IDPA Divisions

IDPA Divisions

Currently there are eight (8) competitive IDPA Divisions. Here at Lake County IDPA we use the same divisions during our monthly matches. These divisions include:

  • CDP – Custom Defensive Pistol Division
  • ESP – Enhanced Service Pistol Division
  • SSP – Stock Service Pistol Division
  • CCP – Compact Carry Division
  • CO – Carry Optic
  • REV – Revolver Division
  • BUG – Back-Up Gun Division
  • PCC – Pistol Caliber Carbine

Each of these divisions vary in the firearm requirements. You MUST pay close attention to the dimensions, weights and other items of the pistol you intent to shoot with in order to ensure you are competing in the proper division. Failure to compete in the proper division will result in a Disqualification (DQ) from the match.

Below you will find listed each division and its requirements. This is NOT INTENDED to replace the Offcial IDPA Rule Book or its Equipment Appendix. Those can be downloaded here and on the offcial IDPA website.

Handguns Permitted For Use In SSP MUST:

    • Have a minimum annual production of 2,000 units. Discontinued models must have had a total production of 20,000 units.
    • Be semi-automatic.
    • Be double action, double action only, or striker fired.
    • Use 9 mm (9x19) or larger cartridges.
    • Weigh 43.00 oz. or less unloaded, with the heaviest magazine inserted.
    • Fit in the IDPA gun test box measuring 8 ¾” x 6” x 1 ⅝” with the largest magazine inserted.
    • No external modifications of the shape, size, or function of stock parts is allowed.

Start Condition

    • Selective DA/SA firearms will start hammer down.
    • Firearms with a hammer de-cocking lever or button will have their hammer de-cocked using the lever or button.
    • If the hammer must be lowered by pulling the trigger and manually lowering the hammer, the hammer will be lowered to the lowest position possible.
    • Manual safeties may be engaged at the shooter’s discretion.

SSP Permitted Modifications (Inclusive list):

    • No visible external modifications are allowed. The firearm must have the same appearance as the factory SKU shown on the company’s website.
    • Sights may be changed to another notch and post type. Slides may not be machined to accept different style sights.
    • Removable grips may be changed to another style or material that is similar to factory configuration and do not weigh more than 2.00 oz. more than the factory standard weight for that model. Grip modules are not considered removable grips for this division.
    • Magazine releases, slide stops, safety levers, de-cocking levers, hammers, and triggers, that are stock on one SSP legal firearm may be used on another SSP legal firearm from the same manufacturer provided they are drop in replacements. Parts in this list must come factory installed on standard production firearms.
    • Recoil spring guide rods and dual spring recoil systems made of material that is no heavier than stainless steel and have the same factory appearance.
    • Frames may be replaced with identical frames from the same manufacturer.
    • A slip-on grip sock and/or grip tape, skateboard tape, etc. may be used.
    • Internal action work may be used to enhance trigger pull as long as safety is maintained (no visible external modifications allowed).
    • Internal reliability work.
    • Aftermarket extractors and pins may be used.
    • Internal accuracy work.
    • Replacement of barrel with one of factory configuration and appearance that uses the original cartridge.
    • Plastic plugs may be used to fill the opening behind the magazine well.
    • Custom finishes may be applied.
    • Exterior parts may be refinished.
    • Slides may be engraved. Engraving is defined as etching into the slide of logos, letters, and graphics no deeper than the original factory logos.
    • Stippling and texturing may be performed on readily replaceable parts of the grip frame such as replaceable back straps and replaceable grip panels.
    • Aftermarket magazines may be used provided they do not weigh more than 1.00 oz. over the same capacity factory magazine.
    • Aftermarket magazine base pads may be used provided they do not make the magazine weight more than 1.00 oz. over the same capacity factory magazine.
    • Magazine base pads may be modified by reshaping, texturing, or adding bumper pads provided that they do not make the magazine weigh more than 1.00 oz. over the same capacity factory magazine.
    • Magazines that are longer than stock may be used provided they meet all other division requirements.

