In USPSA and SCSA shooting matches, divisions group competitors according to the type of firearm and equipment they use, with each division governed by a consistent set of equipment rules. Depending on the discipline, there are several divisions, each designed around specific firearm configurations and modifications.
Whether you shoot a factory-stock handgun, a pistol equipped with optics, or a highly customized competition firearm, there is a division for nearly every commercially available semi-automatic pistol-caliber firearm. This division structure allows competitors to compete on a level playing field while encouraging participation from shooters of all experience levels and equipment preferences.
* For detailed shooting sports division requirements, see the division rules on the USPSA and SCSA sites.
Rimfire
Rimfire Pistol - .22-caliber, low-cost, off-the-shelf ammunition, fast shooting, semi-automatic, and simple to operate. This group supports iron and red dot optical sights.
Rimfire Pistol - .22-caliber
Rimfire Rifle - .22-caliber, low-cost, off-the-shelf ammunition, fast shooting, semi-automatic and simple to operate. This group supports iron sights and red dot optics.
Rimfire Rifle - .22-caliber
Rimfire pistols and rifles are used in Steel Challenge (SCSA) but not USPSA competitions. Rimfire pistols and rifles are lower cost, lower recoil and a great way to get started in the sport.
Customized High Performance
Open
Open Division - These are race guns that are allowed the most modifications and high-performance options. Equipment is designed with speed in mind: double-stack large-capacity magazines, slide rackers, compensators, red dot optical sights mounted to the frame, and high-speed holsters. Most competitors reload custom ammo tuned for their guns.
Limited
Limited - This division allows for many customized modifications, including magazine wells, slide cuts, thumb rests, and frame and grip modifications. All limited division guns must use iron sights only and no compensators. This division is very popular for iron sight shooters who want to shoot with larger capacity magazines.
Limited 10 - This division is similar to Limited but restricts each magazine to ten rounds under USPSA competition. Limited 10 division is popular in states where there are limits on the number of rounds in a magazine.
Limited Optics - This division adds a Red Dot Sight mounted to the Slide behind the ejection port and scores using Minor Power Factor. Compensators and barrel ports are not allowed, keeping it distinct from Open. This division bridges Limited and Carry Optics, with magazine lengths and gun modifications similar to those of Limited.
See https://uspsa.org for the latest updates.
Traditional Classic
Revolver
Revolver - This involves the use of a classic-style wheel gun that uses a cylinder and hammer. The Revolver division uses iron sights, with a maximum of six or eight rounds, in USPSA competition. Advanced competitors use ammo holders called moon clips and speed loaders to facilitate fast loading and unloading from the cylinder.
Single Stack 1911
Single Stack 1911 - This is for classic-style pistols that follow the original 1911 design by John Browning. It is focused on traditional shooting skill rather than race-gun performance. Competitors use iron sights and may shoot a maximum of eight or ten rounds per magazine in USPSA competitions.
Stock
Production
Production - This division uses iron sights (see USPSA Production List for models and weights). Factory guns compete against other factory guns, which is an inexpensive option and a viable place to get started in competitive shooting. Production allows for fewer modifications, so many new competitors start here, as they often already own something that qualifies. USPSA competitions have a limit of fifteen rounds per magazine in this division.
Carry Optics
Carry Optics - This includes the use of Production guns with red dot optical sights (see the USPSA Production list for models). The Carry Optics division is popular for red dot shooters who want to compete with larger capacity magazines. Power factor scoring is Minor only.
Rifles Using Pistol Calibers
PCC - uses pistol-caliber carbines with larger-capacity magazines and iron or optical sights, and the guns can be highly customized and very fast. It is one of the newer USPSA divisions, added alongside the optics divisions such as Limited Optics.
Power factor by division: Major scoring is available in Open, Limited, Limited 10, Single Stack, and Revolver. Production, Carry Optics, Limited Optics, and PCC are scored Minor only.
Division Groups FAQ
What is a division group in practical shooting?
A division group organizes competitors by the type of equipment they use, so shooters with similar guns and modifications compete on a level playing field. The five groups are Rimfire, Customized High Performance, Traditional Classic, Stock, and Rifles Using Pistol Calibers. Depending on the type of competition, there are several specific divisions within each of the groups.
How are USPSA and SCSA divisions different?
Both USPSA and SCSA group competitors by equipment, but they run different match formats. Rimfire, for example, is used in Steel Challenge (SCSA) but not in USPSA competition.
Which division is best for a beginner?
Many new competitors start in a Stock-style division such as Production or Carry Optics, because those use factory or lightly modified guns. That keeps costs down and lets you focus on fundamentals before investing in a race gun.
Can I use a pistol-caliber carbine?
Yes. Pistol-caliber carbines compete in the PCC division within the Rifles Using Pistol Calibers group. They use larger-capacity magazines and can run iron sights or optics.