In a shocking announcement from one of the top laser sighting system companies out there, Crimson Trace says it will no longer host its popular Midnight 3 Gun Invitational competition outside Bend, Oregon.

It is unclear why the company decided to ditch one of the most sought after invites in the tactical competition shooting world, but it's clear that the event — which encompasses 10 stages of technical 3 gun shooting all completed after dark — wasn't an inexpensive endeavor.

"It is with a twinge of sadness that I’m informing you ... we have made the strategic decision to formally end the world’s first night time and premiere 3-Gun competition, the Crimson Trace Midnight 3-Gun Invitational," said CT's marketing director Kent Thomas. "I know this will be a disappointment to many of you, but after much discussion, deliberation and thought, we’ve decided to go out on top, leaving each of you and the industry wanting more."

From a personal standpoint, I'm pretty bummed out about the news. I had the fortune to participate in the full match for the first time last year and it was literally one of the coolest events I've ever done. Hard as heck, tiring as all get out and the biggest shooting challenge I've ever faced. But it also proved a gateway into the competitive shooting sports for me, and I'll look back on it as the catalyst for many fine experiences to come.

It was also a true test of how lights and lasers can make shooting easier and more accurate when the lights go out.

Crimson Trace says something like the M3GI may live on through the newly established "Starlight 3Gun" — the brainchild of Outdoor Wire founder Jim Shepherd.

"We had a helluvalotta fun over the past 3 years and will miss the dust in our teeth, 2am granola bar hording and the glow of your lightsticks," Thomas said. "We should all feel great about being brave enough to do something crazy, turning into a huge success and making it difference in our Industry."