The Unwritten Etiquette of 3-Gun

I’m not an advocate of team sports. Depending on other peoples’ abilities and having others depend on mine is way too much pressure for me. Growing up, many of my friends played sports in school. Frequently attending their games, I experienced firsthand how their parents and coaches would yell and correct them as they played. Once the game ended, the same parents would complain about the other team members and how bad they played. It didn’t take long for me to come to the realization that I would not be involved in team sports any time soon. I don’t do well being yelled at before, during or after I am competing, especially in front of a group of people. 3-Gun however, meets my minimal competitive needs. As a 3-Gun competitor, I set my own goals, create my own “plan of attack” and am responsible only for myself.

3-Gun is an individual sport, but unfortunately there are some competitors who take the individual part just a little to far. Yes, you compete as an individual, but you are also a member of a squad. You know the saying, “There is no “I” in team?” Well, the same thing goes for squad.

Prior to competing in 3-Gun, I was given the endearing title of” Squad Mom” by many competitors, both younger and older. Collecting and putting score sheets in order, making sure the person on deck was ready, and sometimes even passing out snacks, was part of what I did. Yes, I took care of my, “children” on the squad.

My 3-Gun experience began behind the scenes, watching range officers getting ticked off having to correct someone, and competitors giving dirty looks to other squad members that were smoking and joking when they were supposed to be setting steel and taping targets. With my background of knowledge through observation, I could be called The Emily Post of 3-Gun.

The following is a list of what my 3 years as Squad Mom have taught me:

     1.     Always arrive at your stage on time, which usually means 30 minutes before the scheduled start. Be ready for your 5 minute walk through at the start time. A wise man once said, “If you’re not 10 minutes early, you’re 10 minutes late.” This definitely applies to 3-Gun. Do not make others wait for you!

     2.      If there are paper scores cards, make sure you have yours filled out and ready to hand to the range officer when you arrive at the stage.

     3.     The squad should agree on a shooting order, and someone needs to keep track of it.

     4.     Upon arrival at your stage, wait until the previous squad is finished before you start walking through. Not only does your interference slow down the squad in front of you, but you also are getting in the way of the next shooter making his plan of attack.

     5.     Listen as the Range Officer explains the stage. It’s plain courtesy.

     6.     A five minute walk through is a five minute walk through! Don’t make your squad wait because you need to look just one more time.

     7.     As a member of the squad, you are expected to set up steel and tape targets for all other competitors. The only time you aren’t obligated to is when you are the on-deck shooter or you’ve just finished shooting.

     8.     After you shoot the stage, remember to sign your score sheet or confirm the program . Do not immediately walk to your car. Get your gear in order and sign that paper.

     9.     Always remain at the stage until your entire squad is finished. If for some reason you need to leave, let more than one person know you’re leaving and why. Support your squad.

     10.     A quick handshake and “Thank you!” to the range officers for volunteering their time is always appreciated.

     11.     Pick up any trash and make sure you have all your belongings before moving on.

     12.     Check with other members of your squad and make sure everyone has a ride. Also confirm the time for the next stage.

Hopefully my etiquette list gives you some information on participating in 3-Gun and helps alleviate any apprehensions you may have. If you’re still unclear, find someone on your squad that looks like they know what they’re doing and ask questions. You might also consider becoming a Squad Mom and learn from behind the scenes, like I did. Whatever you decide, know that there are always people out there willing to help you along.

What would you add to my 3-Gun etiquette list?

September 17, 2013