International Practical Shooting Confederation

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International Practical Shooting Confederation
Logo of the International Practical Shooting Confederation.png
Sport Practical shooting
Category Shooting sport
Jurisdiction Emblem-earth.svg International
Membership108 regions [1]
AbbreviationIPSC
FoundedMay 24, 1976;47 years ago (1976-05-24)
Headquarters Amsterdam, Netherlands
President Vitaly Kryuchin [2]
(2018–present)
Official website
ipsc.org

The International Practical Shooting Confederation (IPSC) is the world's largest shooting sport association, and the largest and oldest within practical shooting. Founded in 1976, the IPSC nowadays affiliates over 100 regions from Africa, Americas, Asia, Europe, the Middle East, and Oceania. [1] Competitions are held with pistol, revolver, rifle, and shotgun, and the competitors are divided into different divisions based on firearm and equipment features. While everyone in a division competes in the Overall category, there are also separate awards for the categories Lady (female competitors), Super Junior (under 16 years), Junior (under 21 years), Senior (over 50 years), and Super Senior (over 60 years).

Contents

IPSC's activities include international regulation of the sport by approving firearms and equipment for various divisions, administering competition rules and education of range officials (referees) through the International Range Officers Association who are responsible for conducting matches safely, fair and according to the rules. IPSC organizes the World Championships called the Handgun World Shoot, Rifle World Shoot, and Shotgun World Shoot with three-year intervals for each discipline.

In reaction to the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine, the IPSC cancelled all scheduled and future level 3 and above international competitions in Russia. [3] [4]

History

Five of the most famous shooters from the beginning of practical shooting in California during the late 1950s. Left to right: Ray Chapman, Elden Carl, Thell Reed, Jeff Cooper and Jack Weaver. (The sixth "Combat Master", John Plahn, is missing from this photograph.) Combat masters A1.jpg
Five of the most famous shooters from the beginning of practical shooting in California during the late 1950s. Left to right: Ray Chapman, Elden Carl, Thell Reed, Jeff Cooper and Jack Weaver. (The sixth "Combat Master", John Plahn, is missing from this photograph.)

The sport of practical shooting originated from competitions in California in the 1950s with the goal of developing handgun skills for defensive use, but quickly evolved into a pure sport with little grounding in the original purpose. The sport soon expanded to Europe, Australia, South America, and Africa. IPSC was founded in May 1976 when practical shooting enthusiasts from around the world participated at a conference held in Columbia, Missouri, creating a constitution and establishing the rules governing the sport. [5] [6] Jeff Cooper served as the first IPSC President. Today there are over 100 active IPSC regions, [1] making practical shooting a major international sport which emphasizes firearms safety highly. Through international rules concerning firearms, equipment and organizing of matches one tries to unite the three elements precision, power and speed, which is also the motto of IPSC that is Diligentia, Vis, Celeritas (DVC), Latin for "precision, power, speed". Only full caliber firearms are used, i.e. for handguns 9×19 mm is the smallest caliber, and the competitors try to achieve most points in the shortest time possible.

Scoring system

A squad of shooters get their stage brief by an IROA Range Officer on stage 11 of the 2017 IPSC Rifle World Shoot in Russia. Stage brief at the 2017 IPSC Rifle World Shoot.jpg
A squad of shooters get their stage brief by an IROA Range Officer on stage 11 of the 2017 IPSC Rifle World Shoot in Russia.

Accuracy and speed is reflected by the comstock scoring method, while power is reflected by the minimum power factor requirement. Competitors fire the stages one at a time, and the scoring system is based on achieving most possible points in the shortest time.

Comstock

The scoring method is called comstock, named after its inventor Walt Comstock, which means that the competitor has unlimited time to complete the stage and can fire an unlimited number of rounds. [7] The time is measured from the start signal until the last shot fired using special shot timers with microphones, and this way the competitor can influence the total stage time. Since the number of rounds is unlimited, the competitor can re-engage the same target to get more points, but at the cost of using more time. Usually, the two best scoring hits count for each target.

Competitors are ranked for each stage by their hit factor, which is the ratio of points per second. The hit factor is calculated by summing the points (target scores minus penalties) and dividing by the time used.

For example, if a stage has 12 paper targets, requires two scoring hits per paper target, and since an A-hit gives 5 points, the stage will have 12 × 2 × 5 = 120 points available. If a competitor scores 115 points and uses 25.00 seconds he will get a hit factor for that stage of 115 points25.00 s = 4.6. The competitor with the highest hit factor wins the stage and gets all the available stage points (in this case 120 stage points), while other competitors are given stage points based on their hit factor percentage compared to the winner. For the overall match score, stage points are added for all stages, which means that each stage is weighted by how many stage points that are available.

The scoring method allows for a precise gradation of performances across the match, but requires a computer and software to do in a timely fashion. Matches can either be scored on paper and manually transferred to the official IPSC Match Scoring System (WinMSS), or can be scored directly on electronic devices like smartphones and tablets with the WinMSS Electronic Score Sheet (ESS) app or third party scoring systems like Shoot'n Score It or PractiScore.

Power factor

A high-speed photography of a .38 Special bullet fired out of a Smith & Wesson Model 686 revolver. Bullet coming from S&W.jpg
A high-speed photography of a .38 Special bullet fired out of a Smith & Wesson Model 686 revolver.

