# Season 4, Episode 66: Mike Bauer, 3-Gunner/Match Director

Page: https://stenobird.com/podcast/the-casual-shooter-podcast-3524375/season-4-episode-66-mike-bauer-3-gunner-match-director
Text version: https://stenobird.com/podcast/the-casual-shooter-podcast-3524375/season-4-episode-66-mike-bauer-3-gunner-match-director.md
Podcast: [The Casual Shooter Podcast](https://stenobird.com/podcast/the-casual-shooter-podcast-3524375)
Published: 2025-12-31T17:00:00+00:00
Episode link: https://casualshooterpodcast.podbean.com/e/season-4-episode-66-mike-bauer-3-gunnermatch-director/
Audio file: https://mcdn.podbean.com/mf/web/jbdhugmg7w36drvr/S4E66_Podbeanbrb9x.mp3
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JSON: https://stenobird.com/v1/public/podcasts/the-casual-shooter-podcast-3524375/episodes/season-4-episode-66-mike-bauer-3-gunner-match-director
Duration seconds: 6090

## Resource

A deep dive into the technical nuances of 3-Gun competition, focusing on stage mental preparation and long-range rifle execution. Match Director Mike Bauer shares insights on managing visual targets and the importance of training for specific distance holds.

## Highlights
- Practical takeaway: Use visual training to memorize target shapes and prevent hesitation during high-speed transitions
- Failure mode: Neglecting 'dope' and holdover adjustments on long-range rifle stages can lead to missed hits on paper targets
- Main idea: Effective stage walkthroughs are critical for identifying A-zone placement on complex or angled targets
- Practical takeaway: Training with a .22 caliber rifle can serve as an effective, low-cost way to practice fundamentals and distance control
- Main idea: The growth of competitive shooting relies on match directors and experienced shooters sharing stage information and video content

## Topics

3-Gun, Match Directing, PCC, Competitive Shooting, Long-Range Rifle, PCSL, USPSA, Target Transitions

## Chapters
- 9:00 — Foundations and the 3-Gun Lifestyle: Mike discusses his background in shooting and his role as a Match Director in Southern California.
- 17:00 — Mental Preparation and Target Recognition: The importance of training visually to recognize target shapes and avoid hesitation during transitions.
- 24:00 — Mastering Long-Range Rifle Stages: Strategies for managing distance, holdover, and the challenges of shooting at 170+ yards.
- 40:00 — The Evolution of Competition Disciplines: A look at the differences between USPSA, IDPA, and the specific demands of PCC (Pistol Caliber Carbine) matches.
- 48:00 — Analyzing PCSL Nationals: A review of the difficulty levels and specific challenges encountered during recent national competitions.
- 1:19:00 — The Future of PCC and Training Tools: Discussing the potential for standalone PCC matches and the utility of .22 trainers for skill development.
- 1:34:00 — Growing the Shooting Community: How sharing match information and video content can expand the reach of competitive shooting sports.

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## Transcript

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