Canadian competitive handgun shooters face the potential extinction of their sport due to a 2023 federal ban on the sale and transfer of handguns. While current owners may keep their firearms, the inability to replace lost, stolen, or broken equipment—coupled with the prohibition of new entrants—has led members of the International Practical Shooting Confederation (IPSC) to warn that the discipline is in a state of terminal decline.
Why competitive shooters say the sport is ending
The federal government implemented a freeze on the sale, transfer, and importation of handguns in 2023, following an initial freeze in 2022. According to IPSC regional director Sean Hansen, this policy effectively prevents the sport from growing because no new participants can acquire the necessary equipment. John Evers, a board member with the Canadian Shooting Sports Association, described the situation as “atrophy” and predicted the sport would effectively vanish within the next decade.
Did You Know? While the federal handgun ban includes exemptions for athletes competing in Olympic and Paralympic events, these exemptions do not apply to IPSC shooters. The smaller, less powerful ammunition used in Olympic-style sports distinguishes them from the firearms used in IPSC competitions, according to federal guidelines.
Government rationale and the legislative landscape
The federal government introduced these measures with the stated goal of reducing community violence. Former prime minister Justin Trudeau argued that decreasing the number of handguns in circulation would directly improve public safety. Statistics Canada data from 2024 indicates that handguns were involved in 49 per cent of violent crimes where a firearm was present. However, a 2023 report from the Criminal Intelligence Service of Canada found that more than half of illegal handguns seized by police were smuggled from the United States, and approximately 80 per cent of those charged in firearm-related homicides did not possess a legal license.
Expert Insight: The tension here highlights a fundamental divide between public safety policy and specialized hobbyist communities. While the government focuses on the statistical prevalence of handguns in crime, organizations like the IPSC point to the loss of a regulated, disciplined sporting culture. The long-term viability of this sport now rests on whether organizations can pivot to non-restricted firearm divisions before their existing member base ages out.
What could happen next for shooting ranges
As the current inventory of handguns ages and becomes irreparable, shooting associations may face a forced transition. The IPSC is currently attempting to promote competitions that utilize firearms not impacted by the federal handgun ban or the anticipated federal gun buyback program. Marina Campbell, treasurer of the Fort McMurray Fish and Game Association, noted that while there is hope in shifting to these alternative divisions, many clubs remain hesitant to invest in new equipment. There is an ongoing concern among members that any firearm could eventually be classified as prohibited through future regulatory changes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are legal handgun owners required to surrender their firearms?
No. The 2023 federal legislation allows legal handgun owners to keep the firearms they currently possess.
Why can’t new members join the IPSC?
The federal freeze on the sale and transfer of handguns makes it impossible for new participants to legally acquire the specific handguns required to compete in IPSC events.
What is the difference between IPSC shooting and Olympic-style shooting under the ban?
Olympic and Paralympic shooting events are exempt from the ban and utilize smaller, less powerful bullets compared to the handguns used in IPSC competitions.
Do you believe specialized sporting exemptions should be granted to highly regulated private clubs?