The power factor is the momentum of the fired bullet as it's moving through the air, which contribute to the recoil of the firearm (together with the propellant gases stemming from the amount of gunpowder). Thus, the power factor in a way reflects recoil. The power factor must exceed certain thresholds, and is calculated by measuring the bullet speed using a chronograph and measuring another of the competitor's bullets on a weighing scale to find the bullet mass, thereafter calculating the power factor by the formula:

The official unit used for the power factor is the imperial unit "kilo grain feet per second" (kgr·ft/s), while newton-seconds (Ns) would be the metric equivalent. "Grain feet per second" (gr·ft/s) can be obtained by measuring the mass in grain (gr) (equal to 17000 pound), and velocity in feet per second (ft/s), but since their product yields a very large number it is common to multiply by a factor of 11000, obtaining the power factor in "kilo grain feet per second" instead.

To measure the muzzle velocity the competitor's ammunition must be fired in the competitor's firearm, since velocities can vary slightly from one firearm to another. In for instance handgun competitions, the ammunition must exceed 125 kgr·ft/s ((2.47 Ns)) for minor scoring, and at least 160 or 170 kgr·ft/s (3.16 or 3.36 Ns) for major scoring (depending on division). Extra scoring is not given for exceeding the threshold. A competitor declaring major, but who fails the threshold, have their score re-calculated at minor. A competitor who fails the threshold of minor is given a score of zero for the match.

Minimum power factors
DivisionMinor
scoring
Major
scoring
Handgun
Production
125 kgr·ft/s (2.47 Ns)
Only minor scoring
Handgun
Standard, Classic, Revolver
125 kgr·ft/s (2.47 Ns)170 kgr·ft/s (3.36 Ns)
Handgun
Open
125 kgr·ft/s (2.47 Ns)160 kgr·ft/s (3.16 Ns)
Rifle
All divisions
150 kgr·ft/s (2.96 Ns)320 kgr·ft/s (6.32 Ns)
Shotgun
All divisions
480 kgr·ft/s (9.48 Ns)
Only major scoring

Targets

The IPSC paper target which is used in all disciplines. IPSC Target.png
The IPSC paper target which is used in all disciplines.
IPSC Popper steel target.png
IPSC Mini Popper steel target.png
Poppers are used as falling steel targets.
Left: Drawing of a full size IPSC Popper (85 cm).
Right: A ⅔ scaled down IPSC Mini Popper (56 cm) used to simulate greater distance.

To achieve a varied, challenging and exciting sport there are no fixed target arrangements, distances or shooting programs, making every match unique. Paper and steel targets can be mixed in the same stage, and may be static, moving or partially covered by targets called no-shoots that give minus points if hit.

Paper targets have the three scoring zones A, C, and D with points per hit varying slightly depending on power factor. A center hit for both minor or major is five points, but hits in lesser scoring areas are rewarded more for major than minor with the A-C-D zones being scored 5–4–2 for major and 5–3–1 for minor (see table below). A competitor who has declared minor must therefore either shoot more "A" hits or shoot faster than one who has declared major to make up the scoring disadvantage.

Some typical examples of moving target setups are swingers, bobbers, clamshells, movers, and drop turners.

Scoring of the targets is done by the Range Officer. For the competitor to get the relevant scoring value or penalty points, the bullet hole must at least touch the line of the scoring area. [8] (Breaking the relevant scoring line is thus not necessary.)

Steel targets score 5 points and must fall to be scored. (For rifle some steel targets may score 10 points).

Scoring
area
Minor
points
Major
points
A55
C34
D12

For paper targets, the octagonal IPSC Target in typical cardboard color is used throughout all the disciplines, and a ⅔ scaled-down IPSC Mini Target is used to simulate a full size target placed at a greater distance. Additionally, the Universal Target can be used for rifle or shotgun, while the A3 and A4 paper targets are approved for shotgun matches only.

For steel targets, there are two standardized knock down targets, the IPSC Popper (85 cm tall) and the ⅔ scaled-down IPSC Mini Popper (56 cm tall). Metal plates are often circles between 20–30 cm in diameter or squares between 15×15 cm to 30×30 cm for handgun, and circles between 15–30 cm in diameter or squares between 15×15 cm to 30×45 cm for rifle and shotgun.

Disciplines and divisions

For many years IPSC was fired with whatever firearm the competitors chose, but as equipment became more and more specialized various equipment classes were introduced. The equipment classes in IPSC are called "divisions". All divisions fire the same stages, on the same days, as all other divisions, in a match. However, when calculating match standings, only divisional stage scores are compared. Thus, the top competitor in Open on a stage is the measure for all other Open competitors, the best Standard competitor is the measure for all other Standard competitors and likewise for all other divisions.

Handgun

2011 type handgun with red dot, compensator, thumb rest, slide racker and magwell.png
CZ Standard division handgun with magwell.png
Example of handguns for different divisions, Open on the left and Standard on the right.

In handgun, there is currently one division for optical sights and four divisions for iron sights. The minimum caliber is 9×19 mm for all handgun divisions. During the competition the handgun must be worn in a holster securely attached to the competitor's belt. The holster needs to cover the trigger guard, the heel of the gun needs to be above the top of the belt and the belt has to be attached through at least three belt loops. Men must wear the holster, magazine holders, etc. in the belt at waist level, while female competitors may choose to wear their equipment either at hip or waist level. During the competition the position of the holster, magazine holders etc. can not be moved or adjusted from stage to stage. For all divisions except Open and Revolver the foremost portion of the handgun and all magazines must be placed behind the hip bone. Race holsters are permitted in all divisions.

Open

The Open division is the handgun equivalent to the Formula 1 race car where most modifications are permitted to achieve a faster and more accurate gun. It's the only division which permits optical and electronic sights (such as red dot sights) and recoil reducing muzzle brakes (also called compensators). [9] The division facilitates the highest magazine capacity, placing a restriction of 170 mm maximum overall length measured at the rear of any magazine. Shorter magazines, i.e. 140 mm, are also popular because of easier handling and often more reliable feeding, leaving the competitor a choice of equipment according to the stage at hand.

