VortexLIVE | How to: Get Started in 3-Gun

Looking to get started in 3-Gun this season? Tune into our VortexLIVE re-broadcast with Reuben Aleckson as he goes over all the basics to get You started in this awesome, competitive sport.
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[@2Seth21]

don't worry about the borrowing thing it's super hard to talk that well in front of a camera good job man keep it up

[@VortexOpticsUSA]

Thanks +2Seth21! I appreciate it! Unscripted, Live, it all adds up to a lot of "umms" :) -RJ

[@adamrecon]

Yup, I taught at a formal military school for 4 years, we used to sit in the back when another instructor was on the platform, every time they said "um" of "uhh" it was a beer. We all do it.

[@unmalo2768]

@@@adamrecon -Sorry, but only speak for yourself. I was an Army Drill Sgt at Ft. Benning school of the Infantry. We didn't have any "uh, or um" in our vocabulary. Not sure what "formal military school" you taught at, but it must have been a clusterf#ck with you guys acting like school kids. I feel sorry for the product you put out, very unsat.

[@adamrecon]

Cool story. I taught at the USMC Combat divers course. I guess we turned out some decent products as we were a SOCOM rated school and our POI was validated by all branches of the DOD. Also, we did not act like "school kids", as you put it, we did it to better one another. As a true professional is never satisfied with their performance. We also were not teaching 17-18 year old recruits as all of our students were generally between the ranks of E-4 through O-4. But hey man, that's the good thing about your stories and memories, you can be as perfect as you want in them. Keep on telling those stories about the war on the drill field hazing boots or Joes or whatever you called them.

[@Xaiborg]

​@@unmalo2768 Man how do you shit with that rag SO far up your ass? ;)

[@randomazn420]

I like this dude. He's an "every man". Cheers Reuben. Great vid.

[@RimfireAddicted70]

Great explanation of the 3 gun sport for those who have questions. I think this video covered a huge list of points most new shooters are going to be wondering about. Keep up the great work!

[@Flakfire]

This was really informational. I've been looking into some of the 3-gun stuff and this makes it way less intimidating. Thanks.

[@cylascrumbley3366]

Based flakfire

[@tommyg2660]

As a person who is looking to get into this sport I really appreciate this video.

[@tim7325]

Lend..... lend it to you....

[@joshuafallet5690]

@John Doe yeah mildly annoying but h own d his mistake and the we consistent.

[@hunnerat-touaregi4439]

Borrow.

[@JimmyJimJimJames]

I came to say the same thing

[@johnnygolfr1219]

Reuben, nice video and AWESOME attitude. Shooting is all about sharing and growing the sport. If you see me at an event, ask me - you can borrow my gear and give the sport a try!!!

[@froggymj]

Thank you for the info. Don't sweat the trolls. Public speaking sucks and you did a good job.

[@ZebraActual]

"Going to your first match, you're not going to win it.. unless you're the only person there." lol!

[@carrowxhex6891]

It’s true.

[@ozziesoto2955]

Reuben, very informative and you keep it "KIS" . keep it simple

[@williamallison858]

Awesome video man I’ve been really wanting to get into 3gun and have been looking for a good video like this with all this info in one place. Still need a lot of the equipment besides the guns but I’m about to take the plunge and get a Vortex StrikeEagle hopefully this week. I only know about one place that has 3gun events near me in Alabama but I’d love to find out more and really get into the sport.

[@carrowxhex6891]

I did three gun competitions growing up and we would show up to competitions and it would be me, my sister and one other girl sometimes. That was 1994-1997. My dad would enter us in the boys competitions after we got over 5’0 tall. I’m glad to see the sport taking off. I’m thinking about competing again now that my boys are older. He is right about the humility though, you just have to do it. That is the hardest part.

[@VortexOpticsUSA]

That's super cool! You should definitely think about getting back into it!

[@emersonbolen784]

I LOVE Vortex sights!! I use them for both 3-Gun and tactical shooting.

