Your Privacy Choices
A huge market opens as IPSC (International Practical Shooting Confederation) update their rule books in January 2019.
I would think the biggest new market is in the IPSC Handgun Competition, as two new divisions (that have been lurking on test) appear.
They are IPSC Production Optics and IPSC Production Optics Light.
I guess your first question is going to be what is the difference between Production Optics and Optics Light?
The answer is simple: Only handguns with a maximum weight of 1 kg with an empty magazine inserted may be used in Production Optics Light Division.
Below: Below is more or less the only thing that was allowed previously in IPSC Production. Out of the box handgun, but you could change the iron sights and some minor other things.
Furthermore, quote:
“Only handguns listed as approved in the Production Division List on the IPSC website and fitted with an optical/electronic sight may be used in Production Optics or Production Optics Light Divisions. Note that handguns deemed by IPSC to be single-action-only are expressly prohibited.”
We continue through the new IPSC Handgun rule book. I have highlighted where competitors and business owners should look more closely:
“17. Original parts and components offered by the OFM as standard equipment, or as an option, for a specific model handgun on the IPSC approved handgun list are permitted, subject to the following:17.1 Modifications to them, other than minor detailing (the removal of burrs and/or adjustments unavoidably required in order to fit replacement OFM parts or components), are prohibited. Other prohibited modifications include those which facilitate faster reloading (e.g. racking or cocking handles, flared, enlarged and/or add-on magwells, etc.), and/or adding stippling. Changing the original color and/or finish of a handgun, and/or adding stripes or other embellishments is permitted.”
That last sentence opens up a huge market for companies in the business for Cerakoting and similar technologies. But if you like you can spray paint your Glock neon-yellow (that was an example, not a suggestion!), anything like that was a “hello and welcome to the Open division” before.
18. Aftermarket parts, components and accessories are prohibited, except as follows:18.1 Aftermarket magazines are permitted, subject to 17.2 above.18.2 Aftermarket open and optical/electronic sights (see Rules 5.1.3.1 and 5.1.3.2) and mounting plates are permitted, provided their installation and/or adjustment requires no alteration to the handgun other than the milling of the slide in order to facilitate the installation of an optical/electronic sight.18.3 Aftermarket grip panels which match the profile and contours of the OFM standard or optional grip panels for the approved handgun and/or the application of tape on grips (see Appendix E3a) are permitted. However, rubber sleeves are prohibited
Again, great news for anyone selling magazines, grips and red dot sights.
A red dot sight is quite an investment, especially compared to the price of the handgun, and probably the biggest one on the handgun.
18.4 Aftermarket springs and trigger assemblies are permitted.
Wow – this is quite a big (and surprising) step for IPSC, but it’s coming in 2019. Trigger assemblies are also quite expensive parts for the handgun.
This opens up a massive amount of handguns (especially Glocks) to suppliers of springs and trigger assemblies.
Imagine a Glock for 600 USD. A red dot, trigger assembly and some custom paint and you easily double or triple how much a competitor paid for the gear.
The Glock 34 isn’t approved for IPSC Production, but you get the idea. ZEV Tech (at the time) trigger assembly.
You can find the complete IPSC 2019 Handgun Rule book here (large pdf).
2019 Season
Having actively competed in IPSC Open and Production Optice (Glock 17 Gen 4 with the excellent Shield sight) I’m looking forward to the 2019 season and the European Championships in Serbia.
I have a Glock 17 Gen 5 MOS FS and a SIG Sauer P320 X Five on order – not sure which one that will become my favourite, but I’m ready to start modding, Cerakoating and step the game up.
I will probably use Shield sights on both again.
Unfortunately ITAR (International Traffic in Arms Regulations) is going to make it quite difficult for International customers to get their hands on US products. Hopefully that “rule book” can change as well.
I will return in another post with what is going on in the IPSC Rifle division.
