Beth Walker’s 3 Gun Setup

It took a few years for me to completely settle on the gear that I use for 3 Gun. We went through different guns, magazine holders, holsters, magazines, and range bags. All of that went towards finding a comfortable, practical set up so that I could establish confidence in my guns and gear when competing. Now I don’t have to worry about the little things and can focus more on stage planning, practicing, and having fun!

GUNS:

RIFLE

I shoot the Ruger AR-556 MPR in 5.56 NATO. I like this rifle because it is lightweight but still has enough mass to help with stability when shooting long-range rifle. The rifle has a comfortable feel, adjustable stock, and M-LOK rail that can be used for attachments.

PISTOL

I currently shoot a Ruger American Pistol Competition. It is a lightweight, striker fire gun. It comes ready for competition out-of-the-box and I have not changed anything from stock on this gun. The slide is pre-cut and ready for a red dot so that a shooter can switch between different divisions if they choose from match to match. My favorite thing about this pistol is the grip angle and texture. When you purchase the pistol, you notice an aggressive texture that allows for a solid grip. The angle is conducive to any size of hands and stays comfortable throughout prolonged use. I also love that you do not have to replace the factory sights. The rear sight is adjustable and there is a fiber optic front sight.

SHOTGUN

For the competition, I use a Benelli 12 gauge M2. We have changed quite a bit from the stock firearm. When we first received it, we had the modifications done by James Casanova. He installed an oversized bolt release, charging handle, and worked on my loading port. Personally, I recommend Briley Manufacturing or Roth Performance parts. I also have a Nordic Component +9 extension tube. If you look at my shotgun, you will notice that I have duct tape on the stock. This is holding my Cheek-Eez pad in place so that I can get a consistent mount on the gun every time.

AMMUNITION:

RIFLE

I have chosen to use different ammunition for my long-range and short-range rifle shooting. I use Lake Martin Machine Gun .223 55gr for short-range “hoser” shooting and 75gr for Long Range, usually anything over 200 yards.

PISTOL

For my competition pistol, I shoot 9mm Lake Martin Machine Gun 147 grain ammunition. I use the heavier grain because it decreases the amount of recoil and it is a more accurate round for the type of shooting that I do. It has a coated, flat nose bullet.

SHOTGUN

When I first started shooting, I used the most basic Federal target ammunition that I could find at walmart. Now I use Remington Gun Club 12 gauge 2-¾”, 1-⅛ oz, #7-½ shot. I like this because it shoots fairly soft, but has patterned well through all of my chokes.

OPTICS

I use Vortex Optics no matter the discipline that I am shooting. But for 3-Gun I chose to use the Vortex Optics Razor HD 1-6×24 with the JM1-BDC reticle. Due to having to get on the target fast, I like the single illuminated dot that you can turn on to be able to acquire a sight-picture quickly. I also live that the reticle isn’t busy. This makes memorizing long-range holds quick and easy.

Because of recent innovations and developments in the lines that Vortex Optics is producing, I use the Razor HD GenII-E 1-6×24 now.

I do not currently use any sort of optic on my pistol or shotgun!

BELT SETUP:

My entire setup for shooting is Safariland products. They are all high quality and maintain a high level of efficiency during practice.

-For my belt, I use the Safariland ELS belt system. This system requires an inner and outer belt. The reason I chose this is because of the quick and easy customization it allows. The ELS (Equipment Locking System) makes it easy to move and shift the gear between stages and maximize the real estate on your
belt.

-To mount my holster, I use the Safariland USPSA Drop Kit. My holster is the Model 5197 Open Top Holster.

-For magazine holders, I use Safariland as well. My pistol magazine holders are the Model 773 Open Top model and the rifle magazine holders are Model 774. They have adjustable retention so that they can always be adjusted to keep the proper amount of tension on the magazine that can withstand vigorous running and jumping.

-Safariland shotgun loaders have more customizable options available for dual loaders (loading two shotgun shells at a time), quad loaders (loading four shotgun shells at a time), and even still produce and stock old fashioned load one at a time. I personally prefer the Model 086 Double 12 model because it takes up the least real estate on my belt and holds the most shells. The other
models serve great purposes as well and allow different load pattern options. They are high quality, do not break, and allow you to adjust to your desired shell length. The shotgun loaders hold the shells in place securely while also releasing the shells smoothly.

GEAR

-On the range, I always carry a knife. My knife brand of choice is Zero Tolerance. It is important to have a knife that is reliable and able to take care of tasks that range from cutting zip ties to clearing malfunctions. My favorite ZT Knives to carry on the range are the 0223 and the 0450CF.

-Urban ERT Tactical has a two-point 3-Gun competition sling that utilizes quick release technology to ensure that it will be able to break loose from your body
efficiently and quickly during competition. Girls with Guns has an amazing sling available for hunting!

-The Safariland Enhanced 3 Gun Bag is great for storing your rifle, pistol, and shotgun as well as the majority of my gear. It has strong and comfortable backpack straps that allow you to carry it around any range terrain for an extended period of time.

-I also use a Safariland Shooter’s Range Backpack for my gear, cleaning supplies, eye and ear protection, and extra range necessities. There is a lot of room to consolidate supplies and gear in this bag to make it easy and convenient to carry around.

-The Liberator HP EarMuffs are my favorite ear protection and I would recommend them to anyone looking for quality electronic ear protection. Personally, I always double plug with inner ear protection and muffs on top. Once your hearing starts to deteriorate, you cannot get it back. It is so important to protect it from the beginning, especially if you are on the range a lot.

RANGE CLOTHING

For years, I have worn Girls with Guns Carbine Pants on the range. The reason that I choose to wear them is because of the 4-way stretch, adjustable inseam and waist, as well as having water-resistant material. They are not too heavy and hot during the summer months, but also protect from the elements during the fall and winter.

Currently, my jersey is from Techwear USA. I love their designs and the work that they put into producing high quality, breathable jersey.

My shoes are the Salomon Speedcross 5s. They are a lightweight, durable shoe with a lot of traction and are made for trail running. I am able to move fast and get good grip on the ground as I run and transition from positions.