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PCC Division in IDPA 2020

In 2017, the International Defensive Pistol Association (IDPA) allowed a new Pistol Caliber Carbine Division (PCC).

IDPA has been traditionally known as a defensive pistol competition but has also been known to make amendments to the rule book annually. There are over 25,000 active IDPA members from all 50 states and over 400 affiliated clubs hosting weekly and monthly competitions. IDPA is a shooting sport based on concealed carry and courses of fire are shot using a concealment garment unless stated otherwise. Each course of fire is structured in a way to test and develop sound firearm handling skills and self-defense principles needed in a real world concealed-carry encounter. This new PCC division has IDPA members either loving or hating the new addition to the already 8 different sanctioned Firearms Divisions, bringing the new total to 9 IDPA Divisions.

According to the IDPA’s Fundamental Principles it serves to offer a level playing field for all competitors that solely tests the skill and ability of each individual, not their equipment. Although this may seem a bit disruptive to IDPA it’s just another opportunity for shooters to enhance their concealed carry abilities.

March 2020 USPSA Rule Book

PCC - Appendix B

PCC - Appendix D8

PCC Classifier 

Here is a list of the 2017 IDPA Firearms Divisions:

8.2.1 Stock Service Pistol Division (SSP) 

8.2.2 Enhanced Service Pistol Division (ESP) 

8.2.3 Custom Defensive Pistol Division (CDP) 

8.2.4 Compact Carry Pistol Division (CCP) 

8.2.5 Revolver Division (REV) 

8.2.6.6 Semi-Automatic BUG (BUG-S) 

8.2.6.7 Revolver BUG (BUG-R) 

8.2.7 Pistol Caliber Carbine Division (PCC) 

8.2.8 Not for Competition (NFC) 

10.0- Division Capacity: Maximum is 30 rounds per magazine. Shooters are allowed to load magazines with less than 30 rounds at their choosing. Shooters may use standard size pistol magazines on stages in lieu of 30 round magazines.

8.2.7 Pistol Caliber Carbine Division (PCC) Requirements: Rifles permitted for use in PCC must be semi-automatic and have a minimum barrel length of 10”. Carbines must be designed to be fired from the shoulder and have a butt stock installed. Authorized pistol caliber cartridges include 9mm, .357 Sig, .40 S&W, 10mm, and .45 ACP. Magazine capacity is 30 rounds. Starting condition with PCC is locked and loaded at the low ready, unless otherwise specified on written stage description.

PCC Division Permitted Features and Modifications (Inclusive list):

It’s an “Inclusive list” so that means it includes almost everything and is not necessarily excluding any modifications if they are not listed here.

  • Iron Sights, Optical and Electronic Sights are allowed
  • Lights and Lasers are also authorized
  • Muzzle Devices such as Flash hiders, Compensators and Muzzle Brakes are allowed
  • Action work may be used to enhance trigger pull as long as safety is maintained
  • Reliability work
  • Internal Accuracy work
  • Aftermarket Extractors and pins may be used
  • Aftermarket Triggers and Trigger Work that result in the trigger being forward or rearward from the stock trigger position.
  • Externally visible trigger over travel stops
  • Checkering, serrated and stippling
  • Extended and/or ambidextrous bolt releases
  • Custom finished and engraving may be applied
  • Aftermarket safeties
  • Magazine base pads may be modified by reshaping, texturing, or adding bumper pads.
  • Aftermarket magazine base bumper pads may be used provided they do not make the magazine weight more than 1.00 oz over the same capacity factory magazine.

PCC Division Excluded Features are firearms not designed for use with a butt stock; for example AR pistols with Sig Brace or equivalent. Bipods are not authorized. Butt stock must remain attached to the firearm.

IDPA shooters are divided into six (6) separate Classifications so that shooters may compete against others of like skill. Classifications are as follows: Novice, Marksman, Sharpshooter, Expert, Master, and Distinguished Master. Every IDPA member must shoot their Classifier at least once every twelve months, except Master and Distinguished Master class shooters.

In Match Performance Promotion, the winner of a class at a Sanctioned Match will be promoted to the next higher Classification if that shooter beats nine shooters in that class or any higher class in that Division.

Equity Promotion defines the minimum classification that one can shoot under. It does not apply to PCC, REV or BUG divisions. For example, when Expert becomes a shooter’s new highest semi-auto class, then any semi-auto Classification below Sharpshooter will increase to Sharpshooter. Read section 9.7 of the IDPA rule book for more clarification.

Initial classification for PCC is equal to the highest classification attained by the shooter in any division After December 31, 2017 shooters, must shoot the classifier to maintain their PCC classification. The Classifier must be shot as a single seventy-two (72) round match, shot all in one day. For more information see section 9.9 The Classifier Match in the 2017 IDPA Rulebook.

What’s the problem with PCC in IDPA? Most of the controversy stems from section 1.2.1 Equipment Principles – Allowed equipment will meet the following criteria:

1.2.1.1 Concealable – all equipment except flashlights will be placed so that, when wearing a concealment garment with your arms extended to your sides and parallel to the ground, it cannot be seen from the front, rear, or sides.

1.2.1.2 Practical – Must be practical for all day concealed carry self-defense, and worn in a manner that is appropriate for all day continuous wear.

Regardless of what the rule book says we should all just look at it as an opportunity to improve our carbine skills in defensive situations. Here is the link to the 2017 IDPA Rulebook 

Does USPSA allow Pistol Caliber Carbines??

Pistol Caliber Carbines have been amended to the United States Practical Shooting Association (USPSA) Handgun Competition Rules Since February 2014. The addendum states that all references to “handgun” in the current edition of the rule book are deemed to apply to PCC as well, except where PCC is noted in the rules.

https://www.uspsa.org/uspsa-rules.php

Some special conditions that apply strictly to PCC can be found in the USPSA Handgun Competition Rules – Appendix D8

It states which calibers are permitted, no magazine restrictions, slings are authorized as well as red dot sights, compensators, muzzle breaks or flash hiders. Lasers and flashlights are also permitted.