[@VortexOpticsUSA]

Thanks for the support! Glad you're putting 'em to good use! If you ever have any questions or need anything, we're always here to help! - Erik ([e-mail])

[@marvinramseyjr.9014]

AWESOME video. I've been wanting to get into shooting matches for YEARS but there doesn't seem to be much down here in South Florida & the some of the gun people down here are now very friendly when it comes to giving information about any of this stuff. The most that I've heard in person is "they're around, you just have to find them & sign up," which is pretty much a given. No specifics or anything helpful. I'm ready to give it a shot & make my gun hobby worth something

[@IRONJUNK625]

Competing against your self is the best improvement.

[@JLMtime]

what a likable guy !

[@HoustonATVRidingClub]

great video I wish I would have watched this before my first match

[@RandyMass]

Excellent video, only thing that I feel obligated to say is that “borrow” is the receiving of an item, and “lend” is the giving of an item.

[@fazespongebob2379]

I started my first 3 gun match at my local gun club and I and a ruger mark iv lite(my first gun) a M&P 15-22 and a saga 12 and a old police belt.

[@VortexOpticsUSA]

That's awesome!

[@REF49]

Great introduction!

[@kylebradt7887]

Thank you for this video. My 12 year old son is really wanting to get into 3 gun. He already spanks everyone at the range when I take my agency out to qualify. I’m currently building his rifle and this is a huge help letting me know what I need to acquire.

[@schneir5]

I have a Spitfire prism optic on my AR and it's awesome 👍

[@VortexOpticsUSA]

Right on!

[@schneir5]

@@VortexOpticsUSA I have slight astigmatism, so the prism sight works great for me. I love how I don't need back up iron sights with it too. I recently started doing USPSA again, and I've been wanting to get a sight for my CZ Shadow 2, like a Viper or Venom red dot, but I don't have the optics ready version of the S2, and I would have to use a dovetail mount or get the slide cut, and I'll still have the astigmatism issues with a red dot. You guys don't make a smaller prism optic that would work on a pistol, do you? I don't think that exists, but I'm not sure. Thank you.

[@VortexOpticsUSA]

@@schneir5 That's great to hear that prism scopes are working for you! We do not have any that would work on a pistol platform at this time. We can definitely pass along the request though to our new product development team!

[@schneir5]

@@VortexOpticsUSA Thank you! I'm a big fan, if I didn't say that already. Maybe I will find some kind of frame mounted rail that I could just attach my Spitfire to my pistol. That would probably look funny, and I would definitely have to do Open division USPSA and the similar 3 Gun division, if I ever get a shotgun. I kinda want to see that now just for fun, a prism optic frame mounted to a pistol lol I'm sure it would work great, but it would definitely look funny.

[@2nd_1strant36]

I'm a big fan of large caliber and as such I REALLY want to get into Heavy Metal division. My choices would be 300 win mag, pump 12 ga, and 50 ae

[@KCRunner]

Super helpful thank you

[@TheMountainProject]

good stuff Reuben!

[@VortexOpticsUSA]

Thanks +The Mountain Project! I just want to help people get into the sport! -RJ

[@criseldaborromeo2090]

The Mountain Project i

[@mr.meeseeks2310]

I’m really interested in the sport, I have everything however my Shotgun is 5+1. How many shells does a shotgun need for 3gun?

[@VortexOpticsUSA]

Even with crazy extension tubes giving guys wild capacities in their shotguns, there will always need to be reloading. You can go to a match with a 5+1 capacity. Expect to reload a lot more than some of the dudes with a 3-gun-specific rig, but that just means you're getting that much more practice under stress and getting better a lot more quickly. If you decide you want to pursue it further, then get something with larger capacity and you'll appreciate it that much more. Dave Hartman of the 3 gun show started out with a shotgun just like yours.

[@jesseburlison1071]

I wonder if when he was talking about the guy from hard as hell if it was Ian or Karl from InRangeTV?

