Stephen Ferrand ejects a shell as he fires another round from a shotgun during the State Games of Mississippi three-gun competition at Battlefield Shooting Club in Collinsville Saturday.

Stephen Ferrand has been shooting guns since age 5, but it was only in the last four years he began shooting competitively at the Battlefield Shooting Club in Collinsville.

Ferrand was part of a group competing in the State Games of Mississippi’s three-gun competition Saturday at the shooting club. The sport, in which participants aim at targets while alternating between a pistol, rifle and shotgun, tests shooters’ speed, accuracy and transitional skills. As someone whose concealed carry interest eventually evolved into competitive shooting, Ferrand said the three-gun competition is an excellent way to keep his marksman skills sharp.

“It’s practice for defensive purposes,” Ferrand said. “I started out doing one thing and it led to another. After a couple of matches, I got hooked.”

Using more than one type of gun adds to the intrigue of the competition, Ferrand said.

“I like the three-gun because there’s usually more than one way to solve a problem,” Ferrand said. “It’s fun and fast, and like in golf, you’re working more against yourself than others. Plus, I like general outdoors stuff.”

While some might be apprehensive about picking up a gun, Ferrand said safety is the No. 1 consideration for everyone competing in shooting sports.

“It’s a great learning environment,” Ferrand said. “If I want to protect myself with a gun, this is a good way to practice.”

And with State Games having the three-gun competition, Ferrand said he hopes it will bring more attention to the sport.

“I’m excited that State Games sponsors it,” Ferrand said. “Having the State Games banner can bring people who may not know what we’re doing. All of the sponsors have been great in helping us make this happen, and it makes the experience a lot better.”

Three-gun competition will conclude Sunday.