Tactical Iron
I shot my first two 3-gun matches in the Tactical Iron class. I used a borrowed Colt HBar with an A2 upper. Pretty standard rifle, and despite the exquisite form shown above, pretty average scores. Now my scores are still average, but I saved up enough money to enter the ultra-competitive Tactical Optics class for my 3rd match. I can’t say that I shoot better due to the scope, but I am faster on long rifle steel. The thing is, I’m no better off for switching really. I was just as competitive in Irons as I am in Optics, maybe even more so due to the much smaller size of the class. I say all this to let folks new to 3-gun know that they don’t need an optic to shoot their first 3-gun match, or even at all. For young guys and gals with good eyesight, Tac Iron may very well be the best bet to go home with a good pick off the prize table. So, if you have a rifle, but are short on funds for the optic, fear not. There’s a class just for that. You can shoot what you have and gain some valuable experience in the process. Now, if you decide to go Tac Optic, I do recommend the scope I use. It’s a Burris Xtreme Tactical XTR 1-4x. It’s got a sweet reticle for 3-gun, designed my a friend of mine.
August 21, 2010 at 07:51
And not really relevant to competition as I am way too old to do that stuff and couldn’t afford it anyway, but on the subject of iron sights – don’t let anybody think that one can’t do precision shooting with iron sights. Think about Elmer Keith and his revolvers. Your article is well done, no need to think one must buy optics to be a real force with rounds downrange. I’m weighing in because of something that happened last night, no, not a tactical issue, just a strange reason to realize that one can do very well with iron sights. And, I don’t even have a rifle with me. A yard light/halogen (tungsten, I think) light on the top of a telephone pole started arcing badly. This is remote country, so it’s no place to call somebody, even if there were cell phone coverage. I’m not bragging, just stating what can be done with iron. With my ancient Hi-Power 9mm, with one shot, I clipped the main feed wire off the top of the post. One shot. Bob, you know I’m average to fairly good. My point is that if one needs to place a precision shot in a hurry, there’s no reason not to think that iron sights are somehow inadequate. Yes, I’d have much preferred an M4 with an ACOG. It was dark for Christ’s sake and I’m holding a flashlight in my off hand. But, it can be done. I’d second your thoughts that for anyone wanting to compete, no reason to think it takes big optics. Or any optics.
August 21, 2010 at 08:37
Bob, more here: http://threat-management.com/2010/08/21/guns-as-tools.aspx