The Thrill of 2-Gun and 3-Gun

A Deep Dive into the Fast-Paced World of Multi-Gun Shooting Sports

In the realm of competitive shooting, few sports match the adrenaline-fueled excitement of 2-Gun and 3-Gun competitions. These dynamic events test a shooter’s skill, speed, and adaptability across multiple firearms, blending precision with strategy in a run-and-gun format. Whether navigating obstacle-laden courses or transitioning between firearms under pressure, competitors in 2-Gun and 3-Gun push the boundaries of marksmanship. As these sports continue to grow, their evolution is shaped by innovative formats, diverse divisions, and a passionate community. However, one often-overlooked factor is critical to success: a reliable and versatile ammunition supply.

AmmoSquared is stepping up to meet this need, ensuring shooters have the consistent, high-quality ammunition required to excel. This article explores the format, history, divisions, current competitions, and emerging changes in 2-Gun and 3-Gun, while highlighting why a dependable ammunition supplier is a game-changer for competitors.

Format: Run, Gun, and Transition

2-Gun and 3-Gun, collectively known as Multi-Gun, are practical shooting sports that challenge competitors to engage targets using a combination of firearms; typically a rifle and pistol in 2-Gun, with the addition of a shotgun in 3-Gun. Matches consist of multiple stages, each presenting a unique scenario that requires shooters to navigate obstacles, shoot from varied positions (standing, kneeling, prone, off a barrier or on the move), and transition between firearms. Targets range from paper silhouettes and steel plates to clay pigeons and moving arrays, with distances varying from close quarters to over 700 yards.

The scoring systems prioritize both speed and accuracy. The two primary methods are:

●      Time Plus: Popular in many 3-Gun Nation (3GN) and outlaw matches, this method records the shooter’s time to complete a stage, adding penalties (in seconds) for misses or procedural errors. It’s fast to calculate but can heavily penalize a single mistake due to its cumulative nature.

●      Comstock (Hit Factor): Used by the United States Practical Shooting Association (USPSA) and the International Practical Shooting Confederation (IPSC), this system awards points for target hits, subtracts penalties for misses, and divides the result by the shooter’s time to yield a hit factor. This determines stage points, offering a balance between speed and precision.

Stages are designed to test versatility. For example, a 3-Gun stage might require a shooter to start with a shotgun to engage clay pigeons, transition to a rifle for long-range steel targets, and finish with a pistol for close-range paper targets, all while navigating barriers or moving through a course resembling a tactical scenario. 2-Gun eliminates the shotgun, focusing on rifle and pistol skills, making it more accessible for shooters with fewer firearms or those seeking a less equipment-intensive format.

History: From Soldier of Fortune to Modern Competitions

The roots of Multi-Gun trace back to the late 1970s, with the Soldier of Fortune matches in Missouri, starting in 1979, often credited as the genesis of modern 3-Gun competitions. These early events emphasized practical shooting skills, drawing participants from military and law enforcement backgrounds who tested their abilities with firearms used in real-world scenarios. By the 1990s, the sport had gained traction, with the USPSA formalizing Multi-Gun rules and hosting its first Multigun Championship in 1990.

The International Practical Shooting Confederation (IPSC) also contributed, organizing Multi-Gun as “Tournaments” where competitors used separate firearms in component matches, with scores combined for an overall ranking. Unlike today’s format, early IPSC Multi-Gun didn’t require transitions between firearms during a stage, but this evolved as the sport embraced dynamic, real-time transitions.

The 2000s saw a surge in popularity, fueled by organizations like 3-Gun Nation (3GN), which introduced a professional series in 2010 featuring the top 64 ranked shooters competing for a $50,000 prize. The rise of “outlaw” matches, unsanctioned events with flexible rules, further democratized the sport, allowing local clubs to host competitions tailored to their ranges and communities. Today, 2-Gun and 3-Gun are among the fastest-growing shooting sports, with events held worldwide, from local ranges to major championships like the USPSA Multigun Nationals and the Superstition Mountain Mystery 3-Gun in Mesa, Arizona.

