Yes, another "what should I buy" thread. However, I'm hoping to get responses tailored to my specific circumstances.
I shoot IDPA with a Glock 34 and steel with a 9mm 1911. I don't have an AR or a shotgun (well, I have a 15-22 for steel and an over-under for trap.) I want to branch out to 3-gun competition and I need to buy my first AR and shotgun. Could you please give me advice based on these considerations:
1) As the title suggests, I live in New Jersey. That means AR barrels need to be unthreaded or have a pinned/welded compensator. Stocks must be fixed or pinned. Mags are limited to 15 rounds. For shotgun, semi-autos can legally hold 6+1 shells max, while pumps can be 15+1. This makes ordering a bit tricky since FFLs are asked to ensure the guns are NJ legal BEFORE they arrive in the state. Also, half the 3-gun matches in these parts are in PA, where competitors won't be bound by these limitations.
2) I can't stand finnicky guns. My Glock and my 92fs never jam, even when they are dirty or are fed crap ammo. Love them. I don't want the frustration of nursing a prima donna AR and shotgun.
Part of me wants to buy a Smith ORC with an unthreaded barrel, slap an Aimpoint Pro on it and be done with it. For the shotty, it would be easy for me to order a 24" Nova pump and throw on a +5 extension. If I go this route, the route of least resistance, will I be frustrated with the limitations of my gear once I start to run 3-gun matches? Would it be better for me to wait out the order process of a Jersey legal JP-15 rifle and start with top notch gear? Ditto the shotgun. I see some lower priced guns like the DPMS 3g1, but I have read comments about them being finnicky with ammo and mag loading.
Thanks
-AS