loaders, race gear

Best for: Shooters who already own high-end gear or want no restrictions.

Limited / Factory

Iron sights on everything
Minimal modifications allowed

Best for: Shooters who want a basic, level field or are running mil-style setups.

Heavy Division (aka He-Man or Major)

Rifle: .308
Shotgun: 12-gauge pump
Pistol: .45 ACP

Best for: Shooters who want a challenge and already own the gear.

How to Pick Your Division

Look at your current gear—what fits?
Don’t buy gear just to squeeze into a division
If you’re unsure, Modified or Tac Ops are the safest bets
Ask the match director—they’ve seen every setup

You’re not stuck in a division forever. You can switch as your gear changes or if you want to try something new.

Know the Rules (But Don’t Panic)

Most matches will link to their ruleset on Practiscore or the club website. Skim through it. Look for these basics:

How to handle guns on a cold range
Where and when you can load magazines
Gear restrictions for your division

If you’re unsure about anything, ask at the shooter’s meeting. Nobody expects you to know it all out of the gate.

Final Tip: Avoid Analysis Paralysis

Your first match isn’t about winning—it’s about showing up, being safe, and learning. Don’t get stuck trying to find the “perfect” division. Pick one, prep your gear, and go shoot.

Match Day: What to Expect & How to Prepare

Showing up to your first 3-Gun match can feel like walking into someone else’s family reunion—gear everywhere, inside jokes flying, and a rhythm you haven’t learned yet. But once you’ve been through it once, it clicks fast.

The Night Before

Pack your guns, ammo, belt, eye/ear pro, and anything else on your checklist
Double-check your optic zero, especially on your rifle
Load your mags ahead of time—it saves stress in the morning
Check the match listing for location, start time, squad number, and any extra rules

Lay your gear out the night before like you’re heading to the airport. Organized shooters are calm shooters.

Arriving at the Match

Get there early—at least 30–45 minutes before registration. Even better? Show up earlier and help set up.

Local matches are usually built the morning of the event. That means volunteers haul steel, staple targets, and get the stages ready. Even if you’re not sure what to do, just ask. Carrying stuff and pitching in makes a great first impression.

Once you arrive:

Check in at registration
Find your squad (usually listed in Practiscore)
Introduce yourself—let folks know you’re new
Attend the shooter’s meeting

The Shooter’s Meeting

This is where the match director covers safety rules, match flow, and anything unique about the range. Even veteran shooters pay attention here—you should too.

Expect to hear:

Cold range reminders
How many stages, and where to start
Details like wildlife hazards, parking, or first aid

How the Match Flows

Your squad moves from stage to stage
Each stage gets a walkthrough (everyone gets a turn to study the layout)
Shooters go one at a time
Squad resets after every shooter

Expect to shoot 4–6 stages over half a day. Larger matches may run longer depending on turnout.

Resetting Matters

Bring gloves—especially for resetting steel. Resetting targets is part of the sport and a key way to contribute. Don’t be the one just watching. Tape targets, reset steel, help with props. You’ll earn respect fast.

Focus for First-Time Shooters

Your goals on match day are simple:

Be safe: muzzle awareness, trigger discipline, follow RO commands
Be smooth: clean, controlled runs beat rushed hero moves
Be helpful: reset, stay involved, keep things moving

Everyone messes something up their first match. That’s normal. Laugh it off, reset, and learn from it.

Between Stages

Use your downtime wisely:

Top off mags and shell carriers
Hydrate and eat small snacks to stay sharp
Watch other shooters and learn from their runs
Mentally rehearse your stage plan

Tear Down Is Part of the Game

When the final stage is shot, don’t vanish. Stick around to help tear down stages and load gear into trailers. Even just stacking targets or dragging steel goes a long way.

If you’re unsure what to do, ask. Match directors will gladly point you to a job that needs doing.

What About Major Matches?

You might hear folks talking about “majors”—those big, multi-day matches with prize tables and pro shooters. They’re great, but not where you start.

