Competition Holsters

This division uses the most expensive and advanced handguns: 2011 style pistols with compensators and optics (both slide-mounted and frame-mounted) with larger magazine capacity. For these pistols, most shooters will use the Model 015 Competition Holster. Or for other firearm makes the Model 5198 is a great choice working with many types of handguns and compatible with slide-mounted optics.

Uses similar 2011 style guns or comparable weapons from other manufacturers, with NO optics and NO compensators allowed, and the magazine length allowed is dimensionally shorter.  Typically, most competitors in this division will use a speed holster like the Model 015 or the  Model 5198 type models.

Production class was designed for new shooters or those not wanting to put the financial resources into more expensive guns and gear required for the above divisions. Considered more practical by many, it is a place to compete on equal ground with other competitors shooting the same equipment. Production class is for out-of-the-box standard duty/carry guns, like Glock, Beretta, Sig, etc. There are limitations on modifications to the weapon. (no optics, compensators, or barrel weights). Most of the time, production class shooters will use holsters like the Model 5198, GLS Pro-Fit models, or  Model 6378/7378 ALS open top holsters. These typically are the same basic holsters you would see in OWB concealed carry style though there are restrictions on setup and placement for equipment. All equipment must be worn behind the hips, and the holster must be a practical, non-race style such as those intended for daily wear. Production Class limits magazines to 10 rounds as well.

Single stack division was created for the classic 1911 single column pistols with traditional magazines, eight rounds for 45, and ten rounds for 9mm (scoring penalties for those shooting minor caliber). Equipment rules are similar to Production Division. All equipment must be worn behind the hips, and the holster must be a practical, non-race style, such as those intended for daily wear. Like the Model 5198, GLS Pro-Fit models, or Model 6378/737 ALS open top holsters.

L-10 is similar to Limited division (no optics or compensators); the primary limitation is only ten rounds per magazine are allowed. This was primarily developed around legal magazine restrictions on hi-cap mags. The typical competitor will use either a wide body or single stack 1911 style pistol. Equipment used in the Limited division is also popular in L-10, you will see Model 015 or Model 5198 style model holsters in this division., but production style holsters will be represented.

Carry Optics is currently the hottest division in USPSA. Built around the optic-ready out-of-the-box guns to compete in an “Open-Lite” weapon setup. These are standard MFG production class guns utilizing slide-mounted optics (no compensators or mag wells allowed). Optics must be slide-mounted (no frame mounting) and typically all running 9mm minor. There are restrictions on weight and maximum magazine length, but some mods are allowed. Holsters are non-race style, such as those intended for daily wear, drop offset holster mounts are allowed, and the holster must cover the slide up to ½” below the ejection port. So that means holsters like the like the Model 5198, Model 578 GLS models, and other lowered top holsters that would allow optics as an OWB everyday carry holster option.

Revolver division (small group) for standard production style revolvers, some modifications are limited, No optics, porting, or compensators. Utilizing holsters that you would use in everyday carry like Model 6378 ALS holster, or the Bianchi OWB EDC model like the Model 5 Black Widow. For reloads, moon clips are the most common using the Comp I, II, or III or Bianchi Speed Strips, belt-mounted with holders like the 333 Triple or 340 double pouch.

Pistol Caliber Carbine is also another popular division. Competitors use only the PCC for the match, just needing to use a belt and magazine pouches. The 032 ELS belt is the belt of choice for most all of USPSA, paired with the 030 underbelt for a solid platform. The 774 Mag pouches available for popular PCC rifles utilize the ELS Kit to make these a winning combination.

Steel Challenge is a speed shooting match consisting of eight standardized stages comprised of different sizes of steel targets. Competitors shoot each stage for speed and are scored solely by shot time. Each steel challenge stage is shot in 5 runs by each shooter, dropping the slowest run, and the total time is added for the score.

Steel Challenge is operated by USPSA, so the gear is generally mirrored by the divisions found within the organization – Open, Limited, Production, Carry Optics, and Single Stack. Most competitors tend to use the same equipment and with the draw to first shot speed being such a crucial part of performing well in this match, most competitors opt for holsters that will give them the quickest draw times (see above for popular options per division).

IDPA also has a Concealed-Carry Optics (CCO) Division that would use the same holster style that you would see in everyday carry. Popular choices that would work with slide-mounted optics include Model 5198, Model 578 GLS Pro-Fit, Model 537 GLS, Model 547 PRD™ OPEN TOP, Model 6378/7378 ALS open top holsters, as well as some of the Bianchi style CCW holsters like Model 82 CarryLok, and Model 126GLS Assent.

IDPA also has BUG gun matches, which work on skills when deploying a back-up gun. These may be ankle holsters or other IWB styles using small semi-auto pistols or carry-type revolvers. These can often be determined by the match director on what styles are appropriate for their range safety requirements. Some competitors use the same models as for standard matches. Others will try their BUG guns in holster models like the Model 575 IWB GLS Pro-Fit, Model 27, Model 17, Model 18, and Model 135 Suppression. These are popular choices considered practical to actual carry and will also work with most Optic Ready Micro Carry Guns. Another option you might see is the Model 150 Negotiator Ankle holster, a long-time choice for back carry for LEO and detectives.

PCC: Pistol Caliber Carbine is also another competition division option available in IDPA matches which is similar to what is seen in the USPSA PCC, requiring only the use of a belt and magazine pouches. The 032 ELS belt is the belt of choice for most all of USPSA, paired with the 030 underbelt for a solid platform. The 774 Mag pouches available for popular PCC rifles utilize the ELS Kit to make these a winning combination.