Open and Revolver are the only two divisions where 9 mm bullets (.355") can be used to achieve major scoring, and hence .38 Super (or some variant) or 9×19 mm loaded to major power factor of 160 kgr·ft/s are popular cartridges for the pistols in Open. The 9 mm caliber cartridges provides higher gas pressures and better magazine capacity over 10 mm calibers. Open handguns are often expensive custom builds with parts and features specifically designed for competition, and with the maximum magazine length of 170 mm some 9 mm/ .38 Super magazines can hold up to 28 or 29 rounds. [10] [11]

The Open division was formally adopted at the General Assembly following the 1992 European Handgun Championship in Barcelona, Spain, and became a recognized division starting in 1993. [12] Any handguns complying with the previous rules were included, for instance, there was no restriction placed on handgun size or type of sights. Later [ when? ] the 170 mm maximum length was introduced.

Standard

Standard division allows any handgun that fits inside the IPSC box, and most modifications are permitted (except optical sights or compensators). Light match triggers are common, and modifications such as slide rackers, thumb rests ("gas pedals") and grip tape on the slide can sometimes also be seen. The IPSC box has internal dimensions of 225 x 150 x 45 mm [9] in length × height × depth with a tolerance of +1 mm, −0 mm (approximately 8.86 × 5.91 × 1.77 inches). The handgun must fit with the slide parallel to the longest side of the box and hammer cocked if applicable. The handgun must fit the box with any of its magazines inserted, which means that for instance on 2011 pattern pistols either 124 or 126 mm magazines usually will give the maximum capacity and still fit the box.

Minimum caliber for minor scoring is 9x19 mm loaded to a power factor of 125 kgr·ft/s while minimum caliber for major scoring is a 10 mm (.40") cartridge loaded to a power factor of 170 kgr·ft/s, making for an interesting choice between minor and major scoring taken in mind the differences in recoil, magazine capacity and scoring points. An example of differences in magazine capacity depending on caliber can be seen when comparing stock 126 mm STI 2011 double-stack magazines, which according to the manufacturer yields a capacity of either 12 rounds for .45 ACP, 14 rounds for .40 S&W or 17 rounds for 9x19 mm. [13] Magazine capacity can be further increased using aftermarket springs, followers and basepads as long as they still fit the box. For a 2011 pattern handgun, aftermarket parts and magazine tuning can increase capacity from 12 to 16 rounds for .45 ACP, from 14 to 19 rounds for .40 S&W and from 17 to 21 rounds for 9×x19 mm. It is a common belief that major scoring using the .40 S&W will give better scores for most competitors over the 9x19 mm, but at the cost of more expensive ammunition.

The Standard division was formally adopted at the General Assembly following the 1992 European Handgun Championship in Barcelona, Spain, and became a recognized division starting in 1993. [12] One of the intentions of the Standard division was to create a division for more "stock" firearms, which up until then had been no equipment divisions, and the sport had started to become dominated by custom-built race guns with compensators and optical sights. However, the Standard division was later criticized for also having become a "race division" somewhat like the Open division, which was dominated by custom built guns and specialized gear. Major caliber .40 S&W dominates, since it is seen as a much better alternative scoring-wise, but is more expensive than regular minor scoring 9×19 mm (price difference varies, but usually 50–60% more expensive[ citation needed ]). Also, from a practical standpoint, the .40 S&W round can be difficult to obtain when travelling to international matches, while the 9x19 mm round, on the contrary, is perceived as affordable and available all around the world. This made way for the Production division starting in 2000, which has minor scoring only, allows fewer modifications and has a common magazine limit of 15 rounds.

Production

The Production division is the most popular division as of 2016. The division allows very few modifications and is limited to typical "off the shelf" service pistols which has to be explicitly approved and listed on the IPSC Production Division List. Maximum barrel length is 127 mm (5 inches). The handgun must be double-action (DA/ SA, DAO or striker fired), and is required to have a minimum trigger pull weight. Striker fired handguns have a minimum trigger pull of 1.36 kg for every trigger pull, while DA/SA handguns are required to have a minimum trigger pull of 2.27 kg only for the first double action trigger pull (no weight limit for subsequent single action trigger pulls).

Production is the only division with minor scoring only, which means that anyone can be competitive with affordable and readily available 9x19 mm factory ammunition, without having to worry about handloading to provide significant savings. Together with (in general) affordable handguns, Production, therefore, makes for a popular division. Different models of handguns have variance in magazine capacity, but this is evened out by limiting competitors to load their magazines to a maximum of 15 rounds (15 in each magazine plus 1 in the chamber).

Permitted modifications are limited to the application of grip tape in limited areas around the grip, replacement of sights that do not require gunsmithing to be installed (i.e. milling to the slide) and the replacement of internal components only available as a factory option from the original manufacturer. After-market magazines are allowed. Minor polishing and fitting of trigger components is permitted. Note that there are differences in approved handguns for the IPSC Production division and the USPSA Production division, as well as permitted modifications.

From 2019, the Production division has been divided into Production, Production Optics and Production Optics Lite. Production Optics is based on the Production rules, but with an optical sight mandated. The optical sight can only be mounted to the un-modified slide. Racking handles or other protuberances from the optical sight or its mounting is not permitted. Production Optics Lite is similar, except that the complete handgun must satisfy a weight limit of 1000 grams

The Production division was introduced at the General Assembly after the 1999 Handgun World Shoot in Cebu, Philippines, [14] and became a recognized division starting in 2000. Production Optics was accepted as a trial division in 2017, [15] and both Production Optics and Production Optics Lite were definitively accepted in 2018.

