[Just started 3 gun, wanting budget 18in upper.]

This last year I shot my first 3 gun, and in short I'm hooked. Here the thing I have a heavy barrel midlength 16 railed upper, that's way too heavy so I'm hawkin it. I've been looking at a bunch of uppers and barrels, and really considering the CMMG 18 upper, but it's what they call medcon, or medium contour barrel. I'm worried this might be a bit heavy. I'm on a pretty low budget however at this point, as I also need to get lots of other gear for this sport. I.E. a longer then compact 9mm, and some parts for my 1100, as well as decent optics for the AR.

so my question is for a beginner will I regret getting a medium contour barrel and not springing for something like a JP barrel, or am I over thinking all of this? Should I keep my current upper and shoot some matches, focus on the other gear and practice rather then my AR?

Thank you for your insights. One thing I really appreciate about the 3 gun matches is how welcoming and friend anyone is!

[Verbal Judo]

Sounds like you read as much as I do, and yes verbal judo can get your butt out of or into trouble. It's worked for me. And Grossman's books are invaluable, covering topics that people don't every talk about. Good stuff.

[Just shot first 3 gun! Brand new here]

Just wanted to say hello. I've been shooting for 4-5 years now, and shot my first 3gun last weekend. I must say I'm hooked, and I wanna learn more!