Three-Gun and Tactical Action Shooting require the shooter to combine accuracy, speed, and tactics to complete different types of shooting problems or scenarios. Three-Gun match shooters solve these problems with different types of weapons. Three-Gun shooters may use military pattern rifles (such as the AR15), shotguns (usually 12 ga.), and centerfire handguns (typically 9mm or larger). The term, three-gun, is used here to depict a match in which not only are semiautomatic pistols, rifles, and shotguns are used, but where other weapons may also used.

Unlike bullseye, skeet, or pistol silhouette, TRC three-gun and tactical action shooting matches are different every time—requiring competitors to be diverse in their training and skill sets. For example, in a given stage a shooter may be required to engage targets at distances varying from 2 to 200 yards; in low light or no light conditions; paper targets and steel.

Three-Gun/Tactical shooting competition is what you want to make of it.

Shotgun targets may be engaged with small shot loads and at other times with slugs. A long gun shot dry may require a transition to pistol to finish the stage. Often, no-shoot targets, which incur a penalty when hit, are placed near normal shoot targets. Realistic props are used to simulate a scenario that the shooter must complete.

Three-Gun/Tactical shooting competition is what you want to make of it. Some shooters emphasize the practical aspect by using their normal carry gun to develop their self-defense skills and test their equipment in realistic situations. For most folk, the match is part monthly practice, part social occasion. These shooters enjoy the challenge, fun, and social aspects of the sport—but don't take things too seriously.

At the other end of the spectrum are the athletes, the serious competitors. These shooters often emphasize the game element of the competition, using equipment they acknowledge lacks practical use,

The three-gun and tactical action shooting groups at TRC emphasize self-improvement rather than competition and prizes.

but which improves their ability to generate high scores and low times.

In between are all sorts of shooters—including many who enjoy three-gun and tactical action shooting and the opportunity these matches provide to use their politically incorrect weapons.

Shooters must decide how they want to approach the match. The three-gun and tactical action shooting groups at TRC emphasize self-improvement rather than competition and prizes. However, all types of shooters are welcome—as long as they are safe shooters first and foremost. Top

Tactical Night Shoot

     Although officially a multi-gun action shoot, rifle use and low light shooting are emphasized in this match. Matches are held every second Saturday beginning in late afternoon and running until after dark. Rifles most often used are semi-automatics with detachable magazine.

On occasion a shooter will use a rifle that requires stripper clips (as do SKS and M1 Garands), or a bolt action with self contained magazine. The most common rifles seen at matches include the AR15, FAL, and M1a. Many competitors use some sort of optical site. Optics are particularly useful for low light shooting stages run during the evening hours of the match.

Team stages are often done in addition to individual events. Time permitting, shooters are often allowed to rerun stages should they feel they can improve their performance. Top

Practice Match

     A two-gun match using a variety of weapons, the Practice Match is an informal and low key event. Held on the fourth Saturday of each month, the Practice Match runs from mid-afternoon through early evening. This match is relatvely short and timed so that everyone can get home for a Saturday night on the town. Stages use both paper and reactive metal targets. The match is devoted to drills designed to increase speed, accuracy, and handling of a particular class of weapon.

Each match will focus around a long gun and pistol. To keep keep it simple, everyone shoots the same type of guns for timing purposes. For example, one match might be relegated to an AK rifle and pistol (or an AR rifle and pistol). On another month, the match might make use of a bolt rifle and pistol, or a shotgun and pistol, or a carbine and pistol, etc. Each match is set around three stages: long gun only, pistol only, and transition from one firearm to the other. Sling for long guns required as well as a strong side holster for pistol and carry equipment for extra magazines.

Stages will be designed around the firearms selected for the shoot. Shooters would be timed on the first attempt only, but will be allowed to repeat stages. A loaner rifle is usually available for those shooters who do not have the specific type of gun needed for the match. Shooter participation in stage design is welcome. Top

Tucson Action Shooters' Club (TASC)

     This club runs a multi-gun action match on the first Saturday of each month and a pistol only action match on the third Saturday of each month. TASC is one of the oldest action shooting groups at TRC. Its matches are well timed with team stages often held after the official match (time permitting). Club membership fees are held to a minimum. Steel targets are most commonly used.
The most popular pistols used at the TASC matches include the venerable Government 1911 model (made by Colt, Springfield Armory, and others) in .45 ACP, and Glock (in .40 and 9mm). The typical shooter uses a relatively stock pistol, devoid of compensators and optical sights. This is in keeping with practical aspect of this match. Top

Southern Arizona Practical Shooters (SAPS)

     Affiliated with the United States Practical Shooting Association (USPSA), this club runs an action match on the second Sunday of each month. Pistol or revolver only. Scoring will balance accuracy, power and speed.

Classifier matches will be shot that will allow participating USPSA members to obtain a classification that can be utilized worldwide and compared against the best in the world.  Joining USPSA is not mandatory, however if you really like this sport you will find membership in a national organization inexpensive and very rewarding.

Each stage is different and distances will vary from a few feet to 50 yards.  Paper USPSA type targets and steel knock down targets are utilized as well as an assortment of moving targets.  Our matches consist of 5 stages of fire requiring different shooting positions and challenges.

Six different divisions are recognized, assuring the competitor that he or she will be competing against similarly equipped shooters.  In other words, bring what you have, 9mm to .45ACP, at least 4 extra magazines, 6 speed loaders for revolvers, a secure holster and magazine carriers, 150 rounds of ammunition, eye and ear protection.

A minimum of 9MM is required, with a scoring advantage given to shooters shooting a .40 S&W or larger. 

If this sounds like your idea of fun, we welcome you and will see to it that you are teamed with experienced shooters who delight in taking new shooters through their first few matches safely and assure that you have an enjoyable experience.

Check us out and join the fun. Top