Classic

Introduced in 2011, the Classic division was modelled after the USPSA Single Stack division and is limited to handguns visually resembling the single stack 1911 form. The handgun with any of its magazines inserted has to fit inside the IPSC box. The competitor can choose between maximum 8 rounds per magazine for major scoring or 10 rounds per magazine for minor scoring. Minor scoring can be achieved with a 9 mm projectile loaded to a power factor of 125 kgr·ft/s, while major scoring requires a 10 mm or larger projectile loaded to a power factor of 170 kgr·ft/s. [9]

Handguns must have a one-piece metal frame, slide with stirrup cuts and the dust cover (with or without an accessory rail) can have a maximum length of 75 mm from the leading edge to the rear of the slide stop pin. Magazine wells cannot exceed a maximum outside width of 35 mm. Permitted modifications are shaped slides (i.e. flat-top or tri-top), shaped trigger guards (i.e. squared or undercut), bob-tail backstraps, bull or coned barrels, external extractors, finger-grooves (machined, add-on, wrap-around, etc.), custom magazine release buttons, triggers, hammers, single/ ambidextrous thumb safeties, any iron sights, extended slide lock levers and thumb shields provided they do not act as a thumb rest. Cosmetic modifications are permitted.

Prohibited modifications / parts are slide lightening cuts, weak hand thumb rests and slide rackers.

Revolver

In the Revolver division double action revolvers in caliber 9x19 mm or larger of any capacity can be used. Muzzle brakes or optical sights are not permitted. Competitors may declare major with a 9 mm (.355") bullet loaded to a power factor of 170, [9] but a maximum of 6 rounds can be fired before a reload is required. From 2017, there is no limit on the number of rounds fired before a reload is required, but revolvers with a capacity of 7 rounds or more will automatically be scored as Minor power factor. It is common to use moon clips for faster reloads. The Revolver division was introduced at the General Assembly after the 1999 Handgun World Shoot in Cebu, Philippines, and was a recognized division starting in 2000, initially under the name "Revolver Standard" before it was renamed to "Revolver" around 2009.[ citation needed ]

Modified

Now obsolete, the Modified division was a mix between Open and Standard. Handguns were allowed to have compensators and optical sights as long as they would fit in the IPSC box with any of its magazine inserted. The Modified division was formally adopted at the General Assembly following the 1992 European Handgun Championship in Barcelona, Spain, and became a recognized division starting in 1993. [12] The division saw some use in southern Europe, but was otherwise not very widespread, and was retired after the 2011 World Shoot XVI in Rhodes, Greece. Competitors with Modified handguns would then afterwards compete in Open.

Rifle

Important elements in rifle include the use of prone, off hand and supported shooting positions. Starting position is usually with the butt of the rifle touching the hip. Knowledge of the firearms ballistics is a key element to succeed at the long range targets. [16] The recommended balance of target distances is that 30 percent of the targets are placed closer than 60 meters, 50 percent of the targets between 60 and 150 meters and 20 percent of the targets between 150 and 300 meters. Most competitors zero their sights at 200 meters. Being an outdoor sport, the weather can have a profound effect on competitor scores due to wind or different lighting conditions, especially on long range targets. Therefore, top-ranked competitors are often squadded together to achieve the most similar conditions.

There is no minimum caliber, but the ammunition has to make a power factor of 150 kgr·ft/s for minor or 320 kgr·ft/s for major scoring (formerly 160 and 340 kgr·ft/s respectively). [17] [18] Since two hits per target is normally required, rifles with minor power factor calibers dominate on the shorter ranges in most of the divisions due to less recoil and shorter recoil impulse. Minor ammunition being most common means that anyone can be competitive with affordable and readily available .223 Remington factory ammunition, without having to worry about handloading to make major. Ammunition loaded to major power factor has more recoil and a longer recoil impulse, but have the advantage of better ballistics at long range targets. Major scoring may be more competitive in the manual divisions since normally only one hit is required per target, lessening the importance of a small recoil impulse.

In the beginning, competitions were fired with whatever rifle the competitors chose, and while the type of rifles mostly has remained the same sighting systems have changed a lot. In 1990, Sverre Idland won the Norwegian rifle championship using an Elbit Falcon red dot sight. Low-power scope sights have been used in competitions since at least 1994, when Bengt Larsson used a Schmidt & Bender 1.1–4x20 mm to win the Norwegian Championship. [19] For a while rifles equipped with optics and iron sights competed side by side, but were divided somewhere around the 2000s[ citation needed ] into an Open division for optic sights and a Standard division for iron sights. Open and Standard were the only two rifle divisions until the 2004 season when similar divisions were introduced for manually operated mechanisms. The Open and Standard division was then renamed to Semi Auto Open and Semi Auto Standard, while the new manual divisions was named Manual Action Open and Manual Action Standard. Around 2011 a provisional division named "Manual Action Standard 10" was approved for evaluation as a testing ground for development of the Manual divisions.

Self-loading rifles are used in the Semi Auto Open and Semi Auto Standard division, while the manual divisions are limited to manual action types.

Semi Auto Open (Open)

Semi Auto Open, usually simply referred to as the "Open division", is the most popular rifle division. Optical sights are allowed together with bipods and muzzle brakes. [20] Bipods can be taken on and off during a stage, and on some stages, it can even be advantageous to switch between different bipod sizes. Many top competitors use rifles with 46 cm (18-inch) barrels to run the longer rifle length gas system and achieve a softer recoil impulse. An adjustable gas system is popular. Some also use low-mass bolt carriers and buffer weights, which may, however, cause reliability issues if not tuned correctly.

