IPSC Pistol Division Optics Recommendation

IPSC (International Practical Shooting Confederation) is the world's premier practical shooting organization, hosting a wide range of competitions for various firearms, including handguns, pistol caliber carbine(PCC), rifles, shotguns, and action air. The competition categories are divided into several divisions such as Production, Standard, Classic, Revolver, and Open, allowing shooters to compete based on the type and modification level of their firearms. Participants are tested on their speed, accuracy, and power, with the primary goal of evaluating their ability to shoot accurately and swiftly.

There are different courses, includes short course, medium course and long course. for short, medium and long courses, ranging from 3m to 50m. Each course has the time limitation, short course within 15s, medium course within 30s, long course over 30s. And there are different kinds of targets, classic target, mini target, partial target, popper, plates, swingers, runners, no-shoots, frangible targets. Different zones of targets possess different points, for minor 5, 3, 1, for major 5, 4, 2.

According to IPSC regulations, the use of optics is permitted only in certain divisions to ensure the fairness. This article will delve into the essential features to consider when selecting an optic for your firearm to enhance both shooting accuracy and speed. The Hit Factor equals to Points divided by Time in Seconds. We will explore this topic based on the division, providing targeted insights tailored to each type of firearm to help you make informed decisions that can significantly improve your performance in competitions.

Pistol Division (usually shoot from 3m to 50m)

Red dot sights are the preferred choice for IPSC competitors, offering unparalleled speed in target acquisition.

It is essential to maintain a consistent visibility of the dot during fast-paced competition situation to maximize the performance. Two factors play crucial role, a generous window size and a sharp, well-defined red dot. For optimal speed and accuracy, the size of the dot is also significant. A medium-sized 3 MOA dot strikes an ideal balance, providing sufficient precision for longer shots while remaining quick to acquire in dynamic shooting stages. Some people may prefer bigger dot size, 5MOA/6MOA, because a bigger dot may be brighter.

A parallax-free design further enhances confidence and consistency, ensuring the dot remains true to the point of aim regardless of viewing angle, allowing competitors to excel under pressure. Compact and lightweight deisgn is additional feature, making red dot sight popular in the IPSC pistol competition. Additionally, for extensive use the those sights, it is significant to consider the durability to withstand thousands of round and reliablity to hold zero with recoil. We will explore more features in the following content.

Here is the list of IPSC pistol division. We have listed if you are allowed to install optics or compensators, ports, etc, to help you better distinguish them from each other.

Open Division:Gun modificaiton is allowed.

Production Optics Division: Pistol modification is prohibited.

Production Optics Light Division:Including the optics, the maximum handgun with an empty magazine, should be limited within 1Kg.

The optics features you may need to consider based on your personal need and eyesight condition, including window size, dot size, illumination setting, solar power, durability, weight and price.

Big Window Size Features Wide Field of View.

Generally, a big window size refers to a broad field of view, enabling you to acquire targets more quickly and efficiently. This is essential during fast-paced scenarios, like competitions. In other words, the expansive viewing area minimizes visual obstruction, facilitaing fast and intuitive target acquisition. Also, a big window size means that shooters would be able to stay with the dot during the competition. Window dimensions play distinct roles in performance. The height of the window determines the shooter's ability to maintain consistent visibility of the dot, even during rapid movements or unconventional shooting angles. It is better to pick a red dot of which the window height is higher than 24mm. The height and width of the window contributes to a wider field of view, enhancing situational awareness and making it easier to track multiple targets. Both aspects are critical for maximizing performance in dynamic competition environments.

Dot Size Matters, but You Need to Consider Your Eyesight Condition.

Concerning the dot size, many people believe that a big dot size is advantageous in competition. This is because a big dot size allows fast target acquisition, which is important for IPSC competition. While this is generally true, it's not ideal for everyone, particularly those with astigmatism. For instance, a 3MOA dot size may appear like a 5MOA dot size for people with astigmatism. An 8MOA dot size could seem excessively much larger, even may block the target during the competition.

To choose your dot size, you need to consider your eyesight condition. Get one and try it may be better to find the approriate one for you. Theoractically, a 3 MOA dot is a safe recommendation for shooters with astigmatism. For those with good vision, no astigmatism, who prefer larger dots, a crisp 5/6 MOA dot may offer an excellent balance of visibility and speed during competition.

Illumination Setting is Another Essential Feature to People with Astigmatism.

For shooters with astigmatism, it is indispensable for them to have an adjustment illumination function. Some red dots use light sensors to automatically adjust brightness based on ambient light conditions. The dot illumination would automatically be adjusted base on the light condition. The brighter the condition, the brighter the dot. The function may be suited for people with normal vision. However, for individuals with astigmatism, the function may be awful. The dot may look pretty blurry or distorted when the dot is too bright under bright sunlight condition, making the precise aiming difficult. Adjustable illumination, on the other hand, allows the shooter to customize the brightness level for maximum clarity and comfort. Most Vector Optics red dots offer this essential feature, making them an excellent choice for astigmatic users.

Usually the budget-friendly red dot may have the light sensor function instead of adjustable illumination. This feature is easy for Newbie (if they don't have astigmatism) to try and test out, for instance, Victoptics' RDSL32, which is easy to operate and could be your first red dot to play with. The dot features MAG footprint, allowing for direct installation on various firearms, for instance, Mossberg 500/835 shotguns, handguns like the Glock Slimline, Sig Sauer P322, etc.

Solar Power Function is the Extra Credit.

Another feature maybe the significant bonus is solar power function. This feature not only conserves battery life by utilizing solar energy but also serves as a backup power source during competitions in case the battery fails unexpectedly during the competition. However, the limitation is that solar power is only effective in sunny conditions, making it less reliable in low-light or indoor environments.

Durability and Price, the Last but Not the Least.

Every buyer wants a red dot that will stand the test of time, which makes shockproof durability an essential feature. Most Vector Optics red dots are tested to withstand up to 1000G of shock, ensuring reliability even under the most demanding conditions.

Lastly, price is an important consideration. Some may feel that spending over $500 is excessive for an enthusiast. Vector Optics offers high-quality red dots at a more affordable price point, providing excellent value for those seeking both performance and cost-effectiveness.

Other Things You May Need to Consider.

For Production Optics Division, the optics can be trimmed, you can also color your red dot, etc. Some of our red dots have FDE option.

For Production Optics Light Division, one thing we should be noticed is that the whole equipment shouldn't exceed 1kg, in other words, you may need to consider the weight of the red dot.

6MOA Dot Size Red Dot Recommendation

Within 10-25m shooting range, we would recommend red dot sight with 6MOA dot size and large window. SCRD-65 is highly recommended with the window height of 22mm to keep the competitors stay with the dot and the 6MOA dot size for fast target acquisition.

3MOA Dot Size Red Dot Recommendation

A big window with over 22mm height is preferred.