Is 3 Gun Shooting For Me? Advice Needed.....

[Nalapombu]

Hey all,

I have never shot in any of the gun "games." I've wanted to shoot in some IDPA and some Glock Shooting Sports stuff, but never have. Until recently I didn't live anywhere close that had nice ranges that had these kind of things. I am also intrigued by 3 gun shooting and would love to try it sometime, but don't know if I could do it or would be permitted because of my limitations.

Here's my problem, I can't run or walk fast. I also can't shoot prone or even crouched very low. I have a permanent spinal disorder where ALL of my vertebrae are fused together. My spine looks just like a stick of bamboo if you see it on an XRAY. I have NO DISCS left in my spine at all. I can't look up and have very limited side to side head movement. As an example, so you can kinda see what I am talking about, if I lay on the floor on my back, the back of my head is about 6 inches off of the floor. That's as close as I can get to lying flat.

Now, I don't know if a match director or safety officer would even allow me to participate with the limits I have to deal with. I wouldn't blame them if they told me I couldn't. I'm not worried about winning anything or beating someone, it'd be great fun for me just to be able to try it.

What do you all think? Do you think I'd be able to participate in 3 gun shooting matches? I am in the Houston, Texas area so I am pretty sure there are ranges that have these kinds of matches, but I haven't checked.

What do you all think?

Thanks for the time.

Nalajr

[jtielke]

If you just want to shoot for fun you certainly can shoot 3-Gun. Of the action shooting sports I've done it is the most physical but if you're not worried about your time you can do it. If you're unable to go prone on a part to requires it you'll be given some penalties but you can still shoot. As long as you can compete safely I don't see why a club would turn you away. Some ranges and matches can be more difficult to navigate than others.

The 2nd Saturday of every month there is a 3-Gun match just west of Houston I also go shoot. You can find the details at www.whidpa.com Tomorrows match is rained out so you'll have to wait until next month. The range there is very flat, some small rocks. Occasionally there are stages that require you to go kneeling or prone but if you're unable to do that you can take a time penalty and shoot standing up. I know for a fact they've accommodated some shooters that were unable to go prone in the past.

Here's one of my match videos from last year at this club so you can get an idea of what the stages might be like:

[Flatland Shooter]

Good evening Nalajr.

I'm not a 3 gun competitor (yet) but the Houston area has several clubs that put on excellent USPSA (pistol) matches. In the USPSA rulebook, there are provisions for shooters that are unable to shoot some portions of the stage as written.

Come out to a match or two and give it a try.

Bill

For more information: http://texassouthsection.com/jtssblazes/

[steviesterno]

you should not ever shoot 3 gun or action matches unless you want to become hopelessly addicted and have a blast! I'm sorry to hear about your physical limitations, but I RO in PA and we let people of every ability shoot as long as they can do so safely. It's a good sport, for sure. In my intro to USPSA, an 11 year old was shooting single stack on a 30 round stage, and was quickly running out of ammo. Everyone came up and handed the RO loaded mags to give the kid so he could finish, regardless of his time. We have helped people in wheelchairs or on crutches navigate courses as long as they could safely. Sure, you might get some penalties for not going in the required positions, but it's fun all the same!

[West Texas Granny]

Hey all,

I have never shot in any of the gun "games." I've wanted to shoot in some IDPA and some Glock Shooting Sports stuff, but never have. Until recently I didn't live anywhere close that had nice ranges that had these kind of things. I am also intrigued by 3 gun shooting and would love to try it sometime, but don't know if I could do it or would be permitted because of my limitations.

Here's my problem, I can't run or walk fast. I also can't shoot prone or even crouched very low. I have a permanent spinal disorder where ALL of my vertebrae are fused together. My spine looks just like a stick of bamboo if you see it on an XRAY. I have NO DISCS left in my spine at all. I can't look up and have very limited side to side head movement. As an example, so you can kinda see what I am talking about, if I lay on the floor on my back, the back of my head is about 6 inches off of the floor. That's as close as I can get to lying flat.

Now, I don't know if a match director or safety officer would even allow me to participate with the limits I have to deal with. I wouldn't blame them if they told me I couldn't. I'm not worried about winning anything or beating someone, it'd be great fun for me just to be able to try it.

What do you all think? Do you think I'd be able to participate in 3 gun shooting matches? I am in the Houston, Texas area so I am pretty sure there are ranges that have these kinds of matches, but I haven't checked.

What do you all think?

Thanks for the time.

Nalajr

At my local range there are wheel chair bound individuals that shoot Trap,Skeet,USPSA,IDPA and other matches. I myself have to use a walker to get around and I'll shoot any match I can. I do though have to accept the fact that I will never win a match due to my physical limitations but that does not stop me from shooting. I look at it like this. My participation makes it easy on the RO because when it's my turn to shoot they get a chance to catch their breath. The others run. Me,well I just meander through at my own pace. Gives everyone a break.

So drag yourself to the range and start shooting.

[ziebart]

If you already have the guns give it a try. If not bring what you have and some cash, most likely there will be someone that will let you borrow their gear if you throw in for some ammo.

