Getting Started

1. Get your PAL or Restricted PAL
   The first, mandatory step that should be accomplished in the process towards becoming an IPSC shooter and competitor is to be a holder of a valid, Canadian Possession and Acquisition License (PAL) OR a Canadian Restricted Possession and Acquisition License (RPAL). The handguns (and some PCC) used in IPSC divisions are deemed as “restricted” firearms by Canadian law.
2. Determine the Division, firearm, associated equipment and gear that you will need
   Decide which Division you wish to start shooting and competing in and this will help steer you in the direction in which to better determine the required firearm and equipment that you will need. If you already possess a handgun or PCC that you wish to use in IPSC, be sure that the firearm conforms to the rules of the Division you wish to shoot in. You are not limited to just a single Division, many members compete in multiple Divisions.
3. Determine your IPSC BC Zone
   If you hold a valid RPAL your next step should be to determine the IPSC BC Zone in which you reside. Check the map below and determine the zone your community is listed in:
   
4. Purchase your Membership
   Now that you know what Zone you will be representing, you can purchase a membership online: New Member Signup. Once you have filled out your application and paid online you will need to contact a Training Course Instructor (TCI) to register for a Black Badge Course.
5. Attend and successfully complete the 2-day Black Badge Course
   Your TCI will be able to advise you on the location, date and timings of upcoming Black Badge Courses as well as they can be found here.
6. Successfully complete your first IPSC Match in BC!

IPSC Practical Shooting is dynamic, challenging, and one of the fastest growing shooting sports in the world today. Courses of fire utilize many aspects not found in the more traditional shooting disciplines such as movement by the shooter, moving targets, multiple targets, and the freedom for the shooter to solve the shooting challenges presented in the courses of fire.

The appeal of the sport lies in the diversity of the courses of fire available to the shooter. By offering different courses of fire rather than set types, IPSC shooting continues to challenge the competitor and to improve his skills. There are continually new demands to challenge the IPSC shooting enthusiast.

Absolutely! All of those currently competing were once at the beginner stage. By becoming active in matches hosted by an IPSC club you will have the advantage of qualified range officials and courteous range staff. You will normally find IPSC shooters are pleased to give a helping hand in getting you started. By using the ICS classification system shooters can be assured they will be facing an equal skill level.

As in any other popular sport, a wide variety of people enjoy IPSC shooting. Our membership spans almost every occupation, from craftsmen to executives. We are also fortunate to have many women and families involved in our shooting programs. It is not unusual to find husbands and wives and families participating in IPSC activities. All of the people at our competitions are strong believers in safety and safe gun handling as well as good sportsmanship.

As in any other recreational activity there is virtually no limit to the amount you may spend on firearms and associated equipment. However, to get a solid start in IPSC shooting, all that is required is a reliable firearm, suitable equipment, ammunition, eye and hearing protection, and a big dose of enthusiasm.

You will see standard stock firearms as well as exotic custom guns in IPSC competitions. We recommend that you determine what is the best choice as you begin to compete.

Every shooter you see out on the line today started in the same place that you’re standing at right now: brand new and unsure of what to get in terms of quality, reliable, IPSC gear… and where to buy it. We ALL started at square one on day one.

Now, some will tell you that all you need are… “some basic mag pouches, a reliable handgun and some rudimentary equipment”. Well, that’s the way many, if not all, of us started and we ended up with different gear once we settled into a Division and a certain “brand” of equipment that each individual prefers.

IPSC is much like any other sport in terms of equipment: you can spend a little or you can spend a lot, there are certain brands you will prefer over others. It is entirely up to you. Start out and choose the equipment, gun and Division that you wish to END up in. Determine your budget, determine the Division you would like to compete in and then seek advice from people already shooting IN that Division in order to determine the type and brand of equipment you want to use.

Start with your end goal in mind.

Don’t go out and buy some IPSC gear that “will suffice” to get you through the Black Badge Course only to be disappointed once you’ve settled into the sport. Choose and buy your equipment on day one while bearing in mind “where” you wish to end up in terms of Division and equipment. So, your first step should be to determine which DIVISION you wish to compete in and the associated firearm.

Ideally you’ll need to start your IPSC shooting career with:

• A good quality, reliable handgun of your choice for your chosen Division
• Sufficient magazines (a minimum of 5 is recommended)
• A double loop belt (inner and out with Velcro)
• Loose fitting pants that are comfortable and have loops to accommodate the inner belt
• A holster that meets IPSC rules mounted to the outer belt
• Magazine pouches mounted to the outer belt
• Good quality eye protection – you can’t shoot what you can’t clearly see
• Hearing protection
• Good quality, comfortable shoes that provide grip and traction on gravel, sand and mud
• A range bag for your accessories
• Cleaning gear for your handgun and magazines etc…
• Ammunition boxes – you typically attend matches with more than 300 rounds