Equipment for FM
One of the most frequently asked questions we get at Florida Multigun is what do I need to bring to my first match? 90% of the time that question is gun related. My first comment is to bring what you already have in the safe. For most shooters that is a striker fired handgun, basic AR and possibly a pump home defense shotgun. All of these will work and get out on the range into competition.
I went to my first event at then Manatee 3 Gun, with a Glock 22, Basic AR with a red dot and a Benelli SuperNova (pump). It was the bare bones equipment needed to compete, oh and I had a cheap holster for the handgun on a leather belt. I completed the match but not all the courses of fire but that’s ok. I wasn’t out there to win my first match and you shouldn’t be either. The best aspect of 3 Gun is that you’re not facing your opponent directly like in a basketball game or a cage match, you’re shooting against the house (time).
Take a moment and ask yourself a few basic questions:
Are the firearms I’m going to take out to the range safe and functioning (i.e. lubed up)?
Can I load and manipulate the firearms safely and do I think I can do that under pressure?
Do I have more than two pistol and two rifle magazines?
Do I have a way to secure the pistol to my body (holster) and can I store at least 2 pistol magazines and one rifle magazine on my body?
Do I have some way to either hold 10 or so shotguns shells in a caddy or loose (cargo pockets?) or to hold shotgun magazines?
Do you have 100+ rounds of pistol, rifle and shotgun ammo that you are willing to part with, as just like beer you are only “renting” ammo?
If you have answered yes to those basic questions then you are ready for Florida Multigun. If you are missing gear, reach out to us and ask before buying anything. It doesn’t matter though if your pistol is chambered in .40 cal or your AR doesn’t have a free-float handguard or you are shooting a pump shotgun, the biggest hurdle is to get up off the couch, out of the house and on to the range.
Other than guns and ammo, you will need some way to transport your firearms and gear around during the day and a beach pull cart or something similar works great or the bed of a pickup. Also, you will need to stay hydrated and fed so bring more water than you think and snacks and a lunch. Summers are brutal in Florida and hydration and food intake is key. Winter matches are a lot more forgiving but you will be outside moving around on your feet all day, be prepared.
After a few matches you can get a better idea of what you might want for gear. If you need any help there are quite a few of us with multiple years experience at Florida Multigun along with major match experience that would be more than willing to help you out. Also most of us don’t mind if you try out a gun and we always like showing off our gear if nothing else!
Shine
