Three-Gun and Tactical Action Shooting require the shooter to combine accuracy, speed, and tactics to complete different types of shooting problems or scenarios. Three-Gun match shooters solve these problems with different types of weapons. Three-Gun shooters may use military pattern rifles (such as the AR15), shotguns (usually 12 ga.), and centerfire handguns (typically 9mm or larger). The term, three-gun, is used here to depict a match in which not only are semiautomatic pistols, rifles, and shotguns are used, but where other weapons may also used.

Unlike bullseye, skeet, or pistol silhouette, TRC three-gun and tactical action shooting matches are different every time—requiring competitors to be diverse in their training and skill sets. For example, in a given stage a shooter may be required to engage targets at distances varying from 2 to 200 yards; in low light or no light conditions; paper targets and steel.

Three-Gun/Tactical shooting competition is what you want to make of it.

Shotgun targets may be engaged with small shot loads and at other times with slugs. A long gun shot dry may require a transition to pistol to finish the stage. Often, no-shoot targets, which incur a penalty when hit, are placed near normal shoot targets. Realistic props are used to simulate a scenario that the shooter must complete.

Three-Gun/Tactical shooting competition is what you want to make of it. Some shooters emphasize the practical aspect by using their normal carry gun to develop their self-defense skills and test their equipment in realistic situations. For most folk, the match is part monthly practice, part social occasion. These shooters enjoy the challenge, fun, and social aspects of the sport—but don't take things too seriously.

At the other end of the spectrum are the athletes, the serious competitors. These shooters often emphasize the game element of the competition, using equipment they acknowledge lacks practical use,

The three-gun and tactical action shooting groups at TRC emphasize self-improvement rather than competition and prizes.

but which improves their ability to generate high scores and low times.

In between are all sorts of shooters—including many who enjoy three-gun and tactical action shooting and the opportunity these matches provide to use their politically incorrect weapons.

Shooters must decide how they want to approach the match. The three-gun and tactical action shooting groups at TRC emphasize self-improvement rather than competition and prizes. However, all types of shooters are welcome—as long as they are safe shooters first and foremost. Top

Tactical Night Shoot

     Although officially a multi-gun action shoot, rifle use and low light shooting are emphasized in this match. Matches are held every second Saturday beginning in late afternoon and running until after dark. Rifles most often used are semi-automatics with detachable magazine.

On occasion a shooter will use a rifle that requires stripper clips (as do SKS and M1 Garands), or a bolt action with self contained magazine. The most common rifles seen at matches include the AR15, FAL, and M1a. Many competitors use some sort of optical site. Optics are particularly useful for low light shooting stages run during the evening hours of the match.

Team stages are often done in addition to individual events. Time permitting, shooters are often allowed to rerun stages should they feel they can improve their performance. Top

Three Gun Group (TGG)

     Also referred to as multi-gun, the 3 gun practical shooting matches attempt to measure the ability of each competitor to shoot accurately and rapidly while maintaining strict safety protocols. Each competitor uses a full power handgun, semi-automatic rifle, and shotgun. By design, each match will measure a competitor's ability using each of the three guns. To do this, shooters take on obstacle-laden shooting courses (stages) requiring anywhere from six to 30 or more shots to complete. The match is run using the International Multi-gun Association rules and scoring system. If a competitor misses a target, or shoots inaccurately, time is added to the overall score.

Like the other 3 gun matches at TRC the emphasis is on improving your skills rather than prizes. Competitors move, negotiate obstacles, run, speed-reload, and drive their guns through each of several courses as fast as their skills will allow. It is important to have realistic expectations as you approach competitive shooting. Many people, but most especially those without a lot of shooting experience, make unreasonable assumptions about this game. This match, similar to all others, has safety as the foremost objective. New shooters will be teamed with experienced shooters to give them an opportunity to learn by example and also to get coaching as they develop the skills to compete effectively.

Equipment used varies from competitor to competitor, but will normally consist of a Rifle that is .223 caliber or larger (usually military style like the AR-15), a Shotgun of 20 gauge or larger holding no more than 9 rounds in the gun total and a Pistol of 9mm caliber or larger. For rifle, no steel core or AP rounds please as they damage the targets which becomes expensive very quickly. Shotgun pellets should be no larger than #4 shot and some slugs are normally required. Targets will be engaged from point blank range to 200 yards so it is best if you know your zero for all guns before you come to a match. Round counts will normally be in the 30 - 50 for each type of gun with up to 10 slugs in the match.

Practical 3 gunning is an exciting, fun, safe sport. Like any sport, though, it takes time and effort to become proficient. Like any sport there will be times when your progress is rapid and it's easy to remain focused on your goal. At other times it will seem that you're not getting anywhere and it will be easy to become discouraged. Consistent practice will take you where you want to go. This match is designed to help give you the practice, skills and confidence to be able to compete in any three gun match in the country. Top

Southern Arizona Practical Shooters (SAPS)

     Affiliated with the United States Practical Shooting Association (USPSA), this club runs an action match on the second Sunday of each month. Pistol or revolver only. Scoring will balance accuracy, power and speed.

Classifier matches will be shot that will allow participating USPSA members to obtain a classification that can be utilized worldwide and compared against the best in the world.  Joining USPSA is not mandatory, however if you really like this sport you will find membership in a national organization inexpensive and very rewarding.

Each stage is different and distances will vary from a few feet to 50 yards.  Paper USPSA type targets and steel knock down targets are utilized as well as an assortment of moving targets.  Our matches consist of 5 stages of fire requiring different shooting positions and challenges.

Six different divisions are recognized, assuring the competitor that he or she will be competing against similarly equipped shooters.  In other words, bring what you have, 9mm to .45ACP, at least 4 extra magazines, 6 speed loaders for revolvers, a secure holster and magazine carriers, 150 rounds of ammunition, eye and ear protection.

A minimum of 9MM is required, with a scoring advantage given to shooters shooting a .40 S&W or larger. 

If this sounds like your idea of fun, we welcome you and will see to it that you are teamed with experienced shooters who delight in taking new shooters through their first few matches safely and assure that you have an enjoyable experience.

Check us out and join the fun. Top