Precision Pistol Competition (PPC) originally and still known as Police Pistol Combat in North America, is a shooting sport focusing on precision shooting from a variety of stances (standing, kneeling, sitting and prone) at varying distances (from 3, 5, 7, 15, 25, and 50 yards (or meters), including shooting with left and right hands, from behind an obstacle (barricade). The courses of fire to create a measure of similarity to real life police situations and are considered one of the forerunners of IPSC practical shooting. The World Association PPC 1500 (WA 1500) is the international governing body for PPC. The Canadian Police Combat Association (CPCA) is the governing body for PPC in Canada and is open to both law enforcement and civilian members.
The competition format was founded in the United States, for the FBI, between 1957 and 1958, and was intended to help police officers improve their firearms skills in the line of duty, and developed into sporting competition. Originally this was a revolver based competition, but was later expanded to include semiautomatic pistols. Through the years the discipline has been known by various names such as (Practical Police Combat), (Practical Police Course), (Practical Police Course), However, Precision Pistol Competition Is the Official name used today by WA1500, the International Sanctioning body. The sport became popular in Canada, Sweden, Germany, and Norway, and has since expanded to include additional countries. Official matches are no longer restricted to Police officers or military personnel, and are now open to qualified civilians also, male and female alike.
PPC is most often associated with a revolver; however, the sport has been expanded to include semi-automatic firearms. Originally the firearms were restricted to using iron sights; however this has been expanded to include optical sights on both revolvers and semi-automatic firearms.
PPC is a great accuracy training program for those who wish to also participate in other shooting disciplines such IPSC and learning to shoot accurately before or while increasing to be. It also helps to improve your enjoyment for shooting steel.
Minimal equipment would be a revolver capable of firing six rounds of .38 caliber ammunition and, a compatible holster with at least 3 speed loaders. For semi-automatic pistols, the requirement would be a pistol capable of firing 9mm to .45 calibre ammunition, a minimum of four magazines, and a compatible holster. Note that for safety reasons, shoulder and cross draw holsters are not allowed.
PPC matches have been held on the first Sunday of each month at the Abbotsford Fish and Game Club since 1983. The match fees are presently $10 for Abbotsford Fish and game members, and $15 for guests. Feel free to drop by and watch the course of fire to see if you might like to give it a try or send me an email if you would like further information, or have any questions.
Russell Sorsdahl
PPC Match Director
E: ppc@afgc.ca