Low-power scope sights with a variable magnification starting at 1x (called low-power variable optics, or LPVOs) are popular, with magnifications of 1–6x or 1–8x and daytime bright illuminated reticles are the most popular. Usually, only the center of the reticle is illuminated. Some reticles have milliradian-based wind holds or holdover marks to compensate for wind and bullet drop on long-range targets, while others prefer reticles with a simple dot and crosshair and choose to dial long-range adjustments on the turrets instead. [21] Turrets are often exposed and lockable, having ballistic drop compensation (BDC) and a zero stop, while some competitors choose to use capped turrets for the wind adjustment. Important optical characteristics [22] are true 1x or 1.1x low-end magnification, while on higher magnification it is important with a large field of view and a large exit pupil. Some other important scope qualities are weight and stray light performance.

To avoid having to adjust magnification up and down when transitioning between several long and short-range targets during the same stage, some combine a scope with a 45-degree side-mounted red dot optic, but the effectiveness of this is debated, and there are both top competitors who use it and not. For instance, Raine Peltokoski uses only one optical sight, and in such situations instead uses a technique called "Occluded Eye Aiming", where one blocks the objective (i.e. with a lens cover or by hand) so that one only sees the illuminated dot with one eye and the target with the other eye. [23]

Rifles with non-magnified red dot sights as the primary optic also compete in Open and are very competitive at short ranges, but the lack of magnification is a big disadvantage at longer ranges.

Semi Auto Standard (Standard)
Table of different front sight post sizes in mil and at what distances the full width of a target would be covered. A sight post that appears wider than the target can make precise aiming difficult, but this can be solved by adjusting the sights up and aiming below the target. Target coverage by front sight width.png
Table of different front sight post sizes in mil and at what distances the full width of a target would be covered. A sight post that appears wider than the target can make precise aiming difficult, but this can be solved by adjusting the sights up and aiming below the target.

The Semi Auto Standard division usually simply referred to as the "Standard division", tests the added skill of using iron sights only. Also, bipods are not allowed and muzzle brakes have to be within the maximum dimensions of 30x90 mm (approx. 1x3.5 inches). [20] A long sight radius is desirable as it helps even target and sight focus due to larger depth of field, and thus iron-sighted rifles often have longer barrels with the front sight attached to the end of it. Many Standard top competitors use the longer 50 cm (20") barrel over the 46 cm (18") to achieve longer sight radius. Any iron sights can be used, and both "globe" and "post" front sights are popular, as well as aperture, ghost ring or diopter rear sights.

Manual Action Open (Manual Open)

The manual divisions test the added skill of using a manual action, meaning that the rifles must be operated by physical manipulation, with some examples being bolt, pump or straight pull actions. Manual Action Open, usually simply referred to as the "Manual Open division", allows optical sights, muzzle brakes and bipods. [20] Turn bolt actions require the competitor to perform both rotational and linear motions during the loading cycle, while pump- and straight-pull actions can be cycled back and forward without rotation of the bolt handle by the competitor. This reduces the number of movements from four to two, but comes at the cost of often having either poor or no primary extraction. [24] [25] increasing the risk of malfunctions.[ citation needed ] A turn bolt action on the other hand has a mechanical advantage used during chambering and primary extraction, which makes for more reliable feeding and extraction. Both types of mechanisms have won championships. Bolt action rifles usually also have a much shorter lock time than hammer fired pump and straight-pull actions, which can play a significant role in accuracy on long-range targets.

Manual Action Standard (Manual Standard)

Manual Action Standard, usually simply referred to as the "Manual Standard division", is limited to iron sights only, and no muzzle brakes or bipods are allowed. [20] Manual Action Standard 10 (MAS10) (between 2012 and 2017) was a trial division that allowed iron sights only, a magazine capacity of 11 rounds (10 in the magazine plus 1 in the chamber) and factory-fitted muzzle brakes only. [20]

Shotgun

Daniel Horner firing his shotgun at a flying clay target during a match in South Carolina, US in 2017. Daniel Horner at a match in South Carolina 2017.jpg
Daniel Horner firing his shotgun at a flying clay target during a match in South Carolina, US in 2017.

Starting position is usually with the shotgun in one hand and the butt of the shotgun touching the hip. There is only one power factor of 480 kgr·ft/s, and all targets are scored as major which means that anyone can be competitive with affordable and readily available 12 gauge 70 mm (2+34") ammunition. Different options on shotgun chokes [26] and ammunition (from different pellet sizes and up to slugs) makes for interesting choke and ammunition choices based on the stage at hand where the competitor has to consider the spread of the choke relative to the distance. All divisions have limits of the number of shells loaded at the beginning of the stage, but the limits are removed after the start signal. For instance, some may choose to run 10 or 11 round tubes in the Standard division which is limited to 9 rounds in the tube at the start signal.

Open

The Open division allows optical sights, muzzle brakes, and is the only division that permits detachable magazines or the use of speed loaders for tube magazines. The maximum overall length of the shotgun is 1320 mm (approximately 52 in) measured parallel to the barrel. [27] Detachable magazines must not contain more than 10 rounds at the start signal, while shotguns with fixed magazines may have an initial load of 14 rounds. After the start signal detachable magazines can be loaded up 12 rounds, while there is no limit for tube magazines.

