3gun basics
Hi Steve,
You are ready to compete with what you have. Another good place to learn about 3gun, the equipment and rules is
http://www.3gunrules.com/
I'd hold off buying a bunch of equip. until you know what you want. It will save you $$ in the long run.
In a nut shell- 3 gun or multi gun (transition between 2 or 3 guns in the same stage) is basically a USPSA or IDPA match, but with 3 guns.
Most matches have three divisions:
Limited (iron sights on all guns, certain comps OK for rifle)
Tactical (iron sights on pistol and shotgun, one optic on your rifle, certain comps OK for rifle)
Open (anything goes- optics on every gun, any comp on rifle / pistol, porting OK on shotgun.)
Pistols are usually semi-auto. Single action 1911 style is probably the most popular, but there are plenty of production style guns being used. Some matches require a major caliber handgun, but some allow major or minor guns. Most shooters use some type of kydex belt holster and mag pouches in Limited and Tacticl Div.. Open div. shooers use the race rigs.
Rifles are normally some .223 AR15 variant. Your Hbar will work fine. If you don't use an optic, you would be in Limited div.
Shotguns are normally semi-autos (Benelli, Winchester, and Remington being the most popular.) In limited and tactical, shotguns are usually limited to 8rnd mag tubes. Open allows as many rounds as you can stuff in the gun.
There is also another up and coming division called He Man or Heavy Metal. This division requires the use of a single stack 1911 .45acp pistol, a pump 12ga. shotgun, and semi-auto .308cal or larger rifle. Have not seen any matches offering this division in the NE, but it is popular out West at the bigger 3gun matches.
You will need a few pouches to hold your rifle mags (can always use your back pocket until you decide what you like). I like the T-rig from
www.3gungear.com. I carry two primary mags on my left thigh and a 3rd emergency mag in a comp-tac kydex mag pouch behind my left hip. This leaves my belt open for pistol mags and shotshells.
You will also need a means of reloading your shotgun (shell holder). I'm not going to tell you how to do this as there are several different methods (week hand, strong hand, California Comp Works carriers, 3gungear arm bands, side-saddles, etc.). This is something you need to work out yourself as folks are comfortable with different methods.
There is a learning curve to the game and getting set up with equip., but it is definetly worth it. Come with a good attitude and you will have a lot of fun. I've been shooting for a long time and tried a bunch of games. 3gun or multi gun is the most fun I've had yet.
As GTOShootr mentioned, check out 3gun section at BE.COM. I learned a ton by reading through this area.
Hope this helps,
Nick-