Starter Shotgun for 3 gun match

[x10]

Been thinking of trying out a 3 gun match Right now I don't expect to win. For you that know me know I'm a mature shooter so we can skip the part where you tell me the end with the hole in it goes away from you.

I have an 870 Turkey gun that I could use, it has a reddot on it and I could change the choke and I think that would be a very minimum But I'm not opposed to some mods to the 870 but I would like to find a reasonably priced entry level gun.

I'm a remington Fan and I've read that you need to maintain the 1100's, I wouldn't mind finding a beretta

But here's where I need to have the experienced folks help me

WHAT does a 3gun shotgun REALLY NEED to compete. I shoot UPSA so I know that you can take a perfectly good gun and poor $3k into it to be compentitive, Well I'm not jumping in the deep water yet, I want to try this out for a season or 2 before I go full bore, If its right for me.

I would buy a used 3 gun SG or I would buy and modify myself but what will take my 870 or another gun and turn it from a turkey/deer killer to a capable competition gun.

 

[451_Detonics]

To be competitive you really do need a semi-auto. Probably the top choice today among pro shooters is the Benelli, of course those have a top price as well. The Remington 1100 is probably one of the next top choices. Fact is you have to maintain any semi-auto more than you do a pump but the 1100 is no more difficult to maintain than any other semi auto, in fact it is simpler than many. I have been shooting an 1100 (the same one) for 3 gun matches and other combat shotgun games for 20 years or so. In all that time I have replaced the O-rings 4 or 5 times and the gas rings once.

If you start out with a basic used 1100 like I did you will need to add a few things. This is what I did to mine but not all of this is needed.
First is a mag extension, mine is a Choate and it allows 10+1 capacity on the gun.
Second I went with a 26" Hastings Wadlock barrel for more even patterns.
Third is a Speedfeed pistol grip stock, I find the pistol grip allows me to really keep the gun firmly seated when running and gunning.
Now I am considering adding a Burris Speed Bead...as I age I can use all the help I can get.

You can also start with a new 1100 that is well set up for 3 gun such as the Remington Tac-4. However for the money I would prefer a good used gun and at least a 26 inch barrel to take advantage of the longer mag extension. Of course you can always add an X-rail and kick capacity up to 23 rounds.

My 1100

 

[SmileDocHill]

course you can always add an X-rail and kick capacity up to 23 rounds.

My 1100

I had to google x rail...WOW, I've never seen that idea before, that looks awesome!

 

[tradertator]

I'm partial to the Saiga 12's.

 

[mertbl]

You could get a Mossberg 930. It will come with a ported barrel which will put you in open. They can be cut down and threaded for chokes rather cheaply. Add a nordic extension for $80 and your competitive.

 

[x10]

Thanks for everything I've looked around and every manufacture offers a good fit, but after looking at what accesories cost and add on's I think my 2 options are upfit my 870 turkey gun by putting a choke and an extension tube that would be the cheapest and fastest its already got a red dot on it, OR For me the Remington 1100 Tac is really an inclusive package for the money they offer a lot of upgrades in a one time purchase.

A couple questions on the Rules.

What are the rules for upgrades AND if you shoot an open pistol are you shooting OPEN in everything or do you shoot Weapon/class individual

 

[451_Detonics]

If one gun is open class then you are shooting in the open class for everything. A basic set of rules as well as what can be done to the firearms for each class can be found here.

http://www.3gunrules.com/documents/multi-gun-rules/img-rules/img-2003-basicrules.pdf

 

[dom1104]

Benelli M2 Field 24" is what I am savin mah pennies for.

I have learned, there is a reason the best is the best, and its best to just save up for it.

 

[NDgolfer13]

A buddy of mine just got a 1100 competition with a 30 barrel and adjustable stock piece(not sure of the terminology) cheek piece. It's really nice.

 

[revsaxon]

Of course you can always add an X-rail and kick capacity up to 23 rounds.
[/IMG]

So after some googling.... I just ordered an X-Rail... Turns my pathetic 10+1 into a force to be reckoned with...

 

[tradertator]

The X-Rail is sick. Please post pics after you get it installed.

 

[451_Detonics]

The X-rail on a 1100...