kauseway

I have not done any 3 gun yet but have some AR-15 parts and looking to build. Someone posted some barrels for sale that were 16 and 18". My understanding is that 18 to 20 length barrel is what was needed but the seller was saying that 16 or less is what 3 gun is going too. Can I ask why that is? Are the matches at closer distances so a lighter shorter gun is better than a longer gun? Thanks for any info.

If I do 9 then I would be shooting minor unless or reload? Correct?

Yes I remember now having to do that. I guess I need to price. My main issue is what type of health issues are there to using lead.

Thanks for the great followup. I am wanting to get back into this and everyone says, "just show up with a gun!" But I dont have anything right now so I have to make the initial investment. I like the compensated guns but they are so much more advanced now, I dont really have the funds for them and would feel a little silly with a bright blue race gun on my hip, with no experience to back it up. I am thinking limited is the way to go and maybe keeping my eye out for someone on here selling one with their whole setup. Or maybe limited 10. I shot 8 round 1911 the whole time so I at least have some experience with it. Thanks!

I used to shoot a little USPSA 20 years ago in high school. I remember ordering 45 acp lead bullets 5000 at a time and reloading 500 a time. (Had saved up and bought a dillon). I never thought anything about it. I am now getting back into it and have a question. Do most people still use the lead bullets? I know they are the cheapest way to go. Now that I am older and have kids I wonder about handling and shooting lead. What are the safety concerns here as far as handling lead bullets, shooting and breathing the air and cleaning the gun. I am just wondering if people still load with these bullets for the most part or if some people are using JHP. Any tips appreciated.

I am curious why there are different caliber pistols being shot? I am just getting back into it and when I left 20 years ago I had a 45 and everyone was going to 38 super. Reason: 38 super was a smaller, less recoil and you can get to make major power factor. Made sense. So here is my question. 1) What the heck is 38 super comp. 2) Is 9mm being used now for major? Seems like I read that certain reloads can make it hit major. 3) Based on all my assumptions. Why is limited class mostly 40 s&W. Why is 38 super not in there? 4) Is my impression correct? 38 super is mostly used in open and 40 s&w mostly used in limited? Thanks!

Thanks! There are so many classifcations and divisions it gets confusing. One type of shooting is dominated by 40 while another has 38 super or 9mm. Then there are different types of 9's. I am really out of it. I will go to a match tomorrow and talk to some people. I am used to the 1911 frame and although I have been thinking about a G34 or now this springfield XDM, I am not sure. Since I have all my old Safariland gear, I will be sure to drag it along as well!

Thanks for the followup! I took my old rig down to the gun store. I dont have any sights on it due to the old aimpoint mounted on it. They said it would be $170 for sights and saw some other areas that needed work. The other issue is the gun is real loose and if I take the comp off that is alot more expense in replacing or cutting the barrel. Safety doesnt work, etc.. They showed me a cz gun for $1300 that was real nice (fixed sights) and a couple of SA XD guns with holsters, magazines and magazine holsters for $799 and $899. I asked about trading, and at first he offered me $300 for the old gun and then after looking at it he basicaly said, "You know these things wear out right?", and said he didnt really want to get into it and wasnt interested. He said maybe to list it somewhere and try to get $300 for it. So any advice would be helpful. I am wondering about just getting something like a springfield XD kit. It looks like a starter gun and runs about $800 but would have everything I need to compete out of the box. Since I am just starting I dont want to spend alot and actually dont have alot of money for a race gun. But I think I would really prefer an STI type setup since I am more used to a 1911 frame. My other thought is to just show up at the match and let everyone know I am looking to buy something to start and find something used. Any tips would be appreciate. Thanks guys.

I shot it USPSA in high school over 20 years ago. I had a 1911 colt that was modified or hacked on by various club members and gun smiths. I am thinking about going back and I know the best option is just get out there but I have some questions. Optics were just coming into the sport and I had a Tasco aimpoint PRO mounted on it. It is a huge scope on this gun and both sights were removed at the time. I cant even rack the slide very easily with how it is mounted. I dont even know if it works as the battery is dead. I also cant find my magazines but hopefully it is in the box with my old leather gear. I really dont even remember shooting with the scope on there many times if any. Should I just take it off and get some fixed sights put back on so I can get started? My other thought was to buy a glock 34 since I wanted one anyways but the cost in all the equipment for a new gun might get overwelming. Also, any suggestions on where to buy some magazines would be great. Thanks