The Basics for Budding 3-Gun Enthusiasts

Team Remington's Danyela D'Angelo spells out how simple it is to get started with 3-Gun using equipment you likely already have on hand.

posted on September 6, 2022
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **

The sport of 3-Gun competition has been around for many years, attracting the attention of hundreds of thousands of shooters worldwide. Although you don't have to be a world-class athlete, typical 3-Gun match requires plenty of movement while engaging targets in a variety of different positions and, as its name implies, requires the use of three different firearms at different stages.

One of the biggest appeals of the sport is that the initial investment can be minimal, and actually you probably already own much of the equipment required to participate in a match: a pistol with iron sights, a scoped AR-style rifle, and a semi-automatic or pump-action shotgun. In fact, that is what makes this sport so ideal for those looking to participate in their first match of any kind. Take stock of the equipment you already have on hand, then identify a match that permits your particular equipment. It’s that casual, and that welcoming of an atmosphere. The snob factor is low and don’t worry, there are plenty of local matches where you can begin this exciting addition to your shooting repertoire.

Team Remington’s 3-Gun shooter Danyela D'Angelo says the best part of 3-Gun is its laid-back approach and welcoming attitude to those new to the sport, where the competitive spirit is present, but lacks the intimidating factors of other sanctioned competitions.

Her encouraging advice to those considering a first go at this sport: “Just Go! Many think you have to be  super prepared, but you don’t. Just go watch [at first]. Make new friends, shoot some guns, have fun.”

Watch the complete video in which Danyela D’Angelo spells out the basics for budding 3-Gun enthusiasts!

Latest

Horman 21 Cover 1
Horman 21 Cover 1

Winchester's .21 Sharp: The Future of Rimfire?

Will Winchester's new twist on an old cartridge be the next big thing or the latest niche option?

What Is Still-Hunting?

When treestand hunting isn’t practical or you want to mix up your hunting method, try a still-hunt. How?

How Bad Is It: to Sight in at 25 Yards?

If you have only a short range at which to sight in, will you be OK to shoot at 100 after sighting in at 25?

New Guns 2026: The Ruger Red Label III Shotgun

Ruger has brought back one of America’s most iconic over-under shotguns—the Ruger Red Label III—renewing the company's commitment to being a full-line manufacturer of firearms.

6 Wild Game Apps for Your New Year’s Eve Party

Throwing a party to ring in 2026? Whip up these wild-game appetizers to use up some of this year’s bounty from the freezer.

What’s a Deer Drive?

Deer drives are popular in many parts of the country. How do you pull one off?

Women's Interests



Get the best of NRA Women delivered to your inbox.