The number one DQ (disqualification) that will instantly result in someone getting booted off the range and out of the match is a violation of “The 180.” Each stage is usually designed so that a shooter will fire to the front or each side of his body, which creates an imaginary 180-degree arc from his left to right. If the shooter violates the arc by pointing his muzzle behind himself, even a little, he is done for the day, or in this case, for the night. We were urged to slow down and pay close attention to our muzzle control. Participants asked plenty of questions about each course of fire to ensure they didn’t violate the 180-degree rule, or any of the other important safety regulations. If there was any confusion about the course of fire, they sought clarification rather than take any risks.

Join In
If I had to sum up my initial concerns about going to a 3-gun event for the first time, it was that I didn’t want to look bad in public. Reading and hearing about all of the A-grade, nationally ranked competitors who would be in attendance didn’t help. “Great,” I thought, “I’m going to look like the only guy playing a tuba on a stage full of rock stars.”

But then a couple of bits of sage advice, offered by a few different friends, provided a positive reality check. First, no one wins their first match—no one. In fact, it can take years of competition to move up the ranks. It’s unrealistic to expect to place high, let alone win, on the very first outing into such a technical and challenging type of competition. Secondly, I was told that 3-gun matches draw a diverse set of shooters, which means a wide range of skill and experience levels will be present on the field. Along with the shooting stars who compete for a living, there were plenty of hobbyists and first-time competitors to mingle with.

Best of all, the competition was held in a spirit of fun and good sportsmanship. The up-beat tone was certainly fostered by the Crimson Trace staff, but that seems to be indicative of the 3-gun community as well. The participants were there to enjoy themselves, to make new friends and to have a great time shooting. Crimson Trace put on a world-class event, and like everyone else I talked to, I hope to get invited again next year. If you see an opportunity to participate in a 3-gun match sometime soon, then don’t hesitate to jump right in. Conduct some research into the sport, focus on staying safe, and go ahead and enjoy some of the most fun and instructive shooting available.