Major matches usually have:

Pre-built stages
Dedicated RO crews and support staff
Formal score review and arbitration windows

Shoot a few local matches first. Build your confidence. Then consider stepping up to a major.

Quick Match Day Checklist

✅ Guns: Rifle, Shotgun, Pistol
✅ Ammo (plus extra)
✅ Belt, mag pouches, holster
✅ Eye and ear protection
✅ Gloves, wipes, snacks, water
✅ Chamber flags (if required)
✅ Tools or spares (if you have them)
✅ Good attitude

Most important? Be a good squadmate. Help out. Ask questions. Stay safe. That’s what keeps this sport strong.

Building Your Loadout: Gear Priorities for First-Time Shooters

Once you’ve shot a match or two, you’ll start to see where your setup shines—and where it needs work. The goal here is to help you build out your gear in a way that makes sense, without wasting money on stuff that looks cool but doesn’t help you shoot better.

Your Three Guns: What Matters Most

Rifle

Platform: 16″ AR-15 chambered in .223/5.56
Optic: 1–6x LPVO is the standard; a red dot will work for shorter ranges but limits you on longer stages
Mags: Bring at least 3–4 quality mags
Zero: Confirm before every match. Zeroing issues can derail your whole day

Shotgun

Platform: Semi-auto, tube-fed 12-gauge
Barrel: 21–24” is common
Choke: Start with Modified; test your pattern with your ammo
Capacity: 8+1 is a good minimum. Know your match rules—some allow 9+1 or more

Pistol

Caliber: 9mm
Platform: Full-size service pistol you can run confidently
Optic: Optional depending on your division
Mags: 3 or more, especially if you’re limited to 10 rounds in your division

Belt and Loadout Setup

You’ll eventually want a proper inner/outer belt setup with secure pouches and shotgun caddies—but don’t rush it. Start with what works and upgrade with experience.

Pistol mag pouches: Start with 2
Rifle mag pouch: Just 1 to begin
Shotgun shell carriers: Depends on your loading style

Shotgun Loading Options

Loading Style	Gear You’ll Need
Weak-hand quad load	1–2 caddies (Invictus, EZ8, Carbon Arms, etc.)
Strong-hand load	Same caddies, mounted differently
Pocket loads	Will work for your first match, but not ideal long term

Not sure what style works for you? Ask someone at the match to demo their setup. Most shooters are happy to let you test-drive their gear during downtime.

Other Essentials

Electronic ear pro: Walker’s, Howard Leight, MSA, or in-ear models
Eye pro: Clear lenses or HD contrast tints like Hunters HD Gold
Gloves: Resetting steel will coat your hands in lead dust fast
Lead wipes: Hero Wipes, D-Lead, or Hygenall to stay clean between stages
Chamber flags: Most matches require these for rifle and shotgun

Nice-to-Haves (Not Mandatory… Yet)

Rain gear or jacket
Small toolkit and extra batteries (for optics or timers)
Sharpie and masking tape for quick stage notes
Maglula loader (save your thumbs, especially at majors)

What You Can Skip for Now

$3,000 in upgrades
Offset optics or throw levers you’re not trained on
Pro jerseys with logos before you’ve shot a match
Shell caddies that don’t match your loading method

Smart Growth Over Time

After each match, take note of what held you back—then fix that one thing. Maybe your shotgun ran great, but your shell loads were slow. Maybe your belt sagged under weight. Maybe your optic wasn’t bright enough in direct sun.

Fix one issue at a time. Validate it in dry fire. Confirm it at your next match.

That’s how you build a loadout that works—through real reps, not online wishlists.

Understanding Scoring: How Your Match is Judged

If you’re new to 3-Gun, scoring can sound like a confusing mix of math and penalties. You’ll hear terms like Comstock, Virginia Count, or Time Plus—but don’t worry. Most matches use one system, and it’s pretty simple once you see it in action.

