IPSC Handgun Divisions
IPSC Divisions recognize different firearms and equipment. The dominant pistol that was used in IPSC when it was first started was the Colt 1911 in .45 ACP. Over the years, as firearm technology and calibres improved, the choice for the competitor has increased. Now there are many different models and manufacturers of firearms used in IPSC. The 1911 style of firearm still makes up a large segment of the equipment that competitors use.
It is common practice for most competitors to have their pistols modified to suit their personal needs. Make sure that you check the rulebook to determine what modifications are allowed in each Division.
There are currently six Divisions in IPSC Handgun. Below is quick overview of the current Divisions. Please refer to the IPSC Rulebook for complete rules and descriptions.
Open Division
- Optic/electronic sights are permitted
- Ports/compensators permitted
- No minimum trigger pull
- No maximum size of firearm
- No restrictions on holster position
Standard Division
- No optic/electronic sights are permitted
- No ports/compensators permitted
- Minimum calibre for major 10mm/.40
- No minimum trigger pull
- Restrictions on holster positions
- Must fit wholly within the confines of the IPSC box
Classic Division
- No optic/electronic sights are permitted
- No ports/compensators permitted
- No minimum trigger pull
- Restrictions on holster positions
- Must fit wholly within the confines of the IPSC box
- Must be based on and visibly resemble the classic 1911-genre design
Production Division
- No optic/electronic sights are permitted
- No ports/compensators permitted
- Minimum trigger pull 2.27 kg. (5 lbs.) for first shot or 1.36 kg. (3 lbs.) for every shot
- Restrictions on holster position
- Firearm must be approved by IPSC
Production Optics Division
- Optic/electronic sights are mandatory
- No ports/compensators permitted
- Minimum trigger pull 2.27 kg. (5 lbs.) for first shot or 1.36 kg. (3 lbs.) for every shot
- Restrictions on holster position
- Firearm must be approved by IPSC
Revolver Division
- No optic/electronic sights are permitted
- No ports/compensators permitted
- No maximum size of firearm
IPSC Pistol Caliber Carbine (PCC)
IPSC PCC Competitions have been gaining in popularity over the last few years. Most PCC matches in BC, when available, run alongside a Handgun match over the same weekend. It is currently up to the Match Director whether they want to add IPSC PCC to a match.
There are currently two Divisions in PCC, Optics and Iron. These divisions are under evaluation and, unless extended, they will expire on 31 December 2023.
PCC generally follows the same rules as handgun with slight modifications for rifles. A separate rulebook is published specifically for PCC competitions.
- Minor Power Factor scoring only
- Minimum bullet caliber of 9×19 mm
- Compensators are permitted
- Bipods are not permitted
- Restrictions on vertical grips
- Handgun conversion kits are permitted
- PCC Optics: non-magnifying optical/electronic sights are mandatory
- PCC Iron: Optical/electronic sights are not permitted
For Divisions in other IPSC disciplines, please see visit the ipsc.org website.