How to get started with IPSC dynamic shooting
Complete guide for beginners
Introduction: A sport like no other
IPSC dynamic sport shooting is, in all respects, one of the most complete and mentally stimulating sports that can be practiced with firearms. It is not static target shooting in front of a fixed target: each exercise—called training —it's different from the previous one, it requires you to move, think, plan and shoot with precision, all in the shortest time possible.
Those who try it for the first time often describe the same feeling: a mix of adrenaline, total concentration, and the satisfaction of a shot landing exactly where you wanted it, while you're still moving. It's a sport that's growing every year in Italy, with thousands of competitive shooters registered with the FITDS (Italian Federation of Dynamic Sport Shooting) and hundreds of authorized shooting ranges throughout the country.
If you're curious to understand how it works, where to start, and what you need, this guide is designed just for you.
What is IPSC dynamic shooting: the basics in brief
The IPSC — International Practical Shooting Confederation —is the international federation that regulates this sport in over 100 countries. In Italy, the reference federation is the FITDS (Italian Federation of Dynamic Sports Shooting), recognized by CONI.
The central concept is simple: the shooter must complete a course of fire (training), hitting all the designated targets in the shortest possible time and with maximum precision. The final score for each stage is calculated by dividing the total points by the time required—meaning that speed and precision count equally.
Targets can be paper (the classic eight-sided IPSC silhouettes, with A, C and D zones of different scores), reactive metal targets that fall if hit (popper e flat), or a combination of both. Each stage is different: sometimes you shoot standing, sometimes on your knees, sometimes from behind a barricade, sometimes on the move. It's this variety that makes dynamic shooting so compelling.
The official motto of the IPSC — Diligence, Vis, Celeritas (accuracy, power, speed) — perfectly sums up the balance that every shooter tries to master.
What you need to get started: legal requirements in Italy
Before anything else, to practice dynamic shooting in Italy it is necessary to have a gun license for sporting use Valid. This document is issued by the local police headquarters and authorizes the holder to possess, transport, and use firearms exclusively for sporting activities at authorized ranges.
How to obtain a firearms license for sporting use
The process is bureaucratic but not complicated, and can be undertaken by anyone of legal age, meeting the physical and mental requirements, and with no criminal record. The main steps are:
1. Medical certificate of physical and mental fitness. Issued by the general practitioner (medical history certificate) and confirmed by a qualified certifying physician (typically from the local health authority, military facilities, or the State Police).
2. Certificate of suitability for handling weapons. Mandatory for those who have not served in the military in the last ten years. It is obtained by passing a theoretical and practical exam at a branch of the Tiro a Segno Nazionale (TSN). The course covers firearms regulations, active and passive safety, disassembly and reassembly, and a practical shooting test.
3. Submit the application at the Police Headquarters. With all the documentation gathered (medical certificates, riding permit, ID, photographs, and tax stamps), submit the application to the local Police Headquarters' firearms office. The average processing time is 60 to 90 days.
The license is valid for five years and is renewable.
The FITDS Bronze Level course: mandatory for competing
Once you have obtained the gun license, anyone who wants to compete in official IPSC competitions in Italy must obtain an additional certification specific for dynamic shooting: the FITDS Bronze Level.
This course, held exclusively by federal instructors of level II or III registered with the FITDS register, covers the specific contents of dynamic shooting that the normal gun handling course does not include:
- Specific safety rules for shooting on the move
- IPSC Competition Operation and Procedures
- Holster extraction techniques
- Shooting positions: standing, kneeling, behind a barricade, prone
- First technical notions of target engagement
The course typically lasts two days (theory + practice) and is followed by an exam. Those who pass it receive the FITDS certification which allows them to register for official competitions in the class D (the entry merit class). The cost varies from organization to organization but is generally around 150-180 euros, excluding range fees.
The official website fitds.it contains a list of certified federal instructors and shooting ranges where courses are held.
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IPSC Divisions: Which One to Choose to Get Started
One of the first questions every beginner asks is: “What division do I compete in?” The answer depends on the type of gun you own (or plan to purchase) and how much you want to invest in equipment initially.