That said every club will run different types of matches, some more physical than others. This will depend on the facilities as well as the bulk of the shooters. As was said most will accommodate physical handicaps either through alternate positions, or a time penalty. If the match you attend is well attended the stages may have a max time. If you go over the max time you are stopped, and you are assessed penalties for any target you did not engage.

With all that said I don't know that I will have fun if/when I am no longer physically able to complete the stages as designed. If I am no longer having fun then I will probably stop shooting 3 gun and start shooting more steel challenge. I highly recommend finding a steel challenge club in your area. Only one stage requires movement, and it will get you comfortable shooting in a match environment. IMHO this is the perfect shooting sport for your physical limitations, but 3 gun it ain't.

[West Texas Granny]

If you already have the guns give it a try. If not bring what you have and some cash, most likely there will be someone that will let you borrow their gear if you throw in for some ammo.

That said every club will run different types of matches, some more physical than others. This will depend on the facilities as well as the bulk of the shooters. As was said most will accommodate physical handicaps either through alternate positions, or a time penalty. If the match you attend is well attended the stages may have a max time. If you go over the max time you are stopped, and you are assessed penalties for any target you did not engage.

With all that said I don't know that I will have fun if/when I am no longer physically able to complete the stages as designed. If I am no longer having fun then I will probably stop shooting 3 gun and start shooting more steel challenge. I highly recommend finding a steel challenge club in your area. Only one stage requires movement, and it will get you comfortable shooting in a match environment. IMHO this is the perfect shooting sport for your physical limitations, but 3 gun it ain't.

Now this is the kind of crap that seriously ticks me off. Who the heck are you to determine what type of match a shooter can shoot.. I've seen a recovering stroke victim safely shoot a match. Probably the only thing keeping that shooter going. If they can shoot safely what's the deal. Your comments are quite distrubing and counter productive.

[Outsydlooknin75]

If you already have the guns give it a try. If not bring what you have and some cash, most likely there will be someone that will let you borrow their gear if you throw in for some ammo.

That said every club will run different types of matches, some more physical than others. This will depend on the facilities as well as the bulk of the shooters. As was said most will accommodate physical handicaps either through alternate positions, or a time penalty. If the match you attend is well attended the stages may have a max time. If you go over the max time you are stopped, and you are assessed penalties for any target you did not engage.

With all that said I don't know that I will have fun if/when I am no longer physically able to complete the stages as designed. If I am no longer having fun then I will probably stop shooting 3 gun and start shooting more steel challenge. I highly recommend finding a steel challenge club in your area. Only one stage requires movement, and it will get you comfortable shooting in a match environment. IMHO this is the perfect shooting sport for your physical limitations, but 3 gun it ain't.

Now this is the kind of crap that seriously ticks me off. Who the heck are you to determine what type of match a shooter can shoot.. I've seen a recovering stroke victim safely shoot a match. Probably the only thing keeping that shooter going. If they can shoot safely what's the deal. Your comments are quite distrubing and counter productive.

You like to argue just to argue don't you?

The guy pointed out steel challenge might be good for him and his limitations and you take it like he is telling him he can't shoot 3 gun.

Sent from my PG06100 using Tapatalk

[ziebart]

My first line said give it a try, and I still stand by that. Only he can know whether he can safely shoot the match. Not just the firearms rules while on the range, but to his overall heath as well. I can't imagine a day of fun is worth a weeks worth of pain recovering. I don't know if 3gun will cause him that much pain, only he will know that.

I suggested steel challenge not just because of any limitations the shooter may have. I suggest attending at least one pistol match before attending any multigun match to any shooter new to competing. We have threads where a new shooter has sensory overload at just a pistol match. Multigun has 3 times the issues. It is very helpful to have match experience and how the safety rules work before worrying about 2 more guns. Obviously you can jump right into multigun, but there are some aspects of the action sports that could turn some shooters off.

It would be nice to find out if the action shooting sports aren't for you before dropping the coin on all the multigun gear. If you shoot steel challenge or a USPSA pistol match and have a good time, great I would try 3gun for sure. If you became interested in multigun from youtube or 3 gun nation great, but be prepared for more work than the show covers and standing around all day for 5min of shooting.

edit for clarity.

Edited March 11, 2012 by ziebart

[warpspeed]

zierbart has some good advice.

I'd say with all your health issues, start out with Steel Challenge. The movement is minimal and you should never have to go prone.

The good thing for someone who has not shot competition is it is very simple to understand. USPDA or IDPA will be different every time and likely more movement.

[DoubleL]

I have two close family members plagued by back problems. One very serious and the other so so. Neither are at your level. I must say, I APPLAUD your perseverance. Go for it dude. Only you truly know your limits and the fact that you post and ask means you are most likely very aware of them. Take the first guys advice and go check it out. After that go find a steel challenge and do that too! Take what mobility you have and put it to use!

There is a video floating around here somewhere of "El Paple" the paraplegic shooter. Guy reaches over and through a port and tags a target, after clearing a jam, without the ability to use the sights. Pretty F'n sweet if you ask me.

