IPSC HANDGUN
PISTOLS & REVOLVERS
The range of GECO handgun cartridges has been continuously expanded and consistently tailored to meet the needs of shooters. A diverse portfolio of cartridges is now available for static and dynamic shooting, hunting and self-defence.
With 13 calibres and 10 different types of bullets, GECO’s range of handgun cartridges can always provide you with the perfect product, whatever the scenario. IPSC shooters benefit from an extensive selection of excellent GECO handgun and small calibre ammunition. They are ideally suited to a variety of IPSC disciplines. Besides offering perfect value for money!
OPEN DIVISION
This is the Formula 1 division featuring particularly expensive, high-powered competition pistols with single action triggers, extra-long 170 mm magazines and capacities of up to 28 cartridges, reflex sights and compensator systems. There are no restrictions in regard to trigger pull, provided that safety and reliable firearm functions are guaranteed at all times. The major power factor is at least 160, the minor power factor at least 125.
The minimum ratings for bullet calibre, case length and bullet weight are 9 mm, 19 mm and 120 Grains, so the typical calibres tend to be 9mm Luger (9x19), 9x21 IMI, .38 Super Auto, .38 Super Comp, .38 Super Rimless or 9x23 Winchester.
Standard DIVISION
This division predominantly features single action pistols in .40 Smith & Wesson calibre with double-stack magazine, 5"/127 mm barrel and mechanical sights, which must fit empty into a case measuring 225 mm in length x 150 mm in height x 45 mm in width with the magazine inserted, cocked and locked. But the past has shown that titles are also up for grabs with the moderate shooting properties of the minor calibre 9 mm Luger. There are no restrictions on trigger pull in this division, either.
The major power factor is at least 170, the minor power factor at least 125 points. With a view to the major score and its positive impact on the number of points, the lowest possible calibre is 10 mm (.40), which is why .40 S&W shells are considered the gold standard.
Classic DIVISION
“Back to the roots!”: this IPSC handgun division is home to the classic Colt Government of 1911-A1 in all its current diversity of makes/models with single-stack magazine, a 5”/127 mm barrel and mechanical sights. Designed by John M. Browning, the classic was the preferred tool even in the earliest days of IPSC’s history. There are no restrictions in regard to trigger pull.
The major power factor is at least 170, the minor power factor at least 125 points. With a view to the major score and its positive impact on the number of points, the lowest possible calibre is 10 mm (.40), which is why shooters pick 9 mm Luger, .40 S&W or .45 ACP rounds. The case size rules outlined above for the Standard Division also apply to Classic Division pistols.
Production DIVISION
The division with the most participants is dominated by typical 9 mm Luger service pistols à la Beretta 92 FS, CZ 75, Glock G17, Heckler & Koch SFP-9, SIG Sauer P226 or Walther PPQ with mechanical sights. Here as well, though, specialised materials are becoming increasingly advanced so that, for instance, a heavy all-steel match pistol featuring plenty of extras – e.g. as the CZ Shadow 2, SIG Sauer X-Five Allround, Phoenix Redback, Tanfoglio Stock III Xtreme or Walther Q5 Steel Frame – have stepped firmly beyond the realms of a simple “duty pistol”.
The otherwise standard classification according to major/minor calibre and corresponding rating does not apply in this case, so only a minor power factor of 125 is used. It is achieved with commercially available 9 mm Luger factory ammunition shot from typical barrel lengths. The rules prescribe a minimum trigger pull of 1,360 Grams (3 lbs) and a barrel length of no more than 5”/127 mm. Incidentally, the trigger pull was just recently reduced from 2,270 Grams (5 lbs) to 1,360 Grams (3 lbs) according to international regulations. This took place during the trial introduction of the new Production Optics and Production Optics firearm divisions.
Only 15 rounds can be loaded, irrespective of the actual magazine capacity. Minor modifications are permitted. All approved firearms are entered in the continuously updated IPSC Production Division List.
Production Optics DIVISION
The two new pistol divisions of Production Optics and Production Optics Light were introduced – initially on a trial basis until the end of 2021 – at the 42nd IPSC General Assembly in September 2018 to reflect current trends and preferences in the world of firearms. But it is reasonable to assume that at least the Production Optics Division will be included in the rulebooks on a permanent basis.
German Championships in these new firearm divisions were held in 2018 (only Production Optics), 2019 and 2020. Approved pistols entered in the IPSC Production Division List are used in Production Optics, although only with the increasingly popular miniature red dot sights on the rear top of the breechblock and not mechanical sights.
The mini red dot sight (MRDS) can be mounted either using an adapter for the factory sights port, factory interfaces – as featured on the Glock M.O.S. models and the Optical Ready (OR) versions of the CZ Shadow 2 or Walther Q5 Steel Frame – or, as stated in the most recent rule changes, also by milling a matching window notch into the slide.
Typical production metrics: Calibre 9mm Luger, 5“/127 mm barrel length, minimum trigger pull 1,360 Grams.
Production Optics Light Division
The further breakdown into Production Optics and Production Optics Light is to ensure equal opportunities for contestants. After all, a heavy all-steel pistol such as the CZ Shadow 2 has a high dead weight and therefore lower recoil and muzzle flip and is hence far easier to control when firing than a light polymer frame pistol such as a Glock G17. The only difference between the two Optics Divisions is the weight limit on the Light division, which dictates that the firearm must not weigh more than 1,000 Grams with reflex sight and empty magazine.
This gun division is therefore aimed primarily at fans of polymer pistols. Here are the production metrics in this case, also: Calibre 9mm Luger, 5“/127 mm barrel length, minimum trigger pull 1,360 Grams.
Revolver DIVISION
The starting field in the Revolver Division is less crowded by comparison, although it is truly amazing how quickly the shooters manage to reload their revolvers with clips or speed loaders. The IPSC Revolver Division is the undisputed home to the richly traditional US manufacturer Smith & Wesson, as their revolvers promise great value for money, have a good factory-fitted double-action trigger and there are countless retrofit/tuning as well as equipment/accessory parts to choose from, especially for this make. Major: 170; Minor: 125 factor points.
Revolvers in the 9 mm Luger and .45 ACP pistol calibres are also popular in this division, as they can be supplied very quickly with fresh rounds using half or full-moon metal clips. Only mechanical sights are permitted, and there are no restrictions on cylinder capacity.
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.
Handgun cartridges
GECO FULL METAL JACKET
Due to its technically simple construction, the FMJ bullet is not expensive to manufacture. It therefore particularly appeals to shooters with high training intensities.
Calibers:
Handgun cartridges
GECO HEXAGON
Modelled on the hollow-point design, the HEXAGON bullet was built for absolute precision and without regard for its expansion properties. This non-expanding bullet thus combines the advantages of the HP design, such as the closed end, with optimal potential for accuracy.
Calibers:
GECO FULL METAL JACKET
GECO HEXAGON
