I sold my M&P 40 limited gun that I used for USPSA and 3 gun because I was looking at getting a 5" FNS 40. Well, it figures that I just read a thread where Apex said that an FNS trigger kit is not coming anytime soon because of the complicated setup FN is using. So now I’m kind of regretting selling it.
I used my factory stock full size M&P at the last practice match and actually shot just as good as I did with the decked out limited gun. I was pretty surprised. I have to assume that getting the fns isn’t going to help me at all, and could possibly hurt my scores. I do really like the feel of the gun and location of the mag release better than the M&P.
My friend (also shooting partner and owner of the gun shop I work part-time at) is telling me to sell the full size and combine the money to upgrade to an Edge. Now if the only thing I shot was USPSA I would probably do that.
I just started shooting 3 gun and it is three times the fun of USPSA. But I shoot USPSA 3-4 times a month and 3 gun only every other month. My rifle is setup good for now, and I have no issue using the stock M&P for pistol. I’m using a Mossberg 500 for my shotgun, and frankly it leaves a lot to be desired. It’s (obviously) a pump, 7 shot tube, no choke, and I think I’m lucky that I haven’t had to take any long shots yet. I’ve been looking at getting either the Mossberg 930 JM or the FN SLP for next year. I need help deciding that too.
So my options are:
Buy an FNS and try to make mag extensions and mod the trigger myself. (I’m pretty handy with machines, but not a master.) Would still have mediocre shotgun.
Sell the stock M&P and buy an Edge. Still have mediocre shotgun.
Buy the 930 and have enough left for either a stock FNS or for a 5" top end with better sights for my M&P
Buy the SLP and forget about modding a pistol, use the stock M&P
Any input would be appreciated. I’m kind of leaning towards options 3 or 4
If you want to put in more money, just get a second boring full size. Then put good sights on both of them. Then you have two pistols that you’re pretty decent with.
From there, work on the shotgun - but probably focus on either making what you have run a lot better, or if the performance jump for you would be that big, then the 930.
For my part, even goofing around doing 3-gun type stuff in practice and goofing around at the range, my biggest limitation by a huge margin is how well I can operate the shotgun mechanically (load, cycle, drive it target to target); so if you’re already good a driving a reasonably priced pistol, then to me it doesn’t make a ton of sense to ditch a pistol you’re already good with for a very pricy, higher maintenance (but flatly gorgeous) which is worth a marginal split time improvement on the pistol stuff, and still be running a $430 shotgun.
The shotgun is basically maxed out for mods short of swapping to a 590 setup for a longer tube and sending the barrel off to get cut for chokes. But that seems like a waste. Loading is definitely my weak point. I can drive and cycle it, but I’m thinking I can drive faster if I don’t have to cycle it myself. I need to spend some more quality time with my caddies and snap caps, that’s for sure.
If you’re shooting your stock M&P as well as your limited gun, then you weren’t shooting up to the ability of the pistol. I’d keep the M&P and buy a ton of pistol ammo. For 3Gun, buy or load some minor PF .40.
I wouldn’t invest any money in a JammoMatic 930. 3Gun matches vary widely depending on geography, so I can’t speak for sure on how things will be in your matches. But generally speaking–To save time on the shotgun portion of your game, reloading is more important than shooting. Buy quality caddies and dummy rounds then reload for ten minutes every day. Do that until you can buy a new shotgun and none of the money or time you’ve spent will be wasted.
I know I’m not the greatest with a pistol, so you’re probably right on me not shooting up to par. I got 10th out of 37 tonight (out of all classes), which percentage-wise is about the same as before. I was thinking the last match was a fluke that I scored just as well, but I guess not. I’m actually thinking about going to production so I’d have to concentrate on getting good hits and plan stages better. And after a while move back up to limited.
I’ve been practicing the shotgun reloads this week with the snap caps. And I discovered what position the gun needs to be in that works best for me. I load weak hand because it seems to me that flipping the gun over, switching hands, and propping it on my shoulder, and then getting it back is a lot of manipulation time. So yeah, I’m holding off on that purchase for right now. I did hear the JM’s are very hit or miss on reliability, but the couple guys I know with them have had good luck.
You need a shotgun. Get yourself a $450 Stoeger M3000. Ive been shooting one all season and it’s a killer gun for the money. Basically a Turkish built Benelli M1. Put a $80 Nordic Mag Tube on it and you’re set. If you are mechanically inclined you can open up the loading port yourself with some files and sandpaper. Or give me a shout and I’ll get you in touch with someone that can do it for you.
If you’re shooting a pump shotgun in 3 Gun (other than heavy metal) you’re going to get your clock cleaned and it will have nothing to do with your skill, you’ll just be outgunned.
I’d recommend that you pick a semi-auto shotgun (brand is generally irrelevant) then add capacity, open the loading port, add sights if you don’t shoot slugs well, and get a LM choke.
Once you learn what runs in the gun 100% and how to load it quickly, game on.
Have to agree here. Just got home from a shoot a couple days ago and used my nova tactical pump. Yes it slowed me down some, but there were a lot of people running cheap autos and all they had was issues. FTFs, FTEs, stocks coming loose… Sure they were shooting an auto but what good does it do if all it does is slow you down with malfunctions?
Since I started 3-gunning in 2009 I’ve in my spent my money on a Benelli m1, m2 and recently a Stoeger m3000 and the new browning A5 to test it’s ability to perform up to the high standard of a Benelli.
I’d have to agree with the shotgun avenue. For what we do, you’re pistol will be just fine, and reliable to boot. I’d put the money in the shotgun.
I would stay away from the 930 JM. I’ve seen 3 of them have major failures during matches this year so far. The first one had something going on with the extractor to where it was actually piercing the side of the brass hull, the second one had an issue with the magazine spring and lost all spring pressure. The third had the extractor just clean break off.
I’m a big fan of the Beretta 1301, although that might be a little more than you want to spend. It’s extremely fast, very accurate with slugs, and very reliable. Mine’s been a work horse.