BTW: @west Texas granny- a walker!? That is awesomeness of the highest kind. You're one BA granny!!

[Rob Tompkins]

I’m the MD for a local IDPA match and Outlaw 3-gun. I also compete in Steel Challenge and USPSA. Locally we have several shooters with restricted physical abilities that compete in USPSA, IDPA, and Steel Challenge. None have tried 3-gun yet, but we would do everything we could to help them out if they did.

Based on the fact you indicated you have never competed in any gun games, I suggest you try Steel Challenge first as a new competitor just to get a feel for the pressure a timer can put on you. This has nothing to do with any physical limitations you may or may not have. I’d suggest this to ANY new competitor. Steel Challenge has the benefit of straightforward and easy to remember rules so you can maintain safe gun handling while getting used to the nerves and pressure of competing. I’ve seen many new competitive shooters get nervous and flustered their first few matches and get close to a DQ situation. A second benefits for you is that movement is very limited and generally has little to no impact on scores so a shooter can be very competitive if they have restricted mobility.

If a Steel Challenge match is not available close to you, I’d recommend USPSA or IDPA as the next starting point. USPSA and IDPA often require a lot of movement and sometimes difficult positions but only use one gun so they are perhaps a little more straightforward than 3-gun. The rules can be intimidating for a new competitor but are manageable. Some groups may require you to take a “new shooter” class to learn the basic game rules and safe gun handling in the match environment first.

I think most will agree that for new competitors, 3-gun will be the most complicated to start on with 3-guns to manage, gun-to-gun transitions, complex movements and positions, and more difficult targets. That is a lot to mentally process for your first match. You will have 3 manual of arms to deal with and more complex safety protocols to remember for gun-to-gun transitions. There is a lot going on for a new gamer. I can’t recommend 3-gun as a first gun game for any new competitor. That has nothing to do with any physical limitations.

You should check with the local Match Director and see what they recommend or suggest. If a new gamer showed up for one of our 3-gun matches as their first game (restricted mobility or not), they would have to convince me they can handle all the safety aspect of the three guns first. Then we would figure out how to deal with any mobility issues.

[West Texas Granny]

If you already have the guns give it a try. If not bring what you have and some cash, most likely there will be someone that will let you borrow their gear if you throw in for some ammo.

That said every club will run different types of matches, some more physical than others. This will depend on the facilities as well as the bulk of the shooters. As was said most will accommodate physical handicaps either through alternate positions, or a time penalty. If the match you attend is well attended the stages may have a max time. If you go over the max time you are stopped, and you are assessed penalties for any target you did not engage.

With all that said I don't know that I will have fun if/when I am no longer physically able to complete the stages as designed. If I am no longer having fun then I will probably stop shooting 3 gun and start shooting more steel challenge. I highly recommend finding a steel challenge club in your area. Only one stage requires movement, and it will get you comfortable shooting in a match environment. IMHO this is the perfect shooting sport for your physical limitations, but 3 gun it ain't.

Now this is the kind of crap that seriously ticks me off. Who the heck are you to determine what type of match a shooter can shoot.. I've seen a recovering stroke victim safely shoot a match. Probably the only thing keeping that shooter going. If they can shoot safely what's the deal. Your comments are quite distrubing and counter productive.

You like to argue just to argue don't you?

The guy pointed out steel challenge might be good for him and his limitations and you take it like he is telling him he can't shoot 3 gun.

Sent from my PG06100 using Tapatalk

This is what got my goat when you said.. "but 3 gun it ain't"

Also my first experience shooting USPSA was colored by others who felt that I shouldn't be shooting due to my limitations. Others didn't have to prove themselves but this old woman did. Didn't like it. Ticked me off and anytime I see things like that I jump in feet first and start swinging. If you feel attacked I'm sorry but I'm a bit touchy when it comes to this issue.

Just so you know this physically challenged grandmother shoots rifle,shotgun and pistol matches. I'm no threat to a prize table and will not allow some fool to prevent me from enjoying myself at the range. So to the OP if you can do it safely then by all means shoot 3 gun or whatever match you want. Go for it! Enjoy!

[ziebart]

I didnt feel attacked, and I could care less if you call me a fool. Arguing over the Internet is a waste of time. Especially when someone gets a goat whatever that means over an obvious statement.

Steel challenge is not 3 gun. Even if you get past all the other differences. You don't shoot shotgun, thus it is not 3 different guns and not IMHO 3gun. I don't see why someone would get all worked up over that. Skeet, trap, USPSA all arn't 3 gun but I still shoot them and I am pretty sure nobody that shoots those games will get upset if I don't call them 3 gun.

To the OP shoot every gun game you can to see what you like best.

This is the last post I will make in this thread because I feel it's getting too far off topic.

[ClutchUSMC]

We would make accommodations to get you shooting at the matches I MD. If you can handle the guns safely we will do almost anything to accommodate all comers.

[Jaxshooter]

USPSA rules allow the match director to make allowances for physical limitations. You do not have to be penalized at all. Alternate positions can be dictated that you are able to shoot from. No shooter should ever be discouraged from competing in matches unless they cannot comply safely.