Modified

The Modified division allows muzzle brakes and optical sights, but is limited to internal tube magazines. The maximum overall length of the shotgun is 1320 mm. [27] Modifications of the floor plate to facilitate loading is permitted, given that the modification doesn't exceed 75 mm in length or protrudes more than 32 mm from the shotgun frame in any direction. Maximum 14 rounds can be loaded at the start signal (13+1, 13 in the tube plus 1 in the chamber), but more can be loaded after the start signal. Until 2017 the division was limited to iron sights, but from 2018 optical sights are permitted. [28] [29]

Standard

The standard division is the most popular division as of 2017. [30] The division is limited to iron sights and internal tube magazines, and muzzle brakes are not allowed. The shotgun model has to be factory produced of at least 500 units. [27] Maximum 9 rounds can be loaded at the start signal (8+1, 8 in the tube plus 1 in the chamber), but more can be loaded after the start signal.

Standard Manual (Manual)

The Standard Manual division, usually simply referred to as the "Manual division", is the only shotgun division limited to manual actions. Limited to iron sights, internal tube magazines, and no muzzle brakes, the shotgun model has to be factory produced of at least 500 units. [27] Maximum 9 rounds can be loaded at the start signal (8+1, 8 in the tube plus 1 in the chamber), but more can be loaded after the start signal.

Other

Safety

ISO 7010 M004.svg
DIN 4844-2 D-M003.svg
Eye and ear protection is mandatory for both competitors and spectators.

The safety of all competitors, officials, and spectators are always of the highest importance in competitions. Eye and ear protection are mandatory for both competitors and spectators. Firearms are kept unloaded until on the firing line under the direct supervision of a Range Officer, and can otherwise only be handled in designated safety areas. The safety area contains a direction with a secure backstop where competitors can handle unloaded firearms for example for packing or unpacking, holstering, cleaning or repair, dry firing or training with empty magazines. Handling of ammunition is expressively prohibited within the safety areas, including any dummy rounds. Outside the safety area, ammunition can be handled freely to load magazines, but firearms may only be handled under the direct supervision of a Range Officer. The strict separation of firearms and ammunition prevents accidents like accidental discharge (AD). Violations result in disqualification from the competition.

Matches

Types of courses

Walls and Fault Lines on the ground are used to define the boundary of the shooting area used during the Course of Fire. Shooting area for an IPSC stage at the 2017 IPSC Rifle World Shoot.jpg
Walls and Fault Lines on the ground are used to define the boundary of the shooting area used during the Course of Fire.

A match consists of a mix between short courses (lowest number of targets), medium and long courses (highest number of targets). The approved balance for a match is a ratio of 3 short courses to 2 medium courses and 1 long course (i.e. 6 short, 4 medium and 2 long courses for a level 3 match). Since the number of targets dictates the available points for that stage, and therefore Long courses potentially can have a have great impact on the overall standings. Short courses have fewer points available, and tend not to be as critical for the overall standings. Short courses are often more technical, offer many different stage solutions, or include challenging elements such as "empty chamber" or "empty magazine well" starts, or "non-freestyle shooting" elements such as strong or weak hand only. Medium courses are something in between, while long courses will have the highest round count. Long courses tend to be more freestyle and straightforward as far as different stage solutions. The shooting challenges may still not necessarily be easy, and a match can be lost or won at a long course since there are so many points available.

DisciplineShort CourseMedium CourseLong Course
Handgun, can require up to minimum12 rounds24 rounds32 rounds
Rifle, can require up to minimum10 rounds
(5 for Manual)
20 rounds
(10 for Manual)
40 rounds
(20 for Manual)
Shotgun, can require up to minimum8 rounds,
maximum 12 scoring hits
16 rounds,
maximum 24 scoring hits
28 rounds,
maximum 32 scoring hits

Match levels

The opening ceremony at the 2017 IPSC Rifle World Shoot in Russia. Opening Ceremony 2017 IPSC Rifle World Shoot.jpg
The opening ceremony at the 2017 IPSC Rifle World Shoot in Russia.

Competitions are held at all levels from club matches and up to the world championships. [31] Level 3 matches and up require official IPSC pre-approved match level sanctioning in regards to courses, IROA-range official, etc.

The World Shoots are the highest level shooting matches within IPSC. Held since 1975, [32] it is a multi-day match where the best IPSC shooters from around the world compete for the World Champion title.

Match etiquette

Walkthrough refers to being inside the fault lines of a stage when not shooting, and is usually done by competitors for finalizing stage plans. Walkthroughs are restricted for equity reasons. Competitors are not allowed to enter or walk on the stages on their own initiative, but must be invited to do so by the Range Officer first after having received the stage briefing. After the stage brief, the squad as a whole is normally given between 3 and 5 minutes to walk the particular stage collectively. Afterwards, the command Time's up is given, upon which the first shooter is asked to load and make ready.

On-deck refers to the competitor first in line waiting to shoot. The shooter second in line is referred to as being in-the-hole. During scoring of the preceding shooter, the shooter on deck is usually allowed to take a final walkthrough.

So as not to disturb, spectators and other competitors should be still and remain silent while a competitor is preparing to shoot as well as during shooting.

After a competitor has performed well on a stage it is common to receive soft applause. Such quiet clapping is the preferred form of applause for shooters; louder forms of applause are discouraged so as not to disturb other shooters who may be in the process of attempting a stage. Shoot-Off's are an exception to this.

After having completed a stage and received scores it is common for the competitor to thank and shake hands with the Range Officer.

Competitors are divided into Squads that rotate between the Courses of Fire. A Super Squad refers to a Squad of elite and top-seeded competitors who are among the favorites to win a match. They often consist of two or more national teams who are handpicked by their respective national sport directors. Match favorites are required to be placed in Super Squads so that they get the most similar conditions.

Shoot-Off

A Shoot-Off is an audience-friendly duel shooting organized as a knock-out tournament where the shooters compete 1-on-1 and the winners advance further towards finals. It is usually held at major events after the main-match, and the best shooters from the main-match are eligible to participate. It is often shot at falling targets such as poppers, and to win a shooter must knock down all their falling targets and reach their stop target before the other competitor. Dependent on schedule, quarter, semi, bronze and gold finals may be held.