Divisions: A Class for Every Competitor

2-Gun and 3-Gun offer divisions to accommodate varying equipment and skill levels, ensuring inclusivity. Divisions are defined by firearm modifications, optics, and calibers, allowing shooters to compete with gear ranging from stock firearms to highly customized setups. Common divisions include:

●      Open: The “Formula One” of Multi-Gun, Open allows maximum customization; compensators, optics, and high-capacity magazines are permitted on all firearms. Shotguns can use speedloaders or detachable magazines, and rifles can sport bipods or multiple optics. This division attracts competitors with specialized, high-performance gear.

●      Tactical (Tac Ops): A popular choice for practical shooters, Tactical allows one magnified optic on the rifle, iron sights or red dots on the pistol, and a tube-fed shotgun limited to nine rounds at the start. Compensators are permitted but restricted in size, and bipods are prohibited.

●      Limited: The entry-level division, Limited restricts rifles to one non-magnified optic (e.g., red dot) and bans optics or porting on shotguns. Pistols must use iron sights, and magazine capacities are often capped, making it ideal for shooters with basic gear.

●      Heavy Metal (He-Man/Iron Man): Emphasizing larger calibers, this division requires a .308 Win or larger rifle, a .45 ACP pistol (often with single-stack magazines), and a 12-gauge pump-action shotgun. Optics are typically prohibited, appealing to traditionalists who favor raw power over high-tech setups.

●      2-Gun Divisions: Specific to 2-Gun matches, divisions like Sport or Armor (requiring a weighted plate carrier) focus on rifle and pistol configurations. Rules vary, but they often mirror 3-Gun divisions like Open or Limited, minus the shotgun.

These divisions ensure shooters can compete with what they own, from off-the-shelf firearms to race-ready setups. However, the diversity of ammunition needs (9mm for pistols, .223 Rem for rifles, and 12-gauge birdshot or slugs for shotguns) underscores the importance of a reliable supplier like AmmoSquared, which offers tailored subscriptions to meet these varied requirements.

Current Competitions: A Vibrant Scene

The 2-Gun and 3-Gun competitive landscape is thriving, with events ranging from local club matches to international championships. Major competitions include:

●      USPSA Multigun Nationals: Held annually, this event draws top talent to venues like the Forest Lake Sportsman’s Club in Minnesota. The 2023 Nationals saw competitors like Spencer Marsh in Open division showcase the sport’s intensity.

●      Superstition Mountain Mystery 3-Gun: Hosted in Mesa, Arizona, this March event is renowned for its creative stage designs and challenging courses.

●      Rocky Mountain 3-Gun Championship: Held in August at the NRA Whittington Center in Raton, New Mexico, this match combines rugged terrain with demanding stages.

●      Outlaw Matches: Local and regional unsanctioned matches, often using International Multi-Gun Association (IMGA) or United Multigun League (UML) rules, offer flexibility and accessibility. Examples include the MGM Ironman and Crimson Trace Midnight Invitational, known for unique themes like night shooting.

2-Gun matches, such as the Desert Brutality in Arizona, emphasize physicality and accessibility, requiring only a rifle and pistol. The Practical Combined Shooting League (PCSL) is also gaining traction, with plans for a 2025 2-Gun National Championship in Holt, Florida. These events cater to a broad audience, from hobbyists to professionals, and are supported by platforms like Practiscore for registration and scoring.

Emerging Changes: Keeping the Sports Alive

2-Gun and 3-Gun are evolving to stay relevant and accessible. Key trends include:

●      Rise of 2-Gun: The elimination of the shotgun in 2-Gun reduces equipment costs and ammunition needs, making it more affordable and appealing to new shooters. Matches like the 2-Gun Action Challenge in Tucson emphasize physical challenges, such as sprints or obstacle courses, blending athleticism with shooting.

●      Simplified Rules and Divisions: Organizations like PCSL are introducing streamlined rulebooks and divisions focused on real-world equipment, lowering barriers to entry. For example, PCSL’s 2025 roadmap emphasizes modernized scoring and community-building through club affiliations.

