The Federation of Practical Shooting of Uzbekistan was registered with the Ministry of Justice on November 10, 2023, under registry number 1088. Its goal is to develop and popularize competitive practical shooting in the Republic of Uzbekistan, protect the rights and legal interests of its members, and enhance Uzbekistan's international reputation through participation in international sports competitions in this field.
Practical shooting is a type of shooting sport aimed at mastering and developing techniques that most fully correspond to various situations involving the use of firearms.
The competition consists of several separate exercises, which athletes go through consecutively, from one to the next. Each exercise includes a shooting task that simulates a potentially real-life situation involving the use of firearms.
The exercises are categorized as short, medium, and long, each differing by the maximum possible number of scoring shots. The result for a shooter in an exercise is the sum of points for hitting all the targets, including penalties, with the time spent completing the task contributing to the "hit factor." The shooter with the highest hit factor wins the exercise and receives the maximum number of points possible for that exercise.
Other participants in the competition receive points based on the percentage ratio of their hit factor to that of the best athlete in the exercise. The overall winner of the competition, which consists of several exercises, is the athlete who accumulates the highest total score.
To make the results more visual, the points of the best shooter are set to 100%, and the remaining results are recalculated into percentages proportional to the best score, forming a unique ranking.
- Pistol – shooting with a pistol, often used at shorter distances, where speed and accuracy are crucial
- Rifle – shooting with a rifle, which requires greater precision and stabilization at longer distances
- Shotgun – shooting with a shotgun, where attention is given not only to accuracy but also to speed in shooting at multiple targets simultaneously
The disciplines, in turn, are divided into classes.
A great deal of attention in practical shooting is paid to the safety of shooters and spectators. Safety is ensured by the design of exercises and control over the positioning of the firearms. Additionally, during the competition, participants must wear eye and ear protection while on the shooting range. Spectators are also required to use eye protection. Only functional firearms that meet the technical specifications outlined in the rules, such as caliber, design, type of ammunition, and trigger pull force necessary to make a shot, are allowed in the competition. A single penalty is imposed for violating safety protocols — disqualification from the competition.
Practical shooting, as a distinct discipline, began to take shape in the mid-20th century, emerging from the practical need for law enforcement and military personnel to enhance their firearm handling and decision-making under stress. This sport is unique because it emphasizes both speed and accuracy in dynamic, real-world situations.
The origins of practical shooting can be traced back to the 1950s and 1960s in the United States. During this time, law enforcement officers and military personnel began designing shooting drills that simulated real-life scenarios, where quick decision-making and effective firearm usage were crucial. These training exercises aimed to improve efficiency and safety in stressful, unpredictable situations.
In a few years, it quickly spread to other continents, including Europe, Australia, Central and South America, and Africa.
The International Practical Shooting Confederation (I.P.S.C.) was officially founded at the International Pistol Shooting Conference, held in Columbia, Missouri, in May 1976. Precision, Power, and Speed, as three equal elements, became the focus of the Conference, along with the procedure and rules for safe firearm handling. The establishment of the Constitution gave birth to the Confederation. Eight principles of Practical Shooting were developed, along with the motto – DVC – Diligentia, Vis, Celeritas (Latin), meaning Precision, Power, Speed.
Today, the International Practical Shooting Confederation is developing in more than a hundred countries (known as IPSC Regions).
- Good health
Like any physical activity, it has a beneficial effect on the body. During training, the load falls on the muscles of the legs, arms, chest and back, as a result, the body is kept in good shape. - Formation of emotional stability
Shooters develop mental balance, the ability to abstract and concentrate. - Duration of a sports career
Shooting has no age restrictions, so you can practice it even until old age, taking part in competitions. - Low risk of injury
If you handle the weapon carefully, it is impossible to get injured. - Developing a sense of responsibility
From the very beginning, athletes are taught safety rules and are also taught the awareness that shooting is not a game, but a serious sporting discipline.