SSP Excluded Modifications (Non-Inclusive list):

    • Externally visible modifications other than those listed in the Permitted Modifications section.
    • Aftermarket or visibly modified magazine releases, slide stops, safety levers, de-cocking levers, and hammers.
    • Robar-style grip reduction.
    • Add-on magazine well opening.
    • Slide inserts to accommodate a different recoil assembly design.
    • A barrel that uses a different cartridge that is not offered in the original factory model.
    • Customization of the slide by adding front cocking serrations, tri-top, carry melts, and high power cuts.
    • Compensated/ported firearms with non-compensated/ported barrels installed.
    • Checkering or stippling on non-readily replaceable parts of the grip frame.
    • Aftermarket slides.
    • Removing material from the magazine well opening.
    • Aftermarket grip tang extensions or beavertails.
    • Special parts that are available installed only from a factory custom shop are not eligible in SSP.

Handguns Permitted For Use In ESP MUST:

    • Be semi-automatic.
    • Use 9 mm (9x19) or larger cartridges.
    • The unloaded firearm with the heaviest magazine must weigh 43.00 oz. or less.
    • The firearm with the largest magazine inserted must fit in the IDPA gun test box measuring 8 ¾” x 6” x 1 5/8”.
    • Firearms originally sold as compensated/ported models may be used in ESP with noncompensated/ported barrels installed.

Start Condition:

    • Single action only firearms will start with the hammer cocked and the safety engaged.
    • Selective DA/SA firearms may start cocked and locked or de-cocked, at the shooter’s discretion.
    • DA, DAO, or striker fired firearms with a de-cocking lever or button will be de-cocked using the lever or button.
    • DA, DAO, or striker-fired firearms may have a manual safety engaged at the shooter’s discretion.

ESP Permitted Modifications:

ESP Excluded Features and Modifications (Non-Inclusive list)

    • Trigger shoes.

Handguns Permitted For Use In CDP MUST:

    • Be semi-automatic.
    • Use .45 ACP cartridges.
    • Weigh 43.00 oz. or less unloaded, with the heaviest magazine inserted.
    • Fit in the IDPA gun test box measuring 8 ¾” x 6” x 1 5/8” with the largest magazine inserted.
    • Firearms originally sold as compensated/ported models may be used in CDP with noncompensated/ported barrels installed.

Start Condition:

    • Single action only firearms will start cocked and locked. (hammer cocked, safety engaged).
    • Selective DA/SA firearms will start cocked and locked or de-cocked. This is at the shooter’s discretion, including firearms using the SSP into CDP rule.
    • DA, DAO, or striker fired firearms with a de-cocking lever or button will be de-cocked using the lever or button.
    • DA, DAO, or striker-fired firearms may have a manual safety engaged at the shooter’s discretion.

CDP Permitted Features and Modifications (Inclusive list):

    • Sights may be changed to another notch and post type. Slides may be machined to accept different style sights.
    • Grips may be changed provided they do not weigh more than 2.00 oz. more than the factory standard weight for that model.
    • A slip-on grip sock and/or grip tape, skateboard tape, etc. tape may be used.
    • Robar-style grip reduction.
    • Action work may be used to enhance trigger pull as long as safety is maintained.
    • Reliability work.
    • Aftermarket extractors and pins may be used.
    • Internal accuracy work.
    • Replacement barrels of factory configuration in .45 ACP.
    • Plastic plugs may be used to fill the opening behind the magazine well.
    • Aftermarket triggers and trigger work that result in the trigger being forward or rearward from the stock trigger position.
    • Externally visible trigger over travel stops.
    • Hammer and other trigger action parts to enhance trigger pull.
    • Checkering, serrating, and stippling.
    • Reshape trigger guard.
    • Extended and/or ambidextrous thumb safety.
    • Extended beavertail grip safety.
    • Ambidextrous or right side magazine releases.
    • Extended, trimmed, and/or ambidextrous slide releases.
    • Heavy or cone style barrels on firearms with barrel lengths of 4.25” or less.
    • Recoil spring guide rods and dual spring recoil systems made of material that is no heavier than stainless steel.
    • Slide inserts to accommodate a different recoil assembly design.
    • Modification of the magazine well and add-on well extensions.
    • Custom finishes and engraving may be applied.
    • Aftermarket slide cover plates.
    • Slide checkering, serrating, engraving, and other machining. Grip tang extensions or beavertails.
    • Swenson style thumb shields and frame mounted thumb shields.
    • Aftermarket safeties.
    • Aftermarket magazine base pads may be used provided they do not make the magazine weight more than 1½ oz. over the same capacity factory magazine.
    • Magazine base pads may be modified by reshaping, texturing, or adding bumper pads provided that they do not make the magazine weigh more than 1½ oz. over the same capacity factory magazine.
    • Magazines that are longer than stock may be used provided they meet all other division requirements.