The main divisions in the specialty hand gun (gun) there are five:
Production —The most popular division in Italy and the world. Standard-issue weapons are used, without significant modifications, with the first shot required to be fired in double action. Magazines are limited to 15 rounds. Weapons must be on the IPSC-approved list. It's the natural choice for beginners: the investment in equipment is limited, and the competition is fair, based almost exclusively on the shooter's technique.
Production Optics —Like the Production division, but with the addition of a red dot sight mounted on the pistol. This is a rapidly growing division, especially popular with those who struggle with iron sights or want to experiment with optical technology.
Standard — Allows for greater weapon modifications than Production (compensators are not allowed, but magazines can be longer). It is a transitional division towards more advanced levels.
Open —The no-limits division: compensators, red dots, oversized magazines, custom-built competition pistols. It's the "Formula 1" of IPSC. It requires a significant financial investment and is not recommended for beginners.
Classic — Reserved for single-action, 1911-derived pistols. A very popular niche, with a loyal following, especially among experienced shooters.
For beginners, the answer is almost always: Production. It allows you to compete with accessible stock weapons (Glock 17/34, Tanfoglio Stock, CZ SP-01, Beretta 92X, etc.), requires no expensive modifications, and puts everyone on the same starting line.
Basic equipment: what you really need to get started
One of the most reassuring aspects of dynamic shooting is that you don't need to invest astronomical amounts to get started—especially in the Production division. Here's what you'll need for your first day at competition.
La pistola
The starting point. In the Production division, the most popular choices among Italian beginners are the Glock 17 or 34 (reliable, lightweight, large ecosystem of accessories) and the Tanfoglio Stock in its variants (all-Italian steel construction, excellent trigger pull, high-level competitive performance). Both are approved for Production and available in 9x21 caliber for the Italian market.
Indicative budget: 600-900 euros for a standard pistol suitable for Production.
The holster
A fundamental and often underestimated element. In dynamic shooting, a quick-draw holster is used—very different from the tactical one—which allows the gun to be drawn and returned safely in a few tenths of a second. The leading brands in the sector are: Ghost International (Amadini), a high-quality Italian product found in shooting ranges around the world. The holster should be chosen based on the pistol model and division.
Approximate budget: 60-120 euros for an entry-level competition holster.
The belt and the magazine pouches
The rigid shooting belt (different from a normal belt) is the support on which the holster and magazine pouches are mounted. It must be stable during movements, even sudden ones. Many manufacturers offer complete kits (belt + holster + magazine pouch) that simplify the choice.
For a basic setup in Production you need at least two double magazine pouches or three singles, positioned on the non-dominant side. This allows for magazine changes during the stage without interruptions.
Approximate budget for a complete set of accessories (belt + holster + 2-3 magazine pouches): 300-400 euros for a good quality set.
Shooter Squad offers a selection of holsters, magazine pouches and belts for major dynamic shooting platforms.
The additional chargers
To compete smoothly, you need at least 5-6 magazines: those used during the stage plus spares for reloads. Many pistols come with two magazines—check how many you need to reach the operational number.
Personal safety equipment
Mandatory in any shooting range, without exceptions:
- Ballistic glasses: they protect against shell ejectors and possible shrapnel. These aren't ordinary sunglasses—they must be ballistic-certified.
- Noise-cancelling headphones: active (allow you to hear the Range Officer's commands) or passive. Active ones are more comfortable and safer in competition.
- Safety flag: to visually indicate that the gun is unloaded whenever you're not in the active firing line. An inexpensive and mandatory accessory that every shooter should have in their bag.
Indicative budget for personal safety: 80-200 euros.
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Safety Rod Beretta 92/98
4,50 € -
Safety Rod Glock Safety Rod
Price range: €4,50 to €10,50
How an IPSC Match Works: Your First Stage
Imagine yourself at your first stage. The competition area is delimited by movable walls (walls) and stakes (fault lines): stepping out of the fault line while shooting is a penalty.