Tournament bracket from the Shoot-Off at the 2019 Rifle World Shoot:

Quarter-finals Semi-finals Finals
        
Flag of Finland.svg Jarkko Laukia
Flag of Sweden.svg Olle Ackehed I
Flag of Sweden.svg Olle Ackehed I
Flag of Finland.svg Raine Peltokoski
Flag of Finland.svg Raine Peltokoski I
Flag of the United States.svg Tim Yackley
Silver medal world centered-2.svg Flag of Sweden.svg Marcus Madsen I
Gold medal world centered-2.svg Flag of Sweden.svg Olle Ackehed I I
Flag of Russia.svg Vadim Mikhailov
Flag of Sweden.svg Marcus Madsen I
Flag of Sweden.svg Marcus Madsen I
Flag of Finland.svg Teemu Rintala
Flag of Finland.svg Teemu Rintala I
Flag of the United States.svg Kyle Litzie

Shoot-Offs can be decided by small margins. At the 2018 Shotgun World Shoot, U.S. shooter Scott Greene and Russian Roman Anikin both fired their last shots almost simultaneously, but Greene had chosen a more constricted barrel choke. This gave a tighter shot pattern and a greater risk of missing, but ultimately lead to his target falling faster to win the Shoot-Off.

Match officials

The International Range Officers Association (IROA) is a part of IPSC with the responsibility to train and certify their own dedicated range officials, who are responsible for conducting matches safely, fair and according to the rules. In addition, each IPSC region have their own National Range Officers Institute (NROI) under the IROA. In a match range officials from IROA and NROI can work alongside in the ranks:

Design of stages can be done with various tools such as pen and paper or digital software. There are also physical miniature models in 1:25 scale that can be used so that several persons can design and discuss stages and exercises by hand.

Coaches and instructors

The Main International Shooting Instructors Association (MISIA) is a part of IPSC with the responsibility to train and certify their own dedicated safety instructors and coaches, [33] [34] providing supervision and training for both team and individual players. Safety instructors conduct mandatory safety training programs, while coaches are involved in administration, athletic and shooting training, competition coaching as well as representation of practical shooting teams and players.

Competitor ranking

Six times IPSC Handgun World Champion Eric Grauffel from France, pictured at the 2007 European Handgun Championship, Cheval-Blanc in France. IPSC Handgun World Champion Eric Grauffel at the 2007 IPSC European Handgun Championship.jpg
Six times IPSC Handgun World Champion Eric Grauffel from France, pictured at the 2007 European Handgun Championship, Cheval-Blanc in France.

The official ICS classification system (IPSC Classification System) allows athletes to be ranked both nationally and internationally based on previous results. Competitors are ranked from top to bottom as either Grand Master, Master, A, B, C or D. [35] This way, shooters can measure progress and compare themselves with other shooters of the same classification in the match results. A classification is division-specific, and an athlete may, therefore, have different classifications in different divisions.

To be classified, you must first register an ICS alias which must be used when signing up for matches. An athlete is then classified within a division after the 4 first classification results. A classification result can be achieved in three ways:

Once initial classification has been achieved, the classification will be updated based on the average of the 4 best of the 8 last results. The ICS system is dynamic, and can change based on the results being reported. For example, a result from a CLS stage will at any given time be calculated based on the highest hit factor ever shot for that particular CLS stage. In order to maintain their classification, an athlete each calendar year at least have to achieve a result in either one classification match or two CLS stages.

ClassPercent
Grand Master95–100%
Master85–94.9%
A75–84.9%
B60–74.9%
C40–59.9%
D2–40%

IPSC Rating.com is a third party multiplayer [36] Elo rating service based on performance in actual competitions and advanced rating algorithms. Results from IPSC level 3, 4 and 5 matches plus major USPSA matches are processed, with the last IPSC World Shoot as the most trusted and representative source. [37] Scores of competitors in other matches are compared to known "key competitors" who are already rated to achieve global rating percents. To be ranked one must compete in at least two level 3 matches, and old results will expire if they are not updated with following matches.

See also

Related Research Articles

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Shooting sports is a group of competitive and recreational sporting activities involving proficiency tests of accuracy, precision and speed in shooting — the art of using ranged weapons, mainly small arms and bows/crossbows.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Practical shooting</span> Shooting sport based around precision, power, and speed

Practical shooting, also known as dynamic shooting or action shooting, is a set of shooting sports in which the competitors try to unite the three principles of precision, power, and speed, by using a firearm of a certain minimum power factor to score as many points as possible during the shortest time. While scoring systems vary between organizations, each measures the time in which the course is completed, with penalties for inaccurate shooting. The courses are called "stages", and are shot individually by the shooters. Usually the shooter must move and shoot from several positions, fire under or over obstacles and in other unfamiliar positions. There are no standard exercises or set arrangement of the targets, and the courses are often designed so that the shooter must be inventive, and therefore the solutions of exercises sometimes vary between shooters.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Metallic silhouette shooting</span>

Metallic silhouette shooting is a group of target shooting disciplines that involves shooting at steel targets representing game animals at varying distances, seeking to knock the metal target over. Metallic silhouette is shot with large bore rifles fired freehand without support out to 500 meters, and with large bore handguns from the prone position with only body support out to 200 meters. Competitions are also held with airguns and black-powder firearms. A related genre is shot with bow and arrow, the metal targets being replaced with cardboard or foam. The targets used are rams, turkeys, pigs, and chickens, which are cut to different scales and set at certain distances from the shooter depending on the specific discipline.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Caliber conversion sleeve</span> Device used to allow a firearm to fire a different cartridge