CDP Excluded Features and Modifications (Non-Inclusive list):

    • Trigger shoes.

Handguns Permitted For Use In CCP MUST:

    • Be semi-automatic.
    • Use 9 mm (9x19) or larger cartridges.
    • Barrel length 4 ⅜” or less.
    • The unloaded firearm with the heaviest magazine must weigh 38.00 oz. or less.
    • The firearm with the largest magazine inserted must fit in the IDPA gun test box measuring 7 ¾” x 5 ⅜” x 1 ⅜”.
    • Handguns, associated modifications, restrictions, holsters, magazine carriers, calibers, start condition, and division capacity shall be compliant with ESP Division requirements, except as noted or restricted in items above.

Start Condition

    • Single action only firearms will start cocked and locked. (Hammer cocked, safety engaged).
    • Selective DA/SA firearms may start cocked and locked or de-cocked, at the shooter’s discretion.
    • DA, DAO, or striker fired firearms with a de-cocking lever or button will be de-cocked using the lever or button.
    • DA, DAO, or striker-fired firearms may have a manual safety engaged at the shooter’s discretion.

Revolvers will be categorized into one of the two following sub-categories:

Stock Revolver or Enhanced Revolver

Stock Revolver Handguns Permitted For Use Must Be:

    • Any revolver that uses .38 Special or larger cartridges with a rimmed case and is not loaded with moon clips.
    • The unloaded firearm must weigh 43.00 oz. or less.

Enhanced Revolver Handguns Permitted For Use Must Be:

    • Any revolver that uses .357 magnum or larger cartridges with rimmed or rimless cases.
    • The unloaded firearm must weigh 50.00 oz. or less.
    • May be loaded via speed loader or full moon clip.

Stock and Enhanced Revolver Requirements:

    • The use of trimmed (shortened) ammunition is not allowed.
    • Ammunition used must match the cartridge listed on the firearm with the following exceptions:
      • .38 Special in .357 Magnum.
      • .44 Special in .44 Magnum
      • .45 Auto Rim or .45 GAP in .45 ACP.
      • .45 ACP or .45 GAP in .45 Colt.
      • .40 S&W in 10mm.
    • Barrel length must be 4 ¼” or less.
    • Revolvers must be loaded to the division capacity of 6 rounds in the cylinder. Higher capacity 7 and 8 round revolvers are permitted, but may only load 6 rounds.

Stock and Enhanced Revolver Permitted Modifications (Inclusive list):

    • Sights may be changed to another notch and post type. The frame and barrel may be machined to accept different style sights.
    • Action work to enhance trigger pull as long as safety is maintained (smoothing the trigger face, removing the hammer spur, use of over travel stop, conversion to DA only and addition of ball detent are considered action work and are permitted).
    • Grips may be changed to another style or material that is similar to factory configuration.
    • Grip tape, skateboard tape, etc. may be used.
    • Cylinder latches may be changed to another factory offering from the firearm manufacturer.
    • Chamfer the rear of the chambers.
    • Shortening of factory barrels.
    • Re-barreling to another factory offering for that model.
    • Firearms converted to accept moon clips may be used in Stock Revolver provided moon clips are not used.
    • Custom finishes.

Enhanced Revolver Additional Permitted Modifications (Inclusive list):

    • Cylinder latches may be modified or replaced, but may not protrude past the frame in any direction and may not be thicker than 3/8" as measured from the side plate of the frame.
    • Conversion to accept moon clips.

Stock and Enhanced Revolver Excluded Modifications (Non-Inclusive list):

    • Oversize or heavy barrels.
    • The maximum grip dimensions allowed are: 5.00” maximum height, measured from the bottom of the hammer opening in the frame to the bottom of the grip, 2 3/8” maximum depth, 1 5/8” maximum width.

