There is no definitive answer to this question since different organizations that host 3-gun competitions have different rules regarding what firearms are allowed. However, in general, most organizations do allow pistols grips on shotguns as long as the shotgun meets certain other criteria (e.g., overall length, minimum barrel length, etc.). So if you’re thinking about using a pistol grip shotgun in a 3-gun competition, it’s worth checking out the particular organization’s rules to see if your gun will be allowed.
Pistol grips can give you an advantage when shooting a shotgun, particularly in terms of recoil control and muzzle jump. Additionally, they can help you to maintain a more consistent grip on the gun, which is helpful when you’re trying to shoot accurately and quickly. So if you’re looking to improve your shotgun shooting performance, using a pistol grip can be beneficial.
The answer to your question depends on which particular organization’s rules you are asking about. For example, some 3-gun competitions may allow pistol grip shotguns while others may not. So it just comes down to check with the specific organisation that you’re interested in competing with.
Generally speaking, a pistol grip shotgun would be classified as an “Other Gun” under most 3-gun rulesets. This simply means that it doesn’t fit into any of the other defined categories (pistol, rifle, or shotgun). Each match generally has a specific list of firearms that are allowed in each category, and anything that doesn’t fit into one of those categories is considered an Other Gun.
That said, there are usually provisions in place that allow competitors to use another gun if they don’t have a suitable firearm in one of the other categories. For example, a competitor might be allowed to use a pistol grip shotgun in the shotgun category if they don’t have a traditional shotgun that meets the requirements. Again, it just depends on the particular organization’s rules.