A caliber conversion sleeve or adapter sleeve is a device which can be used to non-permanently alter a firearm to allow it to fire a different cartridge than the one it was originally designed to fire. The different cartridge must be smaller in some dimensions than the original design cartridge, and since smaller cartridges are usually cheaper, the device allows less expensive fire practice.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">United States Practical Shooting Association</span> National governing organization

The United States Practical Shooting Association(USPSA) is the national governing body of practical shooting in the United States under the International Practical Shooting Confederation (IPSC). Its over 35,000 active members and over 500 affiliated clubs make USPSA the largest practical shooting organization in the United States and the second largest region within IPSC after the Russian Federation of Practical Shooting. USPSA publishes a monthly member magazine called Front Sight.

The following are terms related to firearms and ammunition topics.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Steel Challenge</span>

The Steel Challenge is a speed shooting competition governed by the Steel Challenge Shooting Association (SCSA) that consists of eight standardized stages with steel targets in three sizes; small circular, large circular and rectangular targets. Competitors are scored solely by the time it takes them to complete each stage, and the match winner is the competitor with the lowest overall time.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Power factor (shooting sports)</span> Ranking system for the momentum of pistol cartridges in competitive practical shooting

Power Factor (PF) in practical shooting competitions refers to a ranking system used to reward cartridges with more recoil. Power factor is a measure of the momentum of the bullet, which to some degree reflects the recoil impulse from the firearm onto the shooter.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Dynamic Sports Shooting Norway</span>

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<span class="mw-page-title-main">Cowboy action shooting</span> Competitive shooting sport

Cowboy action shooting is a competitive shooting sport that originated in the early 1980s, at the Coto de Caza Shooting Range in Orange County, California. Cowboy action shooting is now practiced in many places with several sanctioning organizations including the Single Action Shooting Society (SASS), Western Action Shootists Association (WASA), and National Congress of Old West Shooters (NCOWS), and Single Action Shooting Australia (SASA).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Long range shooting</span>

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<span class="mw-page-title-main">IPSC Handgun World Shoots</span> World Championship in Handgun Shooting

The IPSC Handgun World Shoot is the highest level handgun match within the International Practical Shooting Confederation (IPSC) which consists of several days and at least 30 separate courses of fire. The Handgun World Shoots are held triennially on a rotational cycle with the other two main IPSC disciplines Rifle and Shotgun.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Multigun</span> Type of practical shooting event

Multigun, Multi Gun or Multi-Gun, often also called 2-Gun or 3-Gun depending on the types of firearms used, are practical shooting events where each of the stages require the competitor to use a combination of handguns, rifles, and/or shotguns Multigun has a lot in common with ordinary IPSC/ USPSA single gun matches, and matches generally have courses of fire where the shooter must move through different stages and engage targets in a variety of different positions.

Action Air is an airsoft shooting sport based on practical shooting under the International Practical Shooting Confederation. The sport enjoys popularity in countries and areas such as Taiwan, Hong Kong, Macau, South Korea, and Japan, where civilian ownership of real firearms are either illegal or extremely difficult to obtain, but it is also used by some owners of real firearms as an affordable and easily available training tool. Action air is restricted to handgun, and is not included in the IPSC Tournament structure.

The 1981 IPSC Handgun World Shoot V held in Johannesburg, South Africa, was the fifth IPSC Handgun World Shoot, and was won by Ross Seyfried of United States, using a relatively stock firearm compared to the highly tuned firearms of many other shooters. Well known in the U.S., Ross had previously won the 1978 U.S. National Championship, and was member of the US National Team who placed second in the previous 1979 World Shoot. The 1981 championship showed the Americans return with a vengeance when both Ross Seyfried took the individual World Title and the US National Team took gold in the team classification.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2017 IPSC Handgun World Shoot</span>

The 2017 IPSC Handgun World Shoot XVIII was the 18th IPSC Handgun World Shoot held at the new National Shooting Center in Châteauroux, France during the end of August and start of September. There were 30 stages divided into 5 areas, with each area being named after and having themes from one of the 5 continents Africa, Asia, America, Australia or Europe.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2012 IPSC Shotgun World Shoot</span>

The 2012 IPSC Shotgun World Shoot I held in Debrecen, Hungary was the 1st IPSC Shotgun World Shoot, and consisted of 30 stages over 5 days and over 400 competitors.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2015 IPSC Shotgun World Shoot</span>

The 2015 IPSC Shotgun World Shoot II held at the shooting range "Le Tre Piume" near Agna, Italy was the 2nd IPSC Shotgun World Shoot. The match consisted of 30 stages over 5 days and 635 competitors from 30 nations.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2017 IPSC Rifle World Shoot</span>

The 2017 IPSC Rifle World Shoot I held at the Patriot Park in Kubinka, Moscow, Russia was the first IPSC Rifle World Shoot. The match consisted of 30 stages over 6 days and 591 competitors from 40 nations.

9mm Major, also known as 9 Major, ammunition is loaded much hotter than typical 9mm rounds, exceeding 1,550 ft/s (470 m/s) to achieve a power factor of 165. This classification benefits competition shooters as it allows maximum magazine capacity and scoring. However, it is not readily available and dangerous to use in pistols not designed for such high pressure. Most handgun manufacturers caution against using +P and +P+ ammunition and 9mm Major loads, which generate even higher chamber pressures. In tactical situations, the added velocity may improve vest penetration, but it may hinder hollow-point projectiles' effectiveness due to over-expansion. Proper cartridge design is crucial for optimal performance.

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