Tactical shooting competitions like 2-Gun and 3-Gun challenge your marksmanship, movement, and gear management under pressure. Success depends not just on skill, but on how well your gear is prepped.
This guide walks you through a complete gear preparation checklist—ideal for first-time competitors or anyone refining their setup.
Optic Configurations: What Works Best?
Your choice of optics can make or break your performance. Consider the following:
FFP vs. SFP
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First Focal Plane (FFP): Reticle scales with magnification—ideal for accurate holdovers at any zoom level.
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Second Focal Plane (SFP): Reticle size remains constant—better for close-range shooting and quick transitions.
BDC or Not?
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BDC (Bullet Drop Compensation) Reticles offer pre-calculated elevation holds.
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Ensure your BDC matches your barrel length, caliber, and ammo—otherwise, it may work against you.
Tip: Practice using your optic at the magnification setting you’ll use in the match.
Rifle Setup and Zeroing
Your rifle must be reliable, tested, and precisely zeroed.
Optic Zeroing
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Common zero distances: 50/200 yards or 100 yards.
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Confirm your zero before match day.
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Recheck zero if you’ve traveled or removed your optic.
Ammo Choice
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Use consistent ammo for both zeroing and competition.
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Always bring more rounds than you think you’ll need.
Back-Up Sights
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Consider offset iron sights or a red dot for rapid transitions at close range.
Secondary Gear: Pistol and Holster Setup
In 3-Gun, your sidearm setup must be fast and safe.
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Retention holsters are typically required by match rules.
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Practice drawing under stress—speed and safety matter.
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Double-check magazine compatibility, especially if using aftermarket components.
Carrying Your Gear: Chest Rig vs. Belt
How you carry your magazines and tools directly affects speed and efficiency.
Chest Rig
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Offers excellent range of motion and is accessible from prone or kneeling positions.
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Can feel bulky during pistol transitions.
Competition Belt
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A popular choice for fast reloads and smoother transitions.
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Pair with drop-leg mag carriers for added flexibility.
Tip: Practice your reloads using your actual gear setup before match day.
Tactical Match Gear Checklists by Competition Type
2-Gun Match (Rifle + Pistol)
|
Gear Category |
Items |
|
Rifle Setup |
Zeroed rifle with sling, optic (1–6x ideal), 3–5 mags |
|
Pistol Setup |
Reliable handgun with retention holster, 3–4 mags |
|
Ammo |
Match-grade ammo for both guns, extra rounds for re-shoots |
|
Carry System |
Competition belt or chest rig, mag pouches, dump pouch |
|
Safety Gear |
Eye and ear protection, gloves (optional) |
|
Misc |
Tools, lens cloth, batteries, hydration |
3-Gun Match (Rifle + Pistol + Shotgun)
|
Gear Category |
Items |
|
Rifle Setup |
Rifle with low power variable optic (LPVO), sling, 4–5 mags |
|
Pistol Setup |
Sidearm with retention holster, 4–5 mags |
|
Shotgun Setup |
Tube-fed or box-fed shotgun, shell caddies or mag carriers |
|
Ammo |
Rifle, pistol, birdshot, buckshot, slugs—all labeled separately |
|
Carry System |
Competition belt + chest rig if needed, shotgun shell holders |
|
Safety Gear |
Eye/ear protection, gloves, knee pads (recommended) |
USPSA PCC (Pistol Caliber Carbine)
|
Gear Category |
Items |
|
PCC Setup |
9mm carbine, red dot or LPVO, at least 5 mags |
|
Ammo |
9mm ammo, more than 250 rounds per match day |
|
Carry System |
Belt with PCC mag pouches, dump pouch |
|
Safety Gear |
Eye/ear protection, comfortable shoes |
|
Optional |
Chamber flag, match score tracking app |
PRS/NRL (Precision Rifle Series)
|
Gear Category |
Items |
|
Rifle Setup |
Precision rifle with high-magnification scope (FFP preferred), bipod |
|
Ammo |
Match-grade ammo with verified dope, typically 100+ rounds |
|
Tools |
Kestrel or ballistic calculator, DOPE cards, data board |
|
Support Gear |
Shooting bag(s), tripod, rear bag |
|
Safety Gear |
Eye/ear protection, gloves, weather-appropriate clothing |
|
Misc |
Wind meter, spare batteries, lens cleaner |
IDPA (Pistol Only – Defensive Focused)
|
Gear Category |
Items |
|
Pistol Setup |
IDPA-legal handgun, inside/outside waistband holster |
|
Ammo |
150–200 rounds, match-legal power factor |
|
Carry Gear |
Concealment vest or jacket, mag pouches |
|
Safety Gear |
Eye/ear protection, range-safe shoes |
|
Optional |
Shot timer, belt-mounted med kit |
Final Note
Choose your checklist based on your discipline and division rules. Always check match rules beforehand—gear disqualifications or safety violations can easily ruin your day.