Open Division
By Patrick E. Kelley
If the guns of 3-gun were race cars, Open division would be the home of the full-tilt open-wheel Outlaw or F1 car. While equipped with the latest go-fast parts they can be a tuning nightmare, but in the right hands and running right, nothing is faster!
In this division most anything you want to hang on your guns is OK, so my list of restrictions will be brief.
The OPEN division rifle as in all the divisions must be .223/5.56 or larger. No limit on magazine capacity, muzzle brake or comp size. Ports, bells, whistles, Bi-pods and multiple optics are welcomed. If you think it helps, you can make it happen.
Pistols can be anything you wish so long as it is 9mm x 19mm or larger. Magazine length (not capacity) is restricted to 170mm. Port it, comp it, hang crystals from the rearview mirror. If that makes you go faster, it’s all good. Bolt on most any sight system with the exception of projecting lasers. Kickstands and gas pedals are OK too! No really, a kickstand in this instance is an arm sticking off the side of the pistol that props it up so you can get a better grip for those “lying flat on table” starts. Gas pedals? Nope not kidding, this speed part is for your support hand thumb to press down on to help control muzzle lift!
The Open division Shotgun displays the biggest departure from the other divisions. Whereas speed-loaders are forbidden in all other divisions, in Open, speed loading devices, including detachable box magazines, are virtually obligatory! While an Open division shooter could live without comps, optics or porting, one would be hard-pressed to win without the ability to speed-load the shotgun!
So break-out, build or buy whatever pellet spreader you desire, provided it is 20-gauge or larger. Understand that you may be limited (depending on the event) to starting with 10+1 at the beginning of a stage. Then let your imagination, if not your wallet, be your guide as you enter the realm of the Open division raceguns—here you are the only limit!
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