If you want to get into shooting IPSC, but do not have a handgun registered to you, what can you do?
All IPSC competitions require you to certify by taking the Black Badge Course (BBC) in Canada. There is no exceptions, as the BBC is required to complete in Canada, unless you are a member in good standing, and registered in another country.
The first option and only option you have in Canada is to "borrow" a handgun from a friend. You can do this by contacting your local Chief Firearms Office (CFO), and take the BBC from your local instructor, courses listed below.
Second & Third options are to shoot Pistol Caliber Carbine (PCC) or Shotgun. We will focus ion PCC as it has become much more popular in the last few years.
What is IPSC PCC? (Pistol Caliber Carbine) Basically the same courses of fire that you would do with a handgun but with slight modifications for a PCC. This is only in pistol calibers, like 9mm, 40 s&w, 10mm, 45acp and others. Rifle calibers are not allowed. 10 rounds per magazine allowed per Canadian law.
IPSC PCC Rulebook can be found below,
https://www.ipsc.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/IPSC-Pistol-Caliber-Carbine-Competition-Rules-Apr-2023-Edition-Final-25-Apr-2023.pdf
PCC has gained more popularity for sport shooters since handguns almost completely unattainable for new shooters.
You can start shooting IPSC PCC with any semi-automatic rifle in pistol calibers with 5 or 6 10 round mags, and mag pouches.
The only qualification to join the fun is the PCC BBC that will be rolled out in the winter of 2023/2025.
The regular IPSC BBC will allow you to shoot PCC, but the PPC BBC will NOT allow you to shoot handgun matches unless you upgrade to the full BBC.
Please contact the zone director in your area if interested;
IPSC Alberta - Contact
Here is a list of instructors, and courses that are being offered;
IPSC Alberta - IPSC Alberta Recognized - BLACK BADGE INSTRUCTORS
Ken Hum
North Central Zone Director = IPSC Alberta
