USPSA Division Equipment Discussions (2023 Edition)

Per USPSA bylaw 16.2 Competition Equipment Rules Modifications, there is a specific outline as well as timeline that must be followed. At the end of last year, there were two current division rule surveys that were available for the membership to participate in. Following the 16.2 timeline, these are still under consideration.

ALLOWING THE USE OF OPTICS IN THE USPSA LIMITED 10 DIVISION

In order to stay current with trends in the shooting sports landscape, the USPSA board is contemplating the inclusion of optics in the Limited 10 division. Such a move could potentially attract a more diverse group of competitors from different shooting sports and stimulate increased participation in this division. The introduction of optics to the Limited 10 division could serve as a comprehensive platform for competitors who wish to use firearms that aren't catered to in other divisions. This inclusion would efficiently address the requests for dedicated optics divisions for revolvers and single stack firearms. It would allow these specific firearms to compete within the Limited 10 division without requiring any changes to the existing Revolver and Single Stack divisions. This proposal would allow the addition of optics, mounted either on the frame or slide, while maintaining all other equipment rules associated with the Limited 10 division.

Although there are plausible benefits of allowing optics in the Limited 10 division, USPSA must also contemplate the possible drawbacks. These may include the requirement to reclassify shooters or the risk of discouraging traditionalist shooters who have a preference for iron sights. A comprehensive analysis of the potential impacts of such a change is necessary to ensure the sport retains its fairness and competitiveness, and continues to draw a diverse range of shooters. The decision to introduce optics to the Limited 10 division must be approached with due care, and initiating a period of testing and community feedback would be the first step. As USPSA explores these considerations, it must remain mindful of the sport's primary objective: to provide a safe and fair arena to test competitors' speed, power and accuracy.

Survey Questions for Limited 10

1. Allow the use of optics in Limited 10, maintaining all other equipment rules in the division a) Yes b) No

2. Make no changes to the Limited 10 division a) Yes b) No

3. The Board should consider eliminating Limited 10 as a division a) Yes b) No

USPSA PRODUCTION DIVISION CAPACITY

1. Leave the current equipment ruleset for Production division capacity at 10 rounds unchanged:

• Consider the reasons for the current ruleset and whether it has been effective in achieving the desired objectives.
• Evaluate any feedback or concerns from participants or stakeholders about the current ruleset.
• Assess if there have been any significant changes in the industry or competitive landscape that might warrant a change in the ruleset.

2. Increase the capacity for Production division to 15 rounds:

• Consider the reasons for the proposed increase in capacity and whether it aligns with the goals and objectives of the division.
• Evaluate the potential impact of the increased capacity on the competitiveness and fairness of the division.
• Take into account any feedback or input from participants or stakeholders regarding the proposed change.
• Consider how this will affect current classification in the division and necessary High Hit Factor adjustments on certain classifiers.

3. Restrict the capacity for Production division based on firearm and empty magazine dimensions:

• Evaluate the feasibility and enforceability of such a restriction.
• Consider whether this restriction aligns with the goals and objectives of the division, such as promoting a level playing field or maintaining a specific competitive environment.
• Assess any potential impact on participant experience, availability of equipment or potential loopholes that could arise from this restriction.
• Consider how this will affect current classification in the division and necessary High Hit Factor adjustments on certain classifiers.

The Survey Question for Production Division Capacity

1. Should the current equipment ruleset for Production division capacity be left unchanged at 10 rounds? a) Yes b) No

2. Should the capacity for Production division be increased to 15 rounds? a) Yes b) No

3. Should the capacity for Production division be restricted by the firearm and empty magazine required to fit the current division's rule set box dimensions? a) Yes b) No

Ultimately, the decision should be based on the specific needs, goals and feedback of the organization’s members, as well as the impact and implications of each option. Please take a few moments to participate in the surveys.

Survey Questions for USPSA Limited Optics

It is the intent of the Board to monitor the participation of the provisional Limited Optics division throughout 2023 through activity and membership surveys.

1. Did you join USPSA after Limited Optics became a provisional division?

2. Have you competed in a match since May 1 in Limited Optics?

3. Were you competing in a different division before May 1? If so what division?

4. Did your current firearm not meet the requirements of Carry Optics so you competed in Open division before May 1?

5. Did you make any modifications to your Carry Optics approved firearm? If so, what was that modification to your firearm?

6. Did you make any adjustments or changes to your gear (holster/pouches, etc.) in order to compete in Limited Optics? If so what were the adjustments or changes to your gear?

7. Did you make modifications to a Limited division firearm to compete in Limited Optics?

8. Did you purchase a new firearm to compete in the provisional Limited Optics division?

9. Who is the manufacturer of your Limited Optics firearm?

10. If you have not competed in Limited Optics, would you do so if the scoring was Major and Minor (the same as Limited division)?

11. If you have competed in Limited Optics, do you think that the scoring should remain Minor only? Or do you think that the scoring should be Major and Minor (the same as Limited division)?

Article from the September/October 2023 issue of USPSA’s magazine.