DoubleStar 3GR: Upgraded Competition Rifle Might Be the Best Available

The DoubleStar 3GN proved capable on offhand steel during testing.

Upgraded components mark the updated 3GR from DoubleStar.

With a 16-inch barrel, the balance point moves closer to the shooter, making the rifle quick in transitions.

Competition always produces innovation and continual improvement by those who want to succeed. The DoubleStar shooting team is no different and has integrated lessons learned from their own competitive shooting into the new 3GR 2.0. Yes, 3GR stands for 3-Gun Ready.

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DoubleStar 3GR 2.0

3-Gun competitions are about not only accuracy, but also speed. Shots must be placed well, but more importantly they must be placed on multiple targets and more quickly than other shooters. To quicken transitions between targets and improve handling in tight courses the new 3GR 2.0 starts with a shorter 16-inch barrel. While 18-inch barrels had been the trend in the name of accuracy, DoubleStar shortened that length by two inches without sacrificing accuracy. The solution is a stainless-steel, Wilson air gauged barrel with a 1:8 twist. The 2-inch chop saves not only overall length, but more importantly brings the center of gravity of the rifle closer to the shooter, which translates into quicker transitions between targets.

Transitions can’t be done without control so DoubleStar includes their Cloak 15.5-inch handguard. The Cloak is long enough for the most aggressive of shooting stances but saves on weight with ample cooling cuts and the reduction of Picatinny rail space to top ends of the handguard. For handstops, grips, or any other accessories, MLOK slots can be found at the 3, 5, 6, 7, and 9 o’clock positions. For those that like to change their rifle’s optics to meet the demands of different matches, the upper receiver is numbered with T marks to help facilitate quick identification of where that optic was mounted when it was zeroed.

Ready to Rock

A shooter’s rifle must truly become and extension of self if there’s any hope of shots having rhythm. The trigger and pistol grip are where bond between shooter and rifle form and so are often the most customized. Keeping this in mind, but also keeping the 3GR truly 3-Gun ready, DoublStar elected to use a CMC 3.5-pound single-stage trigger and Hogue grip. Wise choices, as both provide excellent feel and are commonly elected in personal builds.

The largest point of contact between shooter and rifle is the buttstock. For this important piece the ACE ARFX stock was used, including a half-inch recoil pad. As if that didn’t soften recoil enough the rifle-length spring and buffer will. Bearded and un-bearded alike will enjoy the snag-free closed-cell foam overtube which also ensures pleasant skin-to-stock contact regardless of ambient temperatures.

In Hand

At the annual Athlon Outdoors Rendezvous we had a chance to get our hands on the 3GR 2.0. As a former 3-gunner, the rifle’s balance was immediately apparent as I picked the rifle up. I shouldered, took aim at a piece of steel at 50 yards, and the Bullseye brake barked while the rifle remained calm and the steel rang. Shifting easily to a 100-yard target the steel rang again for me. Feeling bold I doubled at 50 yards and again enjoyed the ring of steel. The 3GR 2.0 rested as comfortably at the low ready position as it did in my shoulder, save an urge to keep shooting. When I participated in local competitions I didn’t have a rifle like the 3GR 2.0, but I sure wish I did.