IPSC Shotgun

FLEXIBLE SHOTGUN FIRE

SHOTGUN FIRE Contestants in dynamic IPSC long rifle shooting can focus on “point shots” from rifled barrels, as well as “scatter shots” using a shotgun with a smooth bore barrel. The shotgun is extremely versatile, especially in terms of compatible ammunition, as it can be fed with shotgun shells, birdshot and buckshot in various grain sizes, as well as slugs.

A quick reloading technique can help to clinch the title in competitions, especially for manual and semi-auto shotguns with tubular magazines. It is impressive to observe how quickly and fluidly the shooters pull several cartridges out of the holders with one hand and feed fresh ammunition into their shotguns while moving around the stage.

SHOTGUN OPEN DIVISION

As a general rule, calibre .20 and an ammunition power of 480 factor points are the minimum for IPSC shotguns. Leaded shotgun ammunition is permitted, provided it does not contravene local environmental regulations. Bismuth shot can also be used, but tungsten and steel shot are only permitted for paper targets and synthetic and frangible targets. Semi-automatic shotguns in 12/70 and 12/76 with box or tubular magazines are predominant in the Open Division and come equipped with reflex sights and compensators. They must not exceed a length of 1,320 mm. Even rotatable and/or multiple magazine tubes as well as weights and other external attachments to reduce recoil are permitted.As a general rule, calibre .20 and an ammunition power of 480 factor points are the minimum for IPSC shotguns. Leaded shotgun ammunition is permitted, provided it does not contravene local environmental regulations. Bismuth shot can also be used, but tungsten and steel shot are only permitted for paper targets and synthetic and frangible targets. Semi-automatic shotguns in 12/70 and 12/76 with box or tubular magazines are predominant in the Open Division and come equipped with reflex sights and compensators. They must not exceed a length of 1,320 mm. Even rotatable and/or multiple magazine tubes as well as weights and other external attachments to reduce recoil are permitted.

SHOTGUN STANDARD DIVISION

One of the specifications for the following two shotgun divisions, “Shotgun Standard” and “Shotgun Manual”, is that they must be mass-produced models running to at least 500 units. Semi-auto shotguns with tubular magazines, the type most commonly used in the Standard Division, must not be fitted with a muzzle attachment. There are no specifications for the bolt system in the Open, Modified and Standard Divisions, so contestants can conceivably take part with a bolt-action shotgun as well, although this would automatically place them at a disadvantage compared to shooters with self-loading models.

SHOTGUN MODIFIED DIVISION

This division is home to semi-automatic shotguns with (extra-long) tubular magazines (box magazines are prohibited), compensators and mechanical sights. Like the shotguns in the Open Division, they must not be longer than 1,320 mm. And while almost everything is allowed in the Open Division, here there are complex rules with detailed regulations concerning the firearm technology. Modifications or additions may be made to the elevator of the magazine tube to facilitate the loading process in “customised shotguns”. But these modifications or additions must not exceed 75 mm in length or protrude more than 32 mm in any direction from the standard frame of the shotgun.

SHOTGUN MANUAL DIVISION

While the Open Division is dominated by self-loading shotguns with quick-change box magazines (Molot Vepr, Franchi SPAS 15) and the Modified and Standard Division by self-loading shotguns with tubular magazines by Benelli, the Shotgun Manual Division is home to classic pump-action shotguns such as the Mossberg 500, Remington 870 or Winchester 1300. If they like, contestants can also line up with a break-barrel shotgun whose two barrels can hold no more than two shells. Other rules apply on the international stage, but national regulations restrict the magazine capacity to 10 shells in all shotgun divisions.

AMMUNITION FOR MATCH WINNERS

GECO is the official ammunition supplier of many past and future major IPSC events such as European and World Championships.

GECO is committed to the world of dynamic sport shooting far beyond its portfolio of specialised ammunition. Besides its organisation of – and committed participation in – many events, the company also provides five top-level IPSC shooters from various European countries with generous support. In addition, GECO provides the name for the prestigious IPSC Level III competition, the GECO Masters in Germany.

Shotshells & slugs

GECO COATED COMPETITION SLUG RED

Experienced shotgun shooters have sworn by the GECO Coated Competition Slug for some time. What’s more, the powder load, velocity and projectile weight are engineered specifically for dynamic shotgun shooting.