History
This new and exciting style of sport shooting had its origins in California in the early '50s. It quickly spread over the next few years to other continents including Europe, Australia, Central and South America, and Africa. The International Practical Shooting Confederation (IPSC) was officially founded at the International Pistol Conference held in Columbia, Missouri, in May 1976.
Forty people from around the world were invited to attend this Conference in order to determine the nature and future of practical marksmanship. Colonel Jeff Cooper was acting Chairman and acclaimed as the first IPSC World President. The promotion of accuracy, power, and speed as three equal elements was the prime objective of the Conference along with procedures and rules for safe gun handling.
A constitution was established and the Confederation was born. The origins of practical shooting were developed and the motto - DVC - Diligentia, Vis, Celeritas (Accuracy, Power, Speed) was introduced to reflect this balanced objective. IPSC as an international body exist to promote, improve and advance the sport of IPSC shooting worldwide and to cultivate the safe, recreational use of firearms by persons of good character.
Today, the International Practical Shooting Confederation is promoted in more than sixty countries (called Regions) from Argentina to Zimbabwe. Every year, the elected representatives of these Regions meet at the IPSC General Assembly. In practical shooting, the competitor must try to blend accuracy, power, and speed, into a winning combination.
Targets are 75 centimeters by 45 centimeters with a 15 centimeter center representing the "A zone" or bulls eye. Most shooting takes place at close range, with rare shots out to 45 meters. Hitting a 15 centimeter A zone at 45 meters or less might seem easy to an experienced pistol shooter, but in IPSC only full power pistols are allowed(38 Super, 9mm, .40 or larger).
This power minimum reflects the heritage of this modern sport, and mastering a full power handgun is considerably more difficult than shooting a light recoiling target pistol especially when the competitor is trying to go as fast as possible. Time, also plays a factor. In Comstock scored stages, the scores are divided by the time, adding to the challenge. Competitors may enter any one of five Divisions depending on the style of firearm they use.
Multiple targets, moving targets, targets that react when hit, penalty carrying targets mixed-in, or even partially covering shoot targets, obstacles, movement, competitive tactics, and, in general, any other relevant difficulty the course designer can dream up all combine to keep the competitors enthusiastic and the spectators entertained.
The rules of IPSC state that the course of fire should be practical and diversity is to be encouraged, to keep the sport from becoming too formalized or standardized. In fact, some matches even contain surprise stages where no one knows in advance what to expect.
Although the roots are martial in origin, the sport matured from these beginnings, just as karate, fencing, or archery developed from their origins. Now, IPSC shooting is an international sport, emphasizing safety and safe gun handling, accuracy, power, and speed, in major competitions around the globe. The crowning glory for practical shooting is to become the IPSC World Champion.
What makes IPSC shooting unique?
IPSC shooting is dynamic and challenging, and one of the fastest growing shooting sports in the world today. Courses of fire utilize many aspects not found in the other more traditional shooting disciplines, such as movement by the shooter, drawing from the holster, moving targets, multiple targets, and the freedom for the shooter to solve the shooting problems presented by the stage design.
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 to improve his skills in many different areas. There are continually new demands to challenge the IPSC shooting enthusiast.
What are IPSC Regions?
Regions are the organizations which promote the sport of IPSC through the international confederation. All IPSC shooters become members of the international confederation by joining their affiliated IPSC Region.
What kind of people compete in IPSC matches?
As in any other popular sport, a wide variety of people enjoy IPSC shooting matches. Membership spans almost every occupation, from craftsmen to executives. It is not unusual to find husbands and wives or entire families participating in IPSC shooting activities. All of the people at competitions are strong believers in safety and safe gun handling as well as good sportsmanship.
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 shooters are pleased to give a hand in getting you started. By using a classification system for all competitors, you can be assured that you will be facing competition of an equal skill level. A good way to get started is to ask for assistance.
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 pistol shooting, all that is required is a reliable handgun, a suitable holster, ammunition, eye and ear protection, and a big dose of enthusiasm. As your skill level increases, you may wish to advance to other equipment or to add additional items that will help you in competitions.
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