USPSA: Carry Optics Provisional Division

The United States Practical Shooting Association has announced a new provisional division to offer the growing number of users of slide mounted optics a place to play:

For decades, USPSA has shaped the pistol industry through its shooters who constantly made their firearms more accurate, comfortable and reliable. From handmade beavertails, thumb safeties and mag wells to electronic sights and porting, our competitors have been instrumental in pushing firearms manufacturing forward.

Recently, the tides have started to turn, and it is USPSA who must keep up with the industry. We have recognized the progression of lightweight carry pistols that are being outfitted with slide mounted electronic optics. In an attempt to answer this growing trend, USPSA has approved the provisional division of Carry Optics. For the remainder of 2015, Carry Optics will be recognized at sanctioned Level 1 USPSA events. At the next in-person USPSA BOD meeting, Jan 23-24, 2016, the Board will evaluate member participation, industry response and growth trends to decide if Carry Optics can remain a viable division within USPSA.

The provisional rules are posted here.  The most important one to note is,

“Milling of slide — only as required to insert optical sights A slide may be modified specifically for the purpose of installing optical sights, and for no other purpose.”

Competitors won't need a factory optics model to play, but the pistol must otherwise be visually identical to a factory model.  There's also a weight limit of 35oz that has some steel frame pistol aficionados less than pleased with the rules.

RECOIL will be following what develops with this new division and what new firearms manufacturer's may introduce as a result.