Good morning,

I am just about to finish up acquiring my firearms so I can shoot 3 gun. So I've been doing a lot of research online trying to figure out what to get so I can have a belt ready for my first match.

Currently, I don't have much of anything. I have my XDM gear for my pistol, and have been using that for USPSA. I really like the CR Speed belt, and was planning on getting one of those to start. From what I understand, I should be able to carry 1 30-rd AR-15 mag on the belt, 2-3 spare pistol mags, and then shot shell carriers.

What Ar-15 mag holder is recommended? I've seen the bladetech pouch mentioned in many vids/threads.

What holster should I get for my XDm 45? It's not the competition model. I could use my XDm gear kydex holster, but my concerns are the following: retention, I could tighten down the screw but it's just friction. would a locking mechanism be better/safer? Also, it doesn't cover the muzzle, which is not so much a safety issue as, I don't want to be dragging it in the dirt/mud/etc. Is this a concern locally? (CRC or Weld)

What shotshell holders to get? I really like the carbon arms system, but at $100 each, that not really reasonable to start. Maybe later if I'm good enough to justify the cost.

The opinion seems to be split between CR Speed and Safariland ELS. Obviously the ELS belt and kits are expensive, but is it easy to convert say, bladetech holsters/mag pouches to the ELS system? I found that the CR speed mag pouches DON'T convert well/easily.

Since my spending capital is low, I'm not really trying to do it as "cheaply" as possible, but I am going for efficiency, and scalability. I understand I'll probably just start with a belt and some cheap-o stuff so I can start shooting and add/upgrade holster, pouches, etc., as time goes on.

-Bob