The Most Common: Time Plus Scoring

Most local and national 3-Gun matches in the U.S. use Time Plus scoring. Here’s how it works:

Your stage time = how long it took to shoot everything
Then they add penalties (for misses, no-shoots, procedural errors, etc.)

Example: You shoot a stage in 52.41 seconds. You missed a steel target (+5 seconds) and forgot a clay pigeon (+10 seconds).

Your final score: 52.41 + 5 + 10 = 67.41 seconds

The lowest final time wins the stage. That’s it.

Common Penalties (and What They Cost)

Infraction	Penalty
Missed paper target	+5 seconds
Missed steel target	+5 seconds
Missed clay	+10 seconds
Failure to engage a target	+10 seconds
Foot fault or procedural	+5 to +10 seconds
Unsafe gun handling	Disqualification (DQ)

Pro Tip: You don’t need to be perfect, but hitting your targets cleanly will save more time than any fancy reload trick ever will.

What Counts as a “Hit”?

Paper targets: Usually 2 hits anywhere in the scoring zone
Steel targets: Must fall or flash (depending on the design)
Clays: Must visibly break

Most matches don’t care if you hit the A-zone or the C-zone—as long as the target is neutralized, you’re good.

Round Count and Extra Shots

In 3-Gun, there’s usually no limit on how many shots you can take. If you miss, just shoot again. But be warned:

More shots = more time
Extra reloads = more chances to fumble

So while you can take more shots, the goal is to make each one count.

Where You’ll See Your Score

Most matches use Practiscore for scoring. After your run, the RO enters your time and any penalties. You’ll be handed the tablet to review before you hit “approve.”

Always double-check:

Stage time is correct
Penalty counts match what happened

Once submitted, it’s usually locked in. For big matches, there’s an arbitration window later—but don’t count on getting something changed after the fact.

Clean Runs Beat Fast Runs

Don’t chase speed at the cost of penalties. A fast time with a bunch of misses will almost always score worse than a smooth, deliberate run with no penalties.

Shoot clean first. Speed will come later.

Hit Factor, Comstock, and Virginia Count (Quick Note)

Some matches or individual stages use other scoring systems like Comstock or Virginia Count. These are more common in USPSA-style events. In those systems, scoring is based on points per second (hit factor), and the number of rounds you’re allowed to shoot may be limited.

Unless you’re shooting USPSA Multigun or a special stage at a major match, you’ll rarely deal with these as a beginner. Just ask your RO if you’re unsure what counts.

Final Takeaway

The timer and the targets don’t lie. Hit your targets, avoid penalties, and be deliberate. That’s how you move up the leaderboard.

And if you’re helping others figure out scoring? Even better. That’s how this community grows.

Drills and Practice Tips: Getting Better Between Matches

You don’t need to shoot 1,000 rounds a week to get better at 3-Gun. In fact, some of the best shooters do more dry fire than live fire. The key is intentional practice—working on the right things with the time and space you have.

Dry Fire: Your Secret Weapon

Dry fire is free, safe, and incredibly effective. It’s how you build smooth gun handling, fast transitions, and rock-solid fundamentals. All you need is a safe space, a cleared firearm, and a little structure.

What to Work On:

Draws and holstering
Reloads (rifle, pistol, and shotgun)
Transitions between guns
Entering and exiting shooting positions
Stage planning and movement

Useful Tools:

Shot timer app with par time mode
Snap caps or dummy rounds
Printable targets or index cards
Tape or cones to simulate walls, barrels, or positions

Start small: Ten minutes, three times a week, will pay off fast if you’re consistent.

Live Fire: Make It Count

Ammo isn’t cheap, so don’t waste range time. Go in with a plan. Focus on drills that reinforce your dry fire work and expose weaknesses.

Go-To Drills:

Bill Drill (Pistol): 6 rounds at 7 yards. Focus on recoil control and speed.
1 Reload 1: Fire 1 shot, reload, fire 1 shot. Use it for all three guns.
El Prez: Turn, draw, and engage three targets with two shots each. Great for transitions.
2 Reload 2 (Shotgun): Fire 2, load 2, fire 2. Simple but brutally effective.
Close-range hold drill (Rifle): Aim at a dot at 5, 10, 15, and 25 yards. Learn where your optic hits up close.

