Training for 3-Gun / Multi-Gun
How to improve your 3-Gun skills with structured practice
About 3-Gun
Competition using rifle, pistol, and shotgun in the same match. Stages may require all three or any combination.
Why Use a Par Timer for 3-Gun?
Multi-gun competition demands proficiency across multiple platforms. A par timer lets you isolate and drill specific skills—pistol draws, rifle manipulations, shotgun reloads, and transitions between weapons—until each becomes second nature under time pressure.
Training Plan for 3-Gun
1. Platform Proficiency
You're only as fast as your weakest weapon system. Identify which platform needs work and focus there.
Practice these drills:
2. Transitions Between Weapons
Smooth transitions win stages. Practice going from rifle to pistol until the movement is automatic.
Practice these drills:
3. Stage Planning
Multi-gun stages are complex. Practice visualizing and walking through stages mentally before you shoot them.
All 3-Gun Drills
Complete list of drills recommended for 3-Gun training:
Video
Rifle to Pistol
Low ready, 1 shot from rifle, drop rifle, draw pistol, 1 shot from pistol
Video
Check Drill
Practice rifle-to-pistol transitions and emergency reloads. Shoot your rifle empty, transition to pistol, then clear and reload rifle under par time.
Video
Rifle/Pistol El Prez
Low ready facing away, Turn around, 2 shots on all (3) targets, Switch to pistol, 2 shots on all (3) targets
Video
Rifle Switch El Prez
Low ready facing away using dominant shoulder, Turn around, 2 shots on all (3) targets, Switch shoulders, 2 shots on all (3) targets
Video
Rifle Now
High round count rifle drill: 30 shots, reload, 1 more shot. Tests sustained accuracy, recoil management, and reload under fatigue.
Video
El Prez
Low ready facing away, Turn around, 2 shots on all (3) targets, Reload, 2 shots on all (3) targets
Video
Bill Drill
7 yards. 1 target. Draw and fire 6 shots. Should be able to cover all shots with a dollar bill. 3 second par for experienced shooter.
Dry Fire Practice
Most top 3-Gun competitors dry fire far more than they live fire. Par Timer Pro is ideal for dry fire training—you get the same time pressure without spending ammunition.
Focus your dry fire on:
- Weapon transitions
- Magazine changes on each platform
- Mounting and dismounting long guns
- Movement with weapons
Start Training Today
Download Par Timer Pro to access all 7 3-Gun drills with built-in par times.
