If Cowboy Action Shooting is a "Western Movie," then Historic 3-Gun (H3G) is a "World War I Epic."

Historic 3-Gun is a specialized branch of the multi-gun shooting sports that trades modern "space-age" equipment—like carbon-fiber AR-15s and red-dot optics—for the rugged, mechanical firearms of the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

While modern 3-Gun is often called the "X-Games of shooting," Historic 3-Gun is more of a high-speed tribute to military and frontier history. It challenges shooters to run complex, timed courses of fire using equipment that requires much more manual dexterity than modern gear.

Pro-Tip for Beginners

Don’t buy anything yet! H3G shooters are famously friendly. Come to one of our monthly practice shoots, and watch a match with eye and ear protection, someone will almost certainly offer to let you try their guns and gear. This helps you figure out which guns, equipment, and "category" (like Modern, Doughboy, or Bootlegger) fits you best before you spend a dime.

If Cowboy Action Shooting is a "Western Movie," then Historic 3-Gun (H3G) is a "World War I Epic."

While Cowboy Action focuses on the mid-to-late 1800s with revolvers and leather holsters, Historic 3-Gun shifts the clock forward to the early 20th century. It combines the high-speed movement and tactical complexity of modern 3-Gun with the heavy wood and steel of the World Wars.

1. The Core Philosophy

Historic 3-Gun is designed for shooters who love the mechanics of vintage firearms but want a "run-and-gun" experience. In a typical H3G match, you are engaging targets (steel, paper, and clays) at varying distances, just like in modern 3-Gun. Unlike Cowboy Action, which has strict shooting sequences, H3G blends sequences and modern shooting sports formats:

• Round Counts: You’ll typically fire 28 pistol, 6 shotgun and 7-15 rifle depending on your category per stage.

• Manual Cycling: Most divisions require lever-action, pump-action, or bolt-action rifles rather than semi-automatics.

• Practical Gear: While "period-appropriate" clothing (like military uniforms or rough-rider gear) is encouraged, the focus is on the performance of the firearms.

2. The Weapons of Choice

The firearms are generally restricted to designs manufactured or issued between 1897 and 1945. Depending on your division, your "kit" will usually look like this:

• Pistol: A traditional 1911 (the gold standard) or occasionally a 1917, Hi-Power, or Luger.

• Rifle: A Lever-Action (pistol or rifle caliber), a Bolt-Action (like a 1903, Mauser, or Enfield), an M1 Carbine, or even a PCC (like a Thompson, Henry Homesteader).

• Shotgun: Typically a Winchester Model 1897 or Model 12 pump-action.

3. Key Divisions

H3G is divided into categories so you are always competing against similar technology. The primary handguns used across most divisions are 1911 pistols (specifically in .45 ACP), except for bootlegger category. Everyone uses a 1897/Model 12 shotgun. Categories are primarily separated by the rifle:

• Modern: lever/pump rifle in a pistol caliber.

• Traditional: a lever/pump rifle in a pistol caliber, pistol must be GI-spec, and shot one-handed

• Doughboy: Focused on the WWI era. Requires a bolt-action military rifle.

• Ranger: rifle caliber lever action.

• Audie Murphy: Focused on the WWII era. Includes the use of the M1 Carbine.

• Bootlegger: The "wildcard" division. Allows for a Thompson or wider range of early 20th-century firearms, sometimes including modern reproductions that look the part. The most common is a Henry Homesteader.

4. Scoring and Safety

• The Clock: Like all 3-Gun, it’s a race. Your time is your score, with seconds added for misses or "procedurals."

• Power Factor: Many divisions require "heavy" calibers. For example, rifles often need to be .40 caliber or larger, and pistols are almost always .45 ACP.

• Iron Sights Only: You won't find red dots or magnified optics here. It’s all about your ability to use "the blade and the notch."

Why Choose Historic 3-Gun?

If you have an old 1911 in the safe, an old rifle and a Winchester shotgun, this is the best way to actually use them as they were intended. It’s a physical, loud, and incredibly rewarding way to experience history.