End with something fun—like shooting steel or running a mini-stage. You’ll walk away with a win and want to train again.

Mental Reps and Visualization

You don’t need a trigger to practice. Watch match footage, walk imaginary stages in your garage, or visualize yourself running through a course. Ask yourself:

Where do I move first?
When do I reload?
Which targets are trickiest?

The more you rehearse in your head, the smoother you’ll shoot under pressure.

Sample Weekly Practice Plan

Day	Activity	Time
Monday	Dry fire (pistol draw + reloads)	15 min
Tuesday	Dry fire (transitions + movement)	20 min
Wednesday	Rest or match video review	–
Thursday	Dry fire (shotgun loading + staging)	20 min
Friday	Live fire range session	1–2 hours
Saturday	Match day or fun shooting	Half day
Sunday	Recovery, gear maintenance	–

Adjust based on your schedule. The point is consistency—not perfection.

Track Progress Over Time

Use a notebook or app to log:

Drill times
Hits vs. misses
What felt clean and what fell apart

This helps you target your next practice session instead of just going through the motions.

Final Tip: Don’t Train in a Vacuum

Practice is how you improve—but matches are how you test. Use each match as feedback. What went well? What needs work? Bring that back into your training loop.

That’s how top shooters train. And it’s how you’ll keep leveling up.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Everyone starts somewhere—and that usually includes a few hiccups. The good news? Most early mistakes in 3-Gun are completely avoidable. Knowing what to expect can save you frustration, wasted money, and even a disqualification.

Mistake #1: Not Reading the Match Info

Why it happens: You skim the sign-up page and miss the details.

The fix: Read the entire match description. Look for round counts, gear restrictions, and rules. If there’s a matchbook—download it. Knowing what to bring (and what not to bring) matters.

Mistake #2: Showing Up Late

Why it happens: You assume “on time” is good enough.

The fix: Show up 45–60 minutes early. This gives you time to gear up, walk stages, and settle in. Bonus points if you help with setup—you’ll make friends fast.

Mistake #3: Overpacking or Underdressing

Why it happens: You either bring everything or forget the basics.

The fix: Use a checklist. Bring what you need—not your entire safe. And dress for the weather. This is an outdoor sport. Bring layers, sunscreen, and a chair if it’s going to be a long day.

Mistake #4: Copying Someone Else’s Stage Plan

Why it happens: You see a good shooter and assume their plan is the best.

The fix: Walk the stage and build a plan that works for you. Visualize where your reloads go, how you’ll transition between positions, and what you’re most confident in. Steal ideas, but don’t copy blindly.

Mistake #5: Going Too Fast Too Soon

Why it happens: The buzzer goes off and you rush everything.

The fix: Slow down. Shoot smooth and clean. Speed comes with reps. In the beginning, penalties hurt you way more than slow splits.

Mistake #6: Ignoring Lead Safety

Why it happens: Nobody talks about it enough.

The fix: Wear gloves when resetting steel. Don’t eat with dirty hands. Use de-lead wipes after every stage. Wash up when you get home—especially before touching your kids, pets, or the inside of your truck.

Mistake #7: Not Helping Reset or Tear Down

Why it happens: You don’t know it’s expected—or assume others have it covered.

The fix: If you’re not shooting or reloading—help reset. It’s just good squad etiquette. And stick around at the end to help tear down. Local matches run on volunteers. Be one of them.

Mistake #8: Skipping the Basics

Why it happens: You get distracted by gear and YouTube trick shots.

The fix: Drill the fundamentals: safe gun handling, clean reloads, and efficient transitions. Get solid at those, and everything else will come easier later.

Bonus Tip: Don’t Take a DQ Personally

Disqualifications happen. To new shooters. To veterans. One bad transition or safety slip is all it takes. If it happens to you, own it, stay and help reset, and come back stronger next time.

