Is there a list somewhere that lists what gear is used by who, and what they placed?

Something similar to the PRS series - http://precisionrifleblog.com/2017/03/03/long-range-scopes-pros-use/

Tons of options available and I figure the pros are using what they use for a reason.

If you're talking about winning championships, I haven't seen a compiled list. So, here's just what I've seen:

Swarovski Z6i 1-6x BRT (Keith Garcia)
Vortex Razor 1-6x Gen II JM1 (Jerry Miculek, Lena Miculek)
Burris XTRII 1-8x (Scott Greene)
Leupold VX6 1-6x (Daniel Horner, Tim Yackley)
Leupold Mk6 1-6x CMRW (Brian Nelson)
CMore 1-6x (Todd Jarrett)
Trijicon TR25 1-6x (Taran Butler)

I'm sure I've missed some so maybe someone in the know could correct or add more.

They are practicing reloading shotguns because that is what wins in three gun.

Well.. At that level of competition, everything matters.

You must be able to shoot small steel with your pistol, quickly and efficiently.

You must be able to shoot long range from sometimes awkward positions with your rifle, quickly and efficiently.

You must be able to shoot rifle off hand, quickly and efficiently.

And yes, you need to reload your shotgun, quickly and efficiently.

Everything matters, at that level.

Thanks fellas.

This is the truth. If you could master three things to improve your scores in 3-Gun it would be:

1) Know your dope on the long range and be able to make hits in poor positions.

2) Be able to make difficult shots with your pistol.

3) Load your shotgun fast.

If you can do those things, everything else *should* fall into place.

From what I've seen, they use what they're sponsors pay for/provide.

Some of those guys could probable place top ten with a NcStar and a mini14.

Yep.  Equipment matters very little at this level.  Everyone has preferences of course.

*Sigh*


No.

It is a very minor part of winning in 3-gun but for some reason people view it is an insurmountable challenge.

First IPSC Rifle World Shoot earlier this year:

Swarovski Z8i 1-8x , world champion Teemu Rintala, silver Raine Peltokoski and bronze Jarkko Laukia

Fourth place went to Olle Ackehed from Sweden, using IIRC a Vortex Razor.

I wound up 7th, also shooting with the Z8i.

Jerry, Lena, Tim and Brian were also there.

They shoot what they're paid to shoot.

Very true to a degree.

I used to work for a sponsored GM; you all probably know him.

When he needed a 9mm pistol, he would just head down to his department's armory and check out a left over Glock 17 (dept had switched to G22s by then).  Literally.  He actually preferred the 17 over the 34.  And the gun was as-issued (he might have had them install a Glock 3.5 - but that was it).

Another example:  when Todd Jarret was shooting for ParaOrd and they were in Canada, he shot Para's strange folding-stock AR based 556 rifle; no one else shot that thing (has been discontinued).

But of course Todd won with it.

OP: most ARs will shoot sub MOA when free floated.  Just get a decent 1-6x or 1-8x, and mount it in something solid like an Aero Precision mount (you do NOT need a QD for 3 gun).

Don't over-think it.  Showing up to shoots & pulling the trigger on the clock is what matters most.

Same goes with brakes:  even the inexpensive Miculek brake will get you in the game.  Just get yourself in the game.