The Backup Gun division is a required division for Tier 1 matches and is an optional in Tier 2 – Tier 5 matches at the Match Director’s discretion, BUG is reported as a single division.

Handguns permitted for use in BUG are categorized into one of the following sub-categories:

    • Semi-Automatic BUG. or Revolver BUG.
    • Other Special Sub-Categories as defined by the MD.

Semi-Automatic BUG (BUG-S)
Handguns permitted for use in BUG-S must:

    • Be semi-automatic.
    • Be single action, double action, double action only, or striker fired.
    • Use .380 ACP or larger cartridges.
    • Barrel length of 3 ½” or less.
    • he unloaded firearm with the heaviest magazine must weigh 26 oz. or less.
    • The firearm with the largest magazine inserted must fit in the IDPA gun test box measuring 6 ½” x 4 ⅝” x 1 ⅜”.

Start Condition:

    • Single action only firearms will start cocked and locked. (hammer cocked, safety engaged).
    • Selective DA/SA firearms will start cocked and locked or de-cocked at the shooter’s discretion.
    • When de-cocking is desired, firearms with a de-cocking lever or button will be de-cocked using the lever or button.
    • When de-cocking is desired, if the hammer must be lowered by pulling the trigger and manually lowering the hammer, the hammer will be lowered to the lowest position possible.
    • Shooters will start with 1 round in the chamber and 5 rounds in the magazine.

BUG-S Permitted Features and Modifications: Semi-automatic BUG must comply with all ESP features and modifications, and equipment restrictions.

Revolver BUG (BUG-R)
Handguns permitted for use in BUG-R must be:

    • Any revolver that uses .38 or larger cartridges with a rimmed case and is not loaded with moon clips.
    • The use of trimmed (shortened) ammunition is not allowed.
    • Barrel length of 2 ½” or less.
    • The unloaded firearm must weigh 26 oz. or less.
    • Be loaded to the division capacity of no more than 5 rounds in the cylinder.
    • The firearm must fit in the IDPA gun test box measuring 6 ½" x 4 ⅝" x 1 ⅜".

Revolver BUG Modifications: Revolver BUG must comply with all Stock Revolver features and modifications, and equipment restrictions.

Handguns Permitted:

    • Handguns, associated modifications, restrictions, holsters, magazine carriers, calibers, start condition, and division capacity shall be compliant with ESP Division requirements, except as it relates to sights, lasers and overall weight.
    • Maximum weight including empty magazine will not exceed 45 ounces.
    • Firearms used in this division must be equipped with an optical sight system in order to compete this division.

Optics suitable for this division fall under two categories with different restrictions on how they are mounted to the firearm.

    • Passive: These include Miniature Red Dot and Reflex sights suitable for concealed every day carry (EDC). They project or reflect a dot onto the optic. Passive Optics (MRDS) must be attached directly to upper between rear of upper and ejection port.
    • Active: These are Red or Green LASER sights that project a dot onto the target. Active LASER sights are permitted to be mounted on the frame of the firearm. Typical locations can be the rail or the pistol grip.

Pistol Caliber Carbine is a specialty division within IDPA. This Appendix governs PCC in IDPA matches and supersedes current rules relating to start condition, position, function and range commands. PCC may be included in IDPA matches at the discretion of a match director who will then be governed by this set of rules.*

Pistol Caliber Carbine Low Capacity (PCC 10) is a subdivision within the PCC division. PCC 10 may be offered in any match including the PCC division. PCC 10 was developed to accommodate matches in areas with 10 round magazine restrictions, or for match directors to accommodate shooters from those areas with restricted laws. If PCC division is included in a match, then PCC standard division capacity (30 rounds) is required unless legally restricted.

*Note: Match directors may be required to lower the magazine and division capacity to comply with State or local laws. In these cases the MD is required to publish this announcement ahead of a match.

All references to “strong hand” and “weak hand” in the current edition of the rule book apply to PCC as follows:

    • Strong Hand will require the PCC to be shouldered on the strong hand side, trigger pulled with the strong hand. Both hands may be on the gun.
    • Weak Hand will require the PCC to be shouldered on the weak side, trigger pulled with the weak hand. Both hands may be on the gun. This applies to the Classifier and all CoFs.