[@Pragmatist1st]

Ammo can be expensive for a regular working man. Do u find a lot of people have sponsorships or reload their own ammo? If not, what the cheapest easiest way to get the best bang for your buck on ammo?

[@ianfrancisledesma4431]

Best way make your own ammo..look at Dillon progressive reloading on KZbin.

[@brettwhite5906]

I'm very new to the idea of shooting 3-Gun. Question, regarding the shootgun, barrel length recommended? What kind of shotgun ammo is used? A slug?? Typically, how many round per gun are shot during each run?

[@VortexOpticsUSA]

Welcome to the sport - we think you’ll have a ton of fun, and hopefully learn some good stuff too! Most shooters will select a barrel length of either 24 or 26 inches. That being said, I’ve seen a fair number of shooters running 28 inch barrels too. The most important thing is that the gun fits you right, swings well, and pulls up to a good point where your natural point of aim is apparent. Typically, about 80-85% of shots taken with the shotgun will be birdshot. Low base, 2-3/4” shells shooting 1 to 1-1/8 oz of #7.5 or 8 shot. Some matches will incorporate slugs and buckshot. For that, choose a slug that runs reliably and accurately in your shotgun - I recommend Hornady low recoil rifled slugs. For a local/club style match, you can expect 50-100 rounds per pistol and rifle, and 25-75 rounds of shotgun. This can vary greatly. Major matches can be upwards of 300-400 rounds of pistol, 200-300 rounds of rifle, and 150-250 rounds of shotgun. Hope this helps!

[@brettwhite5906]

Thank you! I appreciate you taking the time to provide me with those details. I now know what to look for when purchasing a shot gun for 3-gun shooting. Several I have looked at have different chokes in them.

[@VortexOpticsUSA]

@@brettwhite5906 Happy to help!

[@julianmercier]

Are there any three gun matches in California, or is that just not possible any longer?

[@ericcarr7557]

Do these competitions exist in California? And if so, do the ones in CA have to be shot with all CA compliant guns?

[@VortexOpticsUSA]

You'll want to check with the match director about that but it's definitely a safe bet to assume that if you're in California with weapons, just because you're at a competition doesn't mean you can get away with having firearms that don't comply with state rules.

[@Holywowcow]

In California they're called "3 high capacity assault weapon matches of mass destruction" and everyone is usually arrested. 😜

[@sparepartsgarage2535]

Could you get a way with using a 10/22 for the rilfe

[@LARRYCAL]

You don’t have to have expensive equipment? Can you start with hi points

[@mrgrungie104]

SMH.... 😂 yes u could but they are better used as a club cause how heavy they are lmao but i think it would be cool to use their pistol and highpoint ar platform idk if they have a shotgun

[@LARRYCAL]

Mr Grungie yeah that was a joke

[@DinoNucci]

Ty for vid

[@BC9696]

Do people use ARs in .22 caliber ever or is .223 the minimum? Most of my ARs are AR10s, probably overkill for 3 gun. My EDC is a G22, suitable? Thanks.

[@beantowncowboy241]

1 optic, so am I aloud to run offset iron sights as well in all three divisions?

[@johnk815]

I have to use ear muffs and it seems to interfere with a my cheek weld and getting a good sight picture with my Nikon 1.5x 4.5 and advice for me on choosing another optic?

[@oceaser6977]

I have a Saint Victor with 3 modes: safe, semi auto and binary Can I use that to compete (on semi auto mode of course)

[@laserone5627]

i need to find a match in az anyone got info on 3gun in arizona???? great video bro

[@VortexOpticsUSA]

Thanks +Victor 7560 - please shoot me an email and I'll get you connected with one of our shooters in AZ! [e-mail]

[@dboyinaz]

Rio Solado Gun club has 3 gun matches the second Saturday of every month

[@jamesnaulta7199]

9:28 who makes the pistol grip and buttstock on your tactical rifle??

