WHAT IS IPSC?

What is IPSC?

IPSC recognizes all the shooting disciplines – Handgun, Rifle, Shotgun, and Action Air.

IPSC athletes need to blend accuracy, power, and speed into a winning combination. Multiple targets, moving targets, targets that react when hit, penalty targets, or even partially covered targets, obstacles, movement, competitive strategies, and other techniques are all a part of IPSC to keep competitors challenged and spectators engaged.

IPSC Motto

The Latin words Diligentia, Vis, Celeritas (DVC) meaning accuracy, power, and speed are IPSC’s motto and form the foundation for competition. IPSC also emphasizes procedures for safe gun handling and strict adherence to the rules governing the sport.

What is Practical Shooting?

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 athlete, moving targets, multiple targets, and the freedom for the competitor to solve the shooting challenges presented in the courses of fire.

 

What makes IPSC shooting unique?

The appeal of the sport lies in the diversity of the courses of fire available to the athlete. 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.

Is there a place in IPSC for beginners?

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 competitors are pleased to give a helping hand in getting you started. By using the ICS classification system athletes can be assured they will be facing an equal skill level.

IPSC BY THE NUMBERS – YEAR 2023

106

The Number of Active IPSC Regions Worldwide

588

The Number of International Matches (Levels III, IV and V)

76,315

The Number of Competitors at International Matches

21,169,589

The Number of Rounds Shot at International Matches

What are IPSC Regions?

Regions (countries) are the organizations which promote the sport of IPSC and are the representatives of IPSC. All IPSC athletes become members of the IPSC by joining their affiliated Region.

IPSC Competition

In IPSC shooting, no course of fire is ever the same from one competition to the next. Diversity is encouraged to keep the sport from becoming too formalized or standardized and typically, competitors do not know in advance what to expect in any given match.

What type of matches does IPSC promote?

IPSC matches are based on the principles of accuracy, power and speed. The matches are varied and based on the safe use of the handgun. Participation in these matches will develop a high degree of safety and proficiency, as well as providing an exciting means of recreation.

What kind of people compete in IPSC matches?

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.

Is IPSC shooting an expensive sport?

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 ear protection, and a big dose of enthusiasm.

 

What kinds of firearms are used for IPSC shooting?

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.

 

What are the advantages of being an IPSC member?

IPSC offers many benefits to its membership and the price of membership is probably less than a couple of boxes of ammunition.

  • As a member, you will be helping the organization to promote and develop the sport of IPSC shooting.
  • As a member, you will usually receive a subscription to the national newsletter which will offer information on shooting, match schedules, results, and many other aspects of IPSC competitions.
  • As a member, you will be eligible to join and to participate in shooting activities at the local, regional, national, and international level.
  • As a member, you should have an official rule book which details the regulations and scoring systems used in IPSC shooting.
  • As a member, you will receive support from the National Range Officers Institute (NROI) and the International Range Officers Association who conduct clinics to improve shooting and to train Range Officials for competitions.
  • As a member, you will be a participant in the most dynamic and challenging shooting sport in the World!

JOIN IPSC

If you are interested in IPSC and want to join, you must contact the IPSC Region of your country of residence.

For the entire list of IPSC Regions and contact information, please click HERE