“IPSC” = International Practical Shooting Confederation

A brief overview...
Shot in over 40 countries worldwide, full power firearms are used to compete in ever changing and extremely challenging courses of fire.

Firstly, Safety – IPSC matches are designed, constructed and conducted with the utmost consideration to safety.
Eye and ear protection are worn at all times by all persons while on the range premises.
The firearm must be pointed in a safe direction at ALL times.
Due to the nature of IPSC you will always be under the direct control of the Range Officer. The “RO” – issues range commands, oversees competitor compliance and closely monitors safe competitor action.
Except when the competitor is actually aiming or shooting at targets, all movement must be accomplished with the fingers visibly outside the trigger guard and the safety should be engaged.

Things that you will hear discussed on the range are…
Accuracy, Power and Speed are equivalent elements of IPSC shooting.
Diversity – IPSC shooting challenges are diverse. There are new courses for each match and matches are freestyle. Competitors are permitted to solve the challenge presented in a freestyle manner, and to shoot targets on an "as and when visible" basis.

The minimum cartridge to be used in IPSC matches is 9 X 19 mm.
Power Factor = bullet weight (grains) x average velocity (feet per second) minimum PF is 125

IPSC in New Zealand recognize 4 Divisions to cater for different firearms and equipment. These are Open, Standard, Production & Revolver.

Scoring "Comstock" – Unlimited time stops on the last shot, unlimited number of shots to be fired, stipulated number of hits per target to count for score.
Scoring "Virginia Count" – Unlimited time stops on the last shot, limited number of shots to be fired, stipulated number of hits per target to count for score.

Match Disqualification – Accidental Discharge, Unsafe Gun Handling, Unsportsmanlike Conduct.

This is a very brief and incomplete overview of the sport of IPSC shooting.
Checkout the IPSC website for more information.

Pistol Endorsement

All information and application forms relating to firearms safety and licencing is available on the New Zealand Police website.
To be taken to the NZ Police website, please click HERE.

In essence, you need to obtain your ordinary licence (A Cat), then join a Pistol Club.

If your application to join is successful, the Pistol Club will place you into a "Probationary" member status where you will need to undergo 12 visits to the club in a 6 month period.

During this time the club will be observing your safety, listening skills, how you interact and work with others etc etc.
Once the 12 visits in 6 months has been done, you will then be able to undergo the requirements of obtaining your B Cat endorsement. (refer NZ Police website above for full details).
The club will also provide information to the Arms Officer endorsing your application if they perceive you have met the requirements.

Once your B Cat has been obtained, you are then required to attend your club for 12 visits over the financial year in order to retain that endorsement.
Porirua Pistol works closely in monitoring all members attendances and provides a quarterly report to the local Arms Officer outlining the status of all members.