And the USPSA rules differences seem to be getting closer with he latest rule book I received this week....
Except the USPSA Production Division rules are much more logical and more importantly are easily enforceable:
(I've coloured the rules I like/agree with/would like to see adopted by IPSC in
red text. (I particularly would like to see #21 adopted; it's also in
bold text)
APPENDIX D4 — Production Division
74 • USPSA Handgun Rules, January 2008 Edition
1 Minimum power factor for Major - Not applicable
2 Minimum power factor for Minor - 125
3 Minimum bullet weight - No
4 Minimum bullet caliber / cartridge case length - .38 cal. / 9x19 mm (0.354” x 0.748”)
5 Minimum bullet caliber for Major - Not applicable
6 Minimum trigger pull - No
7 Maximum size Handgun and all magazines
(revolvers are exempt) - Yes, handgun with empty magazine inserted must fit wholly within a box with internal dimensions of 8 15/16” x 6” x 1 5/8” tolerance +1/16”, -0”) (8.938”x6”x1.625”) (227.01mmx152.40mmx41.28mm)
8 Maximum magazine length - See # 7
9 Maximum ammunition capacity - Yes, maximum 10 rounds loaded in any magazine after the start signal
10 Max. distance of handgun and mags/speed loaders from inner side of belt Handgun and Mags - 2”
11 Rule 5.2.3.1 applies - No
12 Restriction on position of holster and other equipment (revolver speedloaders.moon clips are exempt) - Yes, see Appendix E3
13 Optical/electronic sights permitted - No, notch and post only
14 Installed flashlights permitted - No
15 Compensators permitted - No
16 Barrel ports permitted - No
17 Slide ports permitted - Yes, on factory-original approved models
18 Maximum weight - Yes, 2 ounces over weight listed on approved pistol list
19 Handgun specific approval for Division - Yes - see Special Conditions
20 Holster restrictions
•Suitable for everyday use. “Race gun” type holster prohibited.
•May not be manufactured or cut lower than, and must cover the slide up to, ½” below the ejection port (belt slide “Yaqui” type holster exempt).
•Revolver holsters open no lower than halfway down the cylinder.
APPENDIX D4 — Production Division (Contd.)
.
21 Authorized modifications (Strictly limited to these items and their stated guidelines)
•Internal throating and polishing to improve accuracy,
reliability and function
•Sights – trimmed, adjusted, replaced, colored, or
fiber-optic.
•Slide – refinishing. Milling of slide – only as
required to insert sights.
•After-market slides and barrels – provided they are
the same length, contour, and caliber as original factory
standard.
•Grips – Internal beveling. Checkering, stippling, and
addition of grip tape or grip sleeves. (see Appendix
E4)
•Exchange of minor components (springs, safeties,
slide stops, guide rods).
22 Specifically prohibited
modifications and features
•Prototype and Single-Action-Only handguns.
•Disabling of any external safety or externally operated
safety.
•External modifications or features such as weights or
devices to control or reduce recoil (such as, but not
limited to, thumb rests or components which could be
used as such).
•Grips - Any addition or removal of material which
changes the factory profile or adds function such as
beavertail or thumb rest.
•External plugs (such as Seattle Slug).
•No magwell attachments or external flaring of the
magwell. The lateral width of the well may not be
more than 1/4” wider than the lateral width of the
magazine.
Special conditions:
— Handguns with external hammers must be fully decocked at the start signal.
— Unless specifically authorized above, modifications are prohibited. Except
for Item 7, revolvers are subject to all restrictions above.
— A handgun may be approved and added to the USPSA Approved Production
Handgun List after the NROI Manufacturer’s Declaration form stating that
a minimum of 2000 complete handguns have been manufactured and available
to the general public has been submitted and NROI has inspected the
handgun for compliance.