Rifles permitted for use in PCC must*:

    • Be semi-automatic.
    • Use 9 mm, .357 Sig, .40 S&W, 10mm, and .45 ACP pistol caliber cartridges.
    • Designed to be fired from the shoulder and have a shoulder stock installed.

*Note: All references to “firearm” in the current edition of the rule book are deemed to apply to PCC as well, except where PCC is noted in the rules or this appendix.

The PCC firearm must be semiautomatic, and must operate with one trigger pull to fire one round. Variants that allow other firing options may not be used in PCC.

Start Condition: Firearms will start hammer or striker cocked and safety engaged; held at the low ready position unless otherwise specified in the written stage description.
Start Positions:

    • No starts with the firearm facing up range.
    • Default position is facing downrange at Low Ready (this is off hand with the muzzle oriented downward at the base of a target or 45 degrees). Finger clearly visibly outside of the trigger guard.

Stage descriptions may also include other variants:

    • May be loaded or unloaded.
    • Table starts (same as pistol when possible).
    • If a prop uses something that PCC will not fit, then lay the rifle on top or nearby the prop as safety permits.
    • Facing walls or barricades, a mark at 3’ above the ground perpendicular to the prop is used.
    • Must be the same for all divisions in the stage.

Safety

    • Except at the safe area, or when under the supervision and direct command of a SO, shooters must carry their pistol caliber carbine with detachable magazines removed.
    • Competitors must use a chamber safety flag when uncased, or clear chamber device, that is externally visible when transporting from to the range or stage to stage.
    • Un-cased pistol caliber carbines must be held in the hands with the firearm vertical. Match Directors may require this to be "vertically upwards" or "vertically downwards" providing this is made clear to all competitors prior to the match. Slings may be used, provided the firearm clearly has a chamber flag and the muzzle is oriented in the vertical position at all times when not in use during a stage.
    • In certain cases, a MD can choose to combine PCC and handgun into a single COF. Additional safety considerations may be included for these stages in order to maintain safe gun handling practices.
    • Competitors may not be required to holster a loaded pistol on the clock in multi-gun stages. Use common sense and consider all of the competitors that will be shooting at the event. In stages where both pistol and PCC are utilized by competitors, the pistol gear requirements remain the same for competitors. (EG: Holsters, reloads, concealment etc.) PCC requirements are included in this appendix.

PCC Permitted Features and Modifications (Inclusive list):

    • Sights: Iron, optical, and electronic sights are permitted.
    • Lights and Lasers: Permitted and allowed for use.
    • Muzzle Devices: Flash hiders, compensators, and muzzle brakes are permitted.
    • Action work may be used to enhance trigger pull as long as safety is maintained.
    • Reliability work.
    • Internal accuracy work.
    • Externally visible trigger over travel stops.
    • Checkering, serrated, and stippling.
    • Extended and/or ambidextrous safety.
    • Ambidextrous magazine releases.
    • Extended, trimmed, and/or ambidextrous bolt releases.
    • Custom finishes and engraving may be applied.
    • Aftermarket safeties.
    • Aftermarket magazine base pads may be used. Weight may exceed one ounce.
    • Grip enhancements on both the fore grip and pistol grips.

PCC Excluded Features and Modifications (Non-Inclusive list):

    • Removing butt stock
    • Firearms not designed for use with a buttstock (for example: AR pistols with Sig Brace or equivalent)
    • Monopods, Bipods and Tripods
    • Drum or coupled magazines
    • Division Capacity PCC: Maximum is 30 rounds per magazine. Shooters are allowed to load magazines with less than 30 rounds at their choosing. Shooters may use lower capacity magazines on stages in lieu of 30 round magazines.
    • Division Capacity PCC 10: Maximum is 10 rounds per magazine.

PCC Gear: Shooters may optionally choose to place additional magazines in pouches to carry with them while shooting stages. If they choose to use magazine pouches, them may not place more than 2 on their belt which must be worn behind the hip bone as in pistol divisions. Optionally, shooters may carry magazines in pockets that are below the belt or stowed inside the waistband.

    • Concealment garments: Concealment garments are optional for PCC shooters.

Official Division Equipment Appendix

You Can Download The Current Version Here