3 Gun Accessories
Three Gun has a seemingly endless array of gear and accessories. Some thoughts on these are listed below. For more generic information, you can read our 3 Gun overview.
Rifle stocks
There are many options when it comes to stocks. AR stocks basically fit into one of two categories: Fixed or adjustable. Fixed stocks are generally associated with rifle length buffer systems and, as the name implies, are fixed in length. If their length is optimal for the shooter, fixed stocks have the benefit of a very positive and solid feel. Adjustable stocks generally pair with carbine style buffer systems and offer several inches of adjustment. These stocks offer length of pull adjustments to accommodate smaller statured shooters or bulky outerwear; however this usually comes at the cost of some wiggle and play even when the stock is “locked” into position. Some stocks also have added provisions to adjust height of comb for a further enhanced custom fit.
Triggers
Triggers for action rifles come in two primary styles: single stage and two-stage. Single stage triggers are triggers that have no give or up-take before they break. The trigger will go through its complete range of motion only after the calibrated amount of pressure is applied. Two-stage triggers have a small amount of up-take built into their pull before stacking up against a perceived wall. Appling further pressure will progress the trigger into its second “stage” and break the shot. Two-stage triggers allow shooters to “prep” the trigger in anticipation of a precision shot, but have more of a rolling feel. By contrast single stage triggers feel much more short and crisp in their break and range of motion.
Handguards
Handguards are simple in nature but can serve a variety of purposes. The first and primary function of a handguard is to protect the shooter’s hand from the heat that radiates off of the barrel and gas tube of the rifle. Free-floating handguards further serve the purpose of isolating the barrel from torque influence by the shooter and facilitate in much more effective bracing against barricades and other supplemental rests. Finally, handguards can provide integrated or modular interfaces for the attachment of accessories such as lights, grips, hand stops, sling adapters, and bi-pods.
Compensators
Muzzle devices for action rifles can serve up to 3 purposes. First is flash suppression which reduces the visual flash signature produced by unburned propellant as the bullet exits the muzzle. Flash suppression is primarily something tactical users concern themselves with. Second, and most important to competitive shooters, is recoil reduction. This is accomplished via the use of various ports and baffle configurations to manipulate the violent high-pressure release of gases as the bullet exits the muzzle. Some devices are even user adjustable for customized settings. Third, where legal, is the attachment of a sound suppressor which reduces the audible report of the rifle being fired.
Holsters
Holsters serve two primary purposes. First, all forms of action shooting competition require that the holster fully enclose the trigger guard. This insures that the trigger is not inadvertently pulled by animate or inanimate objects. The second, and most important, roll of a holster is to retain and carry the pistol on the shooter’s belt. The extent to which a holster retains a pistol is described in numerical levels. Level one is simply the friction of the holster material itself. Level two is the addition of some sort of retaining strap or latch. Level three has two redundant mechanical retention devices in addition to the friction of the holster material itself, and so on and so forth. Pistol only competitors will usually choose a level one holster because the pistol will be drawn before any real athletic movement. Many 3-gun shooters choose to use level two holsters because they frequently move vigorously while shooting long guns before drawing the pistol (and the pistol falling out of a holster is a match disqualification). Level three and higher retention holsters are over kill for competition and really are only suited to law enforcement use.
Belts
Belt attachments are often a secondary thought when purchasing a belt system, but in actuality they are a very critical component. All belt mounted accessories traditionally come with some sort of hard mount that will directly thread through a belt. Some manufactures have developed quick attach systems that mount directly to a belt, but have the added versatility of the user being able to readily reconfigure the arrangement of belt mounted accessories. Further still, some systems have been developed where a receiver plates are mounted to a belt and a fork system is attached to accessories to allow the most rapid configuration of a belt system. These systems function very similar to an automotive seat belt and allow accessories to be added, removed, or relocated while the belt is still being worn.
Caddies
The most overwhelming choice 3-gun shooters have in belt mounted accessories is with shot shell caddies. There are easily a dozen unique commercially available caddy designs. Most fit into one of two style categories: traditional box caddies and twin/quad load style caddies. Box style caddies have a skeleton-like frame that encase 4-8 shells stacked on top of one another with a tension spring holding them in place. Though not as popular as the once where, box style caddies still see limited use, especially if shotgun and prone rifle shooting are required in the same stage. Twin/quad load style caddies hold shells in stacked pairs (end to end) in such a fashion that one or two pairs can be grabbed at a time. There are many interpretations of this concept that come in a variety of configurations, spacing’s, and attachment styles. They are also made of a variety of materials from aircraft grade aluminum, to various types of polymer which gives each caddie unique characteristics as far as durability, longevity, draw stroke, and shell retention.