r/canadaguns • u/Final_Birthday2205 • Aug 19 '26
Competitions/matches IPSC - Getting Started
Hey guys!
I have been looking to get started in IPSC. I contacted an instructor at my club, however I am unsure what the next steps are to get my Black Badge, or if the instructors at my range even offer the ability to conduct that course.
I plan on borrowing a friend’s Glock 44, however I am aware I need a range belt, magazine pouches, and a holster. On the candidate page it mentions the holster cannot have a index finger release, does this mean retention holsters are not allowed? Even if they utilize a thumb flip system instead of an index finger button?
What other equipment is required besides the basic range garb (ear defenders, eye protection, etc).
Also, if you have any recommendations on what equipment to buy i’d greatly appreciate it! I am trying to do this on a budget as a university student, so I don’t wanna break the bank, some OWN holsters i’ve seen from big names like Safariland are upwards of $190…
Cheers (:
1
u/lordoffire on Aug 19 '26
To get started, you’ll need to take a Black Badge course - check with your club, clubs around you or the Black Badge coordinator (https://www.ipsc-ont.org/wordpress/?page_id=410). You cannot participate in IPSC matches without passing a proper Black Badge course.
For the course, you’ll need equipment that actually works for one of the IPSC divisions (AFAIK a .22LR handgun is not one of them). Minimum handgun caliber is 9mm, I’m not sure if a Black Badge course will let you use a .22 semi auto rifle (which is allowed in the mini-rifle division).
Gear wise, I’d say start out simple - something like a Blade Tech holster, an inner/outer belt and open mag pouches (I’ve been using the belt and pouches from Krydex). Ear/eye protection.
Everything else you’ll figure out as you see other folks participate (for instance I just got myself a stroller to lug around my gear after 6 months of just carrying everything in my range backpack).
I just started my IPSC journey at the end of last year, after 2-3 years of looking for a BB course that would work for me, happy to help with any questions based on my newbie experience!