17 South Run & Gun Recap | Brutal Rain, Swampy Terrain & Hard Lessons Learned

Published on August 16, 2025
Duration: 44:33

This video details the experience at the 17 South Run & Gun competition, highlighting the challenges of brutal rain and swampy terrain. The presenter shares lessons learned regarding gear preparation, managing firearm malfunctions due to mud and water, and the importance of adaptability in adverse conditions. Despite significant equipment issues, the focus remains on perseverance and continuous improvement in competitive shooting.

Quick Summary

Run & Gun competitions combine physical exertion with shooting stages, testing fitness and marksmanship under fatigue. Adverse conditions like rain and mud can cause significant firearm malfunctions, particularly in pistols, by allowing mud ingress into the action. Competitors should prepare by minimizing gear weight, testing equipment thoroughly, and practicing malfunction clearing to persevere through challenges.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction & Muhammad Ali Quote
  2. 00:32What is a Run & Gun?
  3. 00:56Fundamental Range Day Guide Ebook
  4. 01:41Run & Gun Explained: Fitness & Marksmanship
  5. 02:57Gear Preparation: Belt Setup
  6. 03:59Gear: Gloves and Magazines
  7. 04:53Pistol: M&P 2.0 5-inch
  8. 05:20Holster: Safari Land 6390 RDS
  9. 05:48Gear: Modified TAPS Chest Rig
  10. 07:25Gear: Flat Pack Setup
  11. 09:11Stage 1 Briefing: Pond Dip & Pistol Stage
  12. 11:41Stage 1 Recap: Adverse Conditions & Open Emitter Issues
  13. 13:01The Muddy Terrain Challenge
  14. 14:30Holster Submersion & Mud Ingress
  15. 15:19Stage 2 Briefing: Rifle Stage
  16. 19:34Stage 2 Recap: Positional Work & Optics Fogging
  17. 20:47Stage 3 Briefing: Pistol, Tourniquet, Rifle
  18. 23:33Stage 3 Malfunction: Pistol Jammed
  19. 25:30Stage 3 Recap: Mud Caused Pistol Malfunctions
  20. 28:12Stage 4 Briefing: Memorization & Rifle/Pistol Engagement
  21. 32:35Stage 4 Recap: Overcoming Pistol Malfunctions
  22. 33:37Stage 5 Briefing: Pistol & Rifle Targets
  23. 37:01Stage 5 Recap: Continued Pistol Issues & Magnification Mistake
  24. 38:12Stage 6 Briefing: Multiple Engagements & Item Drag
  25. 41:10Stage 6 Recap: Mud & Pistol Struggles
  26. 42:02Stage 7 Recap: Lost Footage & Timed Out
  27. 42:33Final Results & Lessons Learned
  28. 43:47Conclusion: Don't Stay Down

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a 'Run & Gun' competition?

A Run & Gun competition, also known as a rifle and pistol match, involves participants running or rucking a marked course that includes various shooting stages. Performance is judged based on both physical fitness and marksmanship accuracy under fatigue.

How can adverse weather like rain and mud affect firearm performance in a competition?

Heavy rain and mud can cause significant firearm malfunctions. Mud can ingress into the action, leading to jams, failure to feed, and other reliability issues, especially with pistols. It can also obscure optic reticles.

What are the key gear considerations for a Run & Gun event?

Essential gear includes a secure holster, reliable magazines, a chest rig or plate carrier for carrying ammunition and essentials, and hydration. Minimizing weight while ensuring all necessary items are present is crucial. Testing gear beforehand is vital.

What lessons were learned about optics in wet conditions?

In heavy rain, open-emitter red dot sights can become problematic as water in the emitter obscures the reticle. This forces shooters to aim with the entire lens. For such conditions, closed-emitter optics are often more reliable.

How should competitors handle firearm malfunctions during a Run & Gun?

Competitors should prioritize safe malfunction clearing and, if possible, continue the course even with issues. Practicing problem-solving and maintaining a focus on completing the stages, despite setbacks, is key to learning and improving.

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