 Although very similar, there are some equipment differences between the USPSA and IPSC handgun divisions.Both IPSC and USPSA Open require 9x19 mm loaded to a power factor of 125 kgr·ft/s as the minimum caliber for minor scoring

As its name implies, the Open Division allows for the greatest range of pistol and sight modification.Pistols used in Open division competition are the shooting sport equivalent to the Formula One race car.