[@BigLisaFan]

Canada has made the AR-15 prohibited and pistol capacity is 10 rounds, 5 in semi-automatic rifle/pump shotguns. Puts one at a disadvantage. Could you use a Remington 870 with short barrel, SKS to get started? Pistol already more or less conforms being a 9mm Browning Hi-Power.

[@VortexOpticsUSA]

You certainly could! You can get as creative as you'd like when getting started in the sport. The main thing to keep in mind is dual-purpose functionality, and it sounds like you're on the right track with the list you mentioned!

[@BigLisaFan]

@@VortexOpticsUSA Thank you for the reply. Unfortunately with the recent AR-15 ban in Canada, my club says that unless it is over turned at a later date, they may no longer hold 3 gun shoots as at least 95% of the shooters used the AR-15 platform. Day late, dollar short.

[@kenshiro882002]

interested.. how much for that ar15 with scope (black), the benelli m1, and the pistol (with optics)..

[@elpasoroy8391]

I have a mossberg 590a1 can i use that in a match?

[@DonRaynor]

yes

[@chriszablocki2460]

I prefer this over joining a bowling league. Does the shotgun need to be semi auto, or can I pump between shots?

[@VortexOpticsUSA]

To get your feet wet you could certainly use a pump, but you would definitely want to get a semi-auto ASAP as it will be so much easier and a better experience.

[@chriszablocki2460]

@@VortexOpticsUSA thank you. I really look forward to it.

[@chriszablocki2460]

If I have to join a community. This is the one.

[@VortexOpticsUSA]

@@chriszablocki2460 You bet!

[@robertrandin9568]

I live in homestead Florida close to Miami where can I learn how to do this is her classes here where I can learn and do they have this competition scored here thank you

[@aaronjames11]

I just realized i should do 3 gun lol

[@michaelbrininstool4515]

I have never understood borrowing someone your equipment. Seems like it should be "loan" equipment. Is that a regional ting?

[@Art_Of_Stew]

Do you see a lot of foregrips?

[@Tarqui787]

Can you use a 12in pistol ar15 in 556 instead of a rifle?

[@VortexOpticsUSA]

Really going to depend where you are and what division you're shooting in. Chances are at a major match you won't be able to, but at some local matches they may let it slide.

[@dannytillman7002]

Is the stock on your ar made by vortex

[@wingshooter1967]

I recommend you Never ask someone to borrow you something!

[@J.Young808]

He was probably meaning lend you

[@aubriwilson]

how do i get that bar light in the back ground, any raffle or drawing

[@VortexOpticsUSA]

That's a good idea! I don't think they are an item we sell at this time, but we'll keep you in mind if we do! -Reuben

[@aubriwilson]

Vortex Optics that would look great in my gun room

[@aubriwilson]

I gotta have that light, who made it so i can order one

[@blueman9450]

Is there a division that accepts just regular everyday standard capacity pump action shotgun?

[@VortexOpticsUSA]

You can use a pump in most any division. Depending on the one you are in, it may put you at a pretty big disadvantage compared to other competitors (For example - the guys in the "Open" division will be using some pretty insane stuff that will definitely give them a huge leg up, but guys in "Tac Ops" might be on a relatively more even playing field). There is also "Heavy" division which involves using an AR-10 or similar rifle platform that shoots something bigger than 5.56 (Like 7.62/.308) and those competitors also HAVE to use a pump shotgun. Even some divisions popping up that are Law Enforcement-focused (You don't HAVE to be LE to be in it) now require the use of standard duty weapons like a standard A2 style MR (Or AR-15 dressed like one), a pump shotgun and an unmodified Glock or other polymer pistol.

[@blueman9450]

@@VortexOpticsUSA thank you so much for the information.

[@tony5tark]

What are the Hand Guards

[@Dontwantto1000]

Can I use a jts 12 gauge AK as a shotgun for a gun match

[@rickyxiong4340]

Is your Razor 1-6 in black? If so, are they available?

