The Rise of the Modified Optics Division in 3-Gun Competitions

In 3-gun competition, shooters test their skills with a pistol, rifle, and shotgun in fast-paced stages, where divisions regulate equipment choices. The relatively new “Modified Optics” division has exploded in popularity since its introduction in early 2022, striking a balance between traditional restrictions and the flexibility of modern optics. This division first appeared at the 2022 Nordic Vortex Tri-Gun and the 2022 Jeff Kirkwold Memorial 3-Gun event, and it has been enthusiastically embraced by competitors. Its appeal lies in its allowances for cutting-edge gear without the extreme modifications of the Open division.

Growth of the Modified Optics Division

The Modified Optics division, also known as just Modified, has grown significantly in participation numbers. When it debuted at the 2023 Texas 3 Gun Championship, 15% of over 230 competitors selected this division. By the 2024 event, that number increased to 21%, showing a steady upward trend. At the 6th Annual Memorial 3-Gun Competition, Modified Optics saw 73 participants in 2023 and grew to 88 competitors the following year, out of a field of around 270 participants.

This rapid growth highlights a shift in competitive 3-gun shooting culture, as more shooters look to utilize modern optics setups without crossing into the highly specialized Open division. Let’s take a closer look at what makes the Modified Optics division unique and what equipment it allows.

Modified Optics Division Rules and Equipment

The Modified Optics division allows certain advancements in technology that are becoming increasingly common in shooting sports while still preserving some limitations. Here’s a breakdown of its gear requirements and restrictions:

Pistol

• Caliber: Must be 9x19mm or larger.
• Optics: Competitors can use iron sights or a 1x red dot/electronic sight mounted directly to the pistol slide.
• Mounting Position: Optics must be mounted between the rear of the slide and the ejection port.
• Compensators: Not allowed, keeping the pistol closer to traditional setups and emphasizing shooter control.
• Magazine Length: Magazines are limited to 140mm (for staggered magazines) or 170mm (for single-stack magazines).

Rifle

• Caliber: .223 Remington (5.56 NATO) or larger.
• Optics: Allows one optical or electronic sight device, which can enhance target acquisition and speed.
• Bipods: Permitted as long as they stay attached throughout each stage, offering shooters improved stability.
• Foregrips: Vertical or angled foregrips are allowed, provided they do not exceed five inches from the handguard.
• Compensators: Limited to a diameter of 1 inch and a length of 3 inches.
• Magazine Capacity: No restrictions, giving shooters flexibility in magazine choice.

Shotgun

• Gauge: Limited to 12 gauge or larger, aligning with common competitive shotgun setups.
• Design: Shotguns must have a fixed magazine tube design, prohibiting detachable magazine setups seen in the Open division.
• Optics: Allows for one electronic or red dot sight, giving shooters a modern sighting option.
• Porting: Both ported barrels and chokes are allowed, helping with recoil management, but compensators remain prohibited.
• Speed Loaders: Not allowed, pushing shooters to use traditional reloading methods.
• Capacity: A maximum of 13 rounds can be loaded, with magazine tubes holding no more than 12 rounds.

Key Differences Between Modified Optics and Other Divisions

Modified Optics is distinct from other 3-gun divisions in several ways:

1. Pistol Optics: Unlike the Tactical Optic division, Modified Optics allows for slide-mounted red dot sights on pistols, catering to the growing trend of optic-equipped handguns.
2. Shotgun Optics: Competitors can mount an optic on their shotgun, a feature not allowed in many other divisions except Open.
3. Shotgun Capacity: Modified Optics permits a higher round count than Tactical Optic, which often restricts shooters to 9 rounds.
4. Bipod Use: Bipods are permitted for rifles, providing an edge in longer stages and differentiating this division from Tactical Limited, where bipods are not allowed.

Why Shooters Are Flocking to Modified Optics

The Modified Optics division has found a dedicated fan base by bridging the gap between the somewhat restricted Tactical Optic division and the unlimited Open division. For shooters who want to use optics on all three firearms but avoid the highly specialized gear seen in Open, Modified Optics offers an ideal middle ground. This balance aligns with recent trends in practical shooting, where shooters are increasingly equipping pistols and shotguns with red dot sights.

By permitting optics while still enforcing restrictions, Modified Optics emphasizes shooting fundamentals and skill. Competitors are not allowed to use compensators on their pistols or detachable magazines on their shotguns, ensuring that shooters maintain a level of technical proficiency without overly relying on specialized gear.

Future of Modified Optics in 3-Gun

As more competitors gravitate towards the Modified Optics division, it’s clear that it’s here to stay. In just a few years, it has gone from a new offering at select matches to a staple division with a solid following. Its growth trajectory suggests that more match organizers will continue to include this division, meeting demand from shooters who want a modern yet balanced equipment setup.

For competitors interested in giving Modified Optics a try, it’s essential to check the specific rules for each event, as slight variations can occur. However, the division’s overall structure has remained consistent, making it easier for shooters to invest in the appropriate equipment and make a smooth transition from other divisions.

Conclusion

The Modified Optics division has carved out a valuable niche in 3-gun competition, combining the appeal of modern optics with a fair set of restrictions. It has seen impressive growth in its brief history and offers a rewarding experience for those who want to test their skills with a tactical yet versatile equipment setup. Whether you’re a seasoned competitor or new to 3-gun, Modified Optics provides an engaging and rapidly evolving way to compete. Expect to see more shooters and events adopting this division, helping to shape the future of 3-gun competition.