Tactical Irons

The Limited Division (AKA, Tactical Irons, Limited Tactical, Limited 1X,) goes by many names. While match directors have the final word on what qualifies as Limited gear, the gist of it remains the same even as the name changes!

AR’s rule the roost here but any .223/5.56 rifle or larger can be used.  Short barrels, long barrels, if it is legal you can use it, just make sure you know your zeros!

No supporting devices (bipods, etc.) are allowed.  It gets a little iffy using vertical or not-so-vertical fore-end grips.  If you have them and use them as hand grips then you are probably OK. But if you have them on as a pseudo “bipod” then you may get bumped to Open division for your sneakiness.

Compensators and muzzle brakes may not exceed 1 inch in diameter and 3 inches in length (as measured from the barrel muzzle to the end of the compensator).

While Limited has been the domain of the “Iron Sight” shooter, many matches have adopted the 1X or non-magnified electronic or optical sight.  This change has been for the most part welcomed by the “old hand” iron sight shooters, not because they will change to optics but because the addition of “red dots” or other optics with a maximum of 1X brings new blood to the division.  Keep in mind that 1X power is what your eyes are when open.

Magazine capacity is generally restricted to anything other than Beta “C” or drum magazines.  I have not seen any ruling on the new, cool SureFire hi-cap mags and I do not expect too. So if you are lucky enough to have one, make use of it.

Slings may be required on some courses of fire.  A set of sling swivel studs on your rifles with a sling ready in your range bag is a good idea.

Handgun regulations are pretty straight forward. Here as you can use most any pistol or revolver of a caliber that is 9mm x 19mm or larger.  No compensator, muzzle brake or optical sight. Capacity, while not restricted to number of rounds is limited to magazine lengths 140mm for double column (double stack) and 170 for single column (single stack) magazines.  This basically boils down to your “custom” or otherwise garden variety Glock, FNH, S&W, Sig, STI, CZ, or XD.

It goes without saying that your holster must retain the handgun during vigorous movement. 3-Gun is not a good place for a “speed” holster. Sure, you can use them, but I would make sure it is equipped with a locking device.

Shotguns (my favorite power tool) shall be 20-gauge minimum.  Nothing tricky here kids, just show up with a tube-fed pump or auto-loader (no box magazines). They may not have any of the following; porting, comps, brakes or optical sights. While it can hold more, generally match rules indicate that you cannot load more than 9 rounds at the beginning of a stage. After the start command you are welcome to load all you want and many of us use that to our advantage.

Limited division is really cool and is arguably the foundation of the game, at least as far as equipment goes.  It is the home of a diehard group that has mastered the fundamentals of marksmanship and firmly believes that if they can see it they will hit it!  It employs good basic gear that is relatively inexpensive and easy to maintain. Until the inclusion of 1X optics to the mix I would have said it was NOT a place for the new guy to get started.  Iron sighted rifles take more time and effort to learn to use well and that learning curve might discourage the newbie from playing.  However, bolt on 1X optic and the new guy gets better, faster and as 3-gunner, better and faster is where we all want to be!