[@VortexOpticsUSA]

Our Razor 1-6x is only available in bronze! -Rachel, [e-mail]

[@mortem-tyrannis]

I want to do this so bad.

[@sgt4204]

Arsenal strike one. Good for 3 gun?

[@VortexOpticsUSA]

It'll do the job - the best gun to get started in 3 gun with is the one you have. Get practice, learn the sport, then get different gear if needed.

[@rickhoupt6933]

So looks like I can’t get into this with a pump shotgun and a bolt action .22 lol

[@bigrickshaberdashery2759]

no one talks about shotgun loads? please do

[@raysgonefishing3271]

Does anyone use a pump?

[@jeroldjorgensen5019]

Can you use a hammer fired pistols in 3 gun

[@VortexOpticsUSA]

Absolutely! They are actually very common.

[@traceydeanrainey]

Is loan the same as borrow you ?

[@Thor-Orion]

I thought borrow you was like a double you but with 3 -u’s.

[@emersonbolen784]

I spent $800 to upgrade my gear at DAA.

[@irishkitty7257]

Your first time, can you put the shotgun rounds loosely in a pouch

[@DangerN8]

Mike doyle you can but you're going to be extremely slow reloading

[@coreysherman9673]

Can you use extended mags, comps, or red dots on pistols in 3 gun?

[@DangerN8]

Corey Sherman you'll be an Open Class but yes

[@jordansander9870]

Is there money to be made in 3 gun or is it all just for fun.?

[@VortexOpticsUSA]

Just like professional sports - thousands will play, only a fraction of a percentage will play enough and get good enough to start making a living doing it. Otherwise everyone else just does it purely for sport and fun.

[@alexplechash7560]

Warning - Grammar Police - You don’t “borrow out” gear. You “loan it out.”

[@dvxman72]

You say Borrow but I hear Lend.

[@jerometruitt1452]

lucky you, I keep hearing borrow and its nail on a chalkboard 😂😭😂

[@Thor-Orion]

Jerome Truitt but he used elementary for the belt, my dear Watson!

[@thefirebuilds]

my man gonna borrow me his equipment? Sounds like we got a sconnie up here.

[@HuskyKMA]

Anyone know of any 3 Gun matches in western Washington?

[@VortexOpticsUSA]

Shoot Reuben an email! [e-mail]

[@joelhojenski437]

could you run a bullpup like a tavor

[@VortexOpticsUSA]

+joel hojenski - There are a few shooters running them, so yes, you absolutely could. The key here is just bring what you've got, and other shooters will help you out! -Reuben

[@mynameischess230]

What about AK for a rifle?

[@VortexOpticsUSA]

There are some matches that are dedicated to the AK platform. It can be used for regular matches, too, but AK's are usually quite limited in accuracy and optics compatibility in comparison to the AR-15.

[@jameslouden3538]

Unfortunately I don’t believe they have any stuff like this in ny worst state to live in maybe pa has which wouldn’t be to bad of a drive

[@JSW7116]

Who makes the rifle stocks on your ARs?

[@VortexOpticsUSA]

The two skeletonized stocks come from XLR Industries, and are my favorite 3-gun stock. xlrindustries.com/collections/buttstocks/products/tactical-ar-butt-stock -Reuben

[@JSW7116]

Thank you

[@Bill-qc4yd]

Um, thanks for the um video it was um interesting and um really cool to um see your um products. Um, three gun seems um really fun and um a good um thing.

[@superultramegamaga4021]

lend you let you borrow loan you let you use..

[@glengranger3896]

Wouldn't you want to just use a full chock on the shotgun

[@mrgrungie104]

My shotgun only holds 3 rounds 😂 i mean its like 100 years old but dang 😂

[@stevennihipali3607]

a friend asked why not use an ACOG?

