The 3 Gun Shooters matches were started as an addition to traditional target shooting with special emphasis on home defense scenarios. The participants are timed during the running of these scenarios, not so much to see who is fastest, as to add the excitement and adrenaline that one would normally expect to encounter in a real shooting situation. The three types of guns we use are pistol, rifle, and shotgun. Matches are held on the 2nd Saturday of each month at 09:00 AM at the Boulder Rifle and Pistol Club range Southeast of Boulder City, Nevada.
During the summer months of July, August and September we change the start times to 09:00 PM to give participants a chance to try night shooting and also for greater comfort from the heat. The matches are usually held in the shooting pits located just beyond the shotgun/skeet shooting area, and sometimes extend into the rifle and silhouette ranges. For this reason, the range facilities are usually closed down and barricaded (except for the Courtesy Shooting Area) for safety reasons, during these shoots.
$10.00 per shooter. Free to first time shooters.
When shooting, participating or just observing these types of shoots,
Hearing and eye protection must be worn, and a baseball or brimmed type hat is required. The baseball hat is to keep hot brass from dropping into the open top of safety glasses sometimes causing facial burns (we have had this happen before). There is no water or shade at these shoots so bring your own water and sunscreen. Alcohol, drugs or persons under the influence are not welcome at these matches.
In addition to the above, the 3 Gun Shooters adhere to the following safety rules when on the range.
1. This is a hot range and all guns are considered loaded and ready to fire. This applies even when you are showing a gun or preparing your weapons back in the parking area. Shotguns and rifles are carried in the "Cruiser Ready" configuration, which is with the magazines full but with the weapon's chamber empty, the hammer down on that empty chamber, and the safety on.
2. Never point a weapon in the direction of anything you don't intend to destroy.
3. Keep your finger out of the trigger guard and off the trigger until your weapon is on target and you are ready to fire.
4. Know your target and what is behind it. We've actually had a Boy Scout troop march past the posted signs around the range and into the bullet impact area. Everyone is encouraged to shout "Cease Fire" whenever any safety situation arises.
Even though we time and score the scenarios, speed is not the primary objective. We do not allow participants to use special holsters or quick draw equipment, and encourage participants to shoot in the normal configuration they would be in, when engaged in a shooting situation. Examples would be from a service belt or a concealed carry configuration. These matches are run on TAPS (Tactics, accuracy, power and speed) guidelines and are scored accordingly.
We honestly try to have fun while familiarizing ourselves with our weapons and the techniques to use them properly. From time to time we ask some of our many qualified instructors to pass along good advice, knowledge and instruction. We try to keep the scenarios different each time, and as such, we are always looking for new ideas and fresh input.
Usually, if you plan to participate, you'll be expected to bring 80 rounds for your pistol, 20 rounds of 00 buck and 10 rounds of slugs for your shotgun, and 40 rounds for your rifle.
Come out a join us in these 3 Gun Shoots, and I think you'll find it an enjoyable experience. Don't forget to bring your spouses, children, and friends along too.
Return to Main Page