Final Thought

Every top shooter you’ve ever seen started where you are. They all made mistakes. What matters most is that you show up, stay safe, and keep learning. That’s how you grow in this sport—and in this community.

After the Match: What Comes Next?

You did it. Whether you nailed every stage or fumbled through all of them, finishing your first 3-Gun match is a milestone. You showed up. You ran three guns. You played the game. And now—it’s time to figure out what comes next.

Review Your Performance (Honestly)

This isn’t about beating yourself up. It’s about learning. Ask yourself:

Did I stay safe and follow all range commands?
Did my gear function properly?
What felt smooth and controlled?
Where did I struggle—stage planning, reloads, transitions?

If someone took video of your runs, watch them. You’ll spot things you didn’t notice in the moment—good and bad.

Make Small Adjustments

Don’t rush out to buy new gear just yet. Fix what slowed you down:

If your belt shifted, look into a better inner/outer setup
If shotgun loads fumbled, try adjusting your caddies or technique
If your rifle didn’t hold zero, double-check mounts and ammo

Change one thing at a time. Validate it in practice. Confirm it at your next match.

Write It Down

Grab a notebook or start a digital log. After each match, jot down:

What you did well
What needs work
What gear worked—or didn’t

That history will help you see progress over time and keep your training focused.

Stay Connected

If you met good folks at the match, follow up. Shoot them a message. Ask if they shoot other local matches or if they train somewhere during the week. The more plugged in you are, the easier it is to stay motivated and improve.

Pro Tip: A simple “Hey, when’s your next match?” goes a long way.

Plan Your Next Match

Don’t wait months. While it’s still fresh, sign up for another local match. Set one or two goals—like cleaner transitions or smoother reloads—and work on them between now and then.

The best way to improve? Reps. Dry fire, range sessions, and match experience.

You’re In Now

You’re not just a spectator anymore. You’re a competitor. Whether you do it for fun, improvement, or one day to chase a podium—3-Gun is your sport now.

Most of us started out fumbling gear, forgetting stage plans, and finishing near the bottom. What kept us going was the community, the adrenaline, and the desire to get just a little better each time.

Final Words

Your first match was the starting line—not the finish.

Keep showing up. Keep learning. Stay humble. Stay safe. And remember—everyone you admire in this sport once stood exactly where you are now.

Welcome to the game.

Your First Match Is Just the Beginning

If you’ve made it this far through the guide, you’re already ahead of the curve. Most people spend months (or years) thinking about getting into competitive shooting. You’re doing it. You’ve got the tools, the mindset, and the map.

3-Gun isn’t easy. That’s kind of the point. It challenges your planning, your gun handling, your ability to stay calm under pressure. But the reward? It’s huge.

You’ll meet some of the best people you’ve ever shared a range with. You’ll push yourself in ways you didn’t expect. And you’ll walk off stages knowing that you earned every hit, every reload, every second shaved from the clock.

We built this guide because we’ve all been there—standing around before our first match, unsure where to park, what to say, or how the scoring worked. You’re not alone in this. And now, you’re not starting from scratch either.

Whether your first step is dry firing in your garage, watching a match, or just signing up and diving in—you’re already on the path.

Stay consistent. Stay curious. Keep showing up. That’s how you get better.

Bonus Resources

Find a Local Match – Search matches by location and match type.
Dry Fire Drills for 3-Gun – Coming soon: printable drills and weekly plans.
3-Gun Range Bag Checklist PDF – Download and print before your next match.
Follow Us on Instagram – Watch match coverage, gear reviews, and shooter highlights.

One Last Thing…

If this guide helped you, pass it on. Share it with a buddy who’s thinking about jumping in. Print it out. Save the link. Post it in your local club’s Facebook group.

This sport grows when we help each other. You don’t have to be an expert to be part of the community—you just have to show up, be safe, and lend a hand.

We’ll see you on the range.

– The Action Gunner Team