[@ryanm2109]

Easier to hit close targets at 1x and far targets at 6x, A 3x ACOG is too much glass for close range in my opinion

[@VortexOpticsUSA]

When 3-gun was in the starting phases, a lot of guys used ACOGs, but since there are so many great 1-?x scopes on the market now that offer the same versatility up close as a red dot, and more magnification on the high end as a magnified optic, the ACOG isn't seen on the 3gun course as much now as it once was. -Reuben

[@eightthreeminustwo804]

Vortex Optics thanks! I was wondering the same thing, good explanation.

[@coreysherman9673]

Should’ve watched longer before I asked

[@gabrielperez3619]

If I go without gear, will someone loan me theirs? Asking for a friend.

[@ashrys_planties9067]

the word is "loan" lol

[@M81_WOODLAND]

Who the hell "lends" one of their guns to someone? Lol. No.

[@eatsleepplayrepeat]

Borrow you gear? You mean "lend"?

[@solidstream13]

Step one move out of California

[@Brykk]

You loan to and borrow from. Lots of good info here, but that loan/borrow thing is extremely annoying.

[@VortexOpticsUSA]

He's from Minnesota so just give him a break ;)

[@Brykk]

Vortex Optics oh, sorry. Bless his heart. Lol. ; )

[@escapedfromnewyork]

I'm a city boy, but after spending most of my life traveling the world, I started leaving NYC for a few weeks every July in 2015 and heading west, wherever the road and the Lord guided us. We came upon some folks who explained that "bless your (his/her) heart isn't the nice thing it sounds like. What gives with that?

[@Brykk]

Escaping from New York i guess its a southern charm or southern hospitality kinda thing. Instead of just coming out and saying something negative about someone, it puts a positive spin on it instead and southerners just recognize it for the connotation.

[@escapedfromnewyork]

@@Brykk So it IS a polite way of saying someone is a jerk? Thanks for the info

[@alexanderferzan]

LEND, they LEND you their gear.

[@TheRedStateBlue]

please, for the love of god... go look up the word "borrow" and then look up the word "loan."

[@julianmercier]

You just have to have a lot of money, a lot of time, and not have to punch a time clock for your employer. That's all.

[@TheComputerCowboy]

This episode brought to you by Fiji water

[@3leon306]

“Borrow it to you”? no. you mean LEND it to you.

[@itsnowornever4]

Great video but please, please don't use "these ones" it's "these" NOT THESE ONES. Where did this language come from? I see and hear this often. It signifies a breakdown in our education system.

[@interestedparty497]

@itsnowornever4 I’m pretty sure he was talking about Deez Nutz.

[@MrryPopinzYall]

you can tell he's never done this before... lol HE MAKES IT SOUND LIKE 3-GUN IS UNDERGROUND AND YOU HAVE TO BE IN THE KNOW... LOL YOU CAN GO TO THEY'RE WEBSITES.

[@VortexOpticsUSA]

Yeah, don't you just hate it when people get in front of a camera and try helping others pursue a new sport, even though they haven't ever done it before?

[@Chromanoutdoors]

*their

[@jackgarand7284]

Borrow it to you? That ended the video for me.

[@johnspencer3994]

2.5 minutes in and still not on the point. downvoted. the subject says how to get started. you dont need a rambling introduction to tell us the topic.

[@VortexOpticsUSA]

John Spencer this was recorded live with an audience on Facebook years ago and then posted for other people’s information after the fact. It’s a 30 minute video. If you want something more to the point, there’s way better options - check out the 3 gun show.

[@Billfish57]

They "lend" you equipment, you "barrow" equipment. Please do yourself a favor and look up the definition of both of those words so you will seem as intelligent as you are, everything else in your presentation is A-1. But the constant misuse of the word "barrow" instead of "lend" makes you seem like you are from the third world.

[@shawnlarkin7004]

Shutup nerd

[@todnewkom7537]

Borrow you?

[@RNDes-sz4qe]

too much talking not enough product review.