●      Technological Advancements: Firearm and accessory innovations, such as box-fed shotguns in Open division and advanced magazine holders, enhance performance. However, these advancements increase the need for consistent ammunition, as shooters must test and trust their loads across diverse scenarios.

●      Inclusivity and Accessibility: Single-gun (rifle or pistol) and 2-Gun formats are gaining popularity due to reduced gear requirements.

●      Community Focus: Clubs are fostering inclusivity by offering beginner orientations and flexible rules. The lack of a single governing body allows local ranges to tailor matches, ensuring the sport remains vibrant and adaptive.

These changes address challenges like high costs and complex logistics, ensuring 2-Gun and 3-Gun remain dynamic and welcoming to new competitors.

The Important Role of AmmoSquared

Success in 2-Gun and 3-Gun hinges on reliable, high-quality ammunition tailored to each firearm. A single match may require 100-150 rounds of 9mm for pistols, 100 rounds of .223 Rem for rifles, and 50-75 rounds of 12-gauge birdshot, buckshot, or slugs for shotguns. In Heavy Metal divisions, .45 ACP and .308 Win add further complexity. Inconsistent ammunition can lead to malfunctions, affecting performance and safety, while sourcing varied calibers can be time-consuming and costly.

AmmoSquared addresses this challenge with its supply-chain stockpiling model, delivering customized ammunition packages directly to shooters. By offering a wide range of calibers and load types; such as 9mm for pistols, .223 Rem for rifles, and versatile 12-gauge options, AmmoSquared ensures competitors have the right ammo for their division and stage requirements. The service’s flexibility allows shooters to stockpile match-ready rounds, avoiding last-minute shortages or reliance on inconsistent local supplies. For example, a Tactical division shooter can receive regular shipments of 9mm and .223 Rem, while a Heavy Metal competitor can opt for .45 ACP and .308 Win, all tailored to their training and match schedules. This consistency is vital for building muscle memory and confidence, as shooters can train with the same ammunition they’ll use in competition.

Moreover, AmmoSquared’s model supports the sport’s growth by simplifying logistics. Instead of scouring stores for specific loads, competitors can focus on honing their skills. The company’s commitment to quality and variety aligns with the sport’s demand for precision and reliability, making it an essential partner for 2-Gun and 3-Gun enthusiasts.

Recent Results and Standout Performances

Recent competitions highlight the sport’s competitive spirit. At the 2023 USPSA Multigun Nationals, shooters in Open division demonstrated the prowess required to excel with customized gear. The Superstition Mountain Mystery 3-Gun saw innovative stage designs push competitors to their limits, while 2-Gun events like Desert Brutality emphasized physical endurance alongside marksmanship. These results underscore the importance of preparation, including a steady ammunition supply to ensure flawless performance under pressure.

Getting Started

For those eager to join the 2-Gun or 3-Gun community, start by visiting a local range or checking platforms like Practiscore or 3-Gun Nation’s event listings. Attend a match as a spectator to learn safety protocols and stage dynamics, then select a division that matches your gear. Invest in essential equipment: holsters, magazine pouches, and a shooting cart for 3-Gun and partner with a reliable ammunition supplier like AmmoSquared to streamline your preparation. Safety is paramount, so familiarize yourself with rules to avoid disqualifications, such as failing to engage the safety when transitioning firearms.

Wrap up

2-Gun and 3-Gun are more than shooting sports; they’re a test of skill, strategy, and adaptability that captivate competitors and spectators alike. From their roots in the Soldier of Fortune matches to today’s global championships, these sports continue to evolve, driven by innovative formats, inclusive divisions, and a passionate community. As the sports grow, emerging changes like 2-Gun’s rise and simplified rules ensure accessibility for all. Central to success is a consistent ammunition supply, and AmmoSquared’s tailored stockpiling service empowers shooters to focus on what matters: mastering the course and hitting the target.

Whether you’re a novice or a seasoned pro, step up to the line, embrace the challenge, and let the thrill of Multi-Gun ignite your passion for shooting.

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