Before starting, the Range Officer reads the stage briefing: he explains the targets, the order of engagement (if applicable), the starting position, and any special conditions. Competitors then have a few minutes to walk the course and plan their strategy—in IPSC, the shooter is free to choose the order in which to engage the targets and the course they deem most efficient.
When your turn comes:
- Go to the starting position
- The Range Officer commands: “Load and make ready” —load the gun and put it in the holster
- “Are you ready?” — confirm
- "Standby" — then a beep: the timer has started
- Run, move, draw, shoot, reload, move forward, finish
- “If you're finished, unload and show clear” —unload and show the empty chamber to the Range Officer
- “Range is clear” —the internship is over
Every missed shot, every target not hit, every safety procedure not followed leads to penalties or, in the most serious cases, disqualification from the stage. Safety is the principle that cannot be compromised—and it's also what makes this sport so serious and respectful.
Merit Categories: Where Your Journey Begins
After getting Bronze Level, you compete in class D — the entry category. As your results improve and exceed the percentage thresholds established by FITDS, you can advance to classes C, B, A, and finally Masters. There's no rush: each class has its own sporting dignity, and national championships provide podiums and medals for each level.
How much does it really cost to get started?
Many approach dynamic shooting thinking it's an elitist and expensive sport. This isn't necessarily the case, especially in the Production division. Making a realistic estimate:
- Gun license (including medical visits and taxes): approximately 200-300 euros
- FITDS Bronze Level Course: approximately 150-180 euros
- Production Pistol (new, Glock 17/Tanfoglio Stock): 600-900 euros
- Basic ammo (belt, holster, magazine pouch): 300-400 euros
- Additional magazines (3-4 pieces): 80-150 euros
- Personal safety (glasses, headphones): 80-200 euros
- FITDS membership (competitive member): approximately 75 euros per year
Estimated initial investment: €1.500-2.200 to be fully equipped and compete officially. This fee is comparable to many other motorsports or technical events, with the advantage that the equipment, if properly cared for, lasts for years.
The most significant recurring cost is ammunition: actively competing requires 200-300 rounds per match, plus practice rounds. Many competitive shooters learn to reload their own ammunition to keep this expense low—a process Shooter Squad supports with its copper-coated 9mm Squad Bullets, designed specifically for competitive reloading.
Practical advice for those starting from scratch
Before you buy anything, go see a race. Local competitions are open to spectators and offer the most honest insight into how the sport really works: what's done, how it moves, what shooters carry in their bags. It's also the best way to start building relationships with the local community.
Find a FITDS-affiliated shooting range near you. An updated map of courses and affiliated associations is available on the website fitds.it. Many clubs organize introductory days or provide instructors for beginners.
Rely on an instructor for the first sessions. The habit of drawing your gun on the move, reloading under time pressure, managing your safety while running a course—all of this can be learned much faster with an experienced guide than alone.
Don't rush to buy the ultimate equipment. The "perfect" holster for someone with five years of experience isn't necessarily the right one for beginners. Many shooters change holsters and magazine pouches after the first year, once they've better understood their style. It's best to start with something functional at a reasonable price.
Enter local races as soon as possible. The competition is the real test. Even if your scores are low at first, competing greatly accelerates the learning curve compared to just training at the range.
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Conclusion: when are we leaving?
IPSC dynamic shooting isn't a sport for everyone in the sense that it requires responsibility, dedication, and strict adherence to the rules. But for those willing to take that path, it offers a sporting experience unlike any other: technical, physical, mental, and social—all in one sport.
The first step is always the longest. But it's simpler than it seems: a doctor, a TSN, a police station, a FITDS instructor, and a gun. The rest comes naturally, stage after stage.
Shooter Squad is here to support you every step of the way—from safety gear to copper-coated bullets for reloading. Explore our shop, and if you have any questions, reach out to us: we're shooters ourselves.
Guide updated April 2026. Administrative procedures for gun permits may vary from police station to police station. For official information on current regulations, consult the State Police website and the official FITDS website (fitds.it).