What is Limited Optics in USPSA?

80 Percent Arms | Jul 26th 2023

What is all the rage about the latest class that was recently added to the USPSA roster for shooters to choose when competing? What is this class for?

Limited Optics is a new division of the USPSA that was rolled out on May 1, 2023. It’s an experimental division that the organization will be testing for one year and we’re sure that many hope it stays for good!

The GST9 build you see in the image above is what we’ll be trying out in Limited Optics. It’s our white MOD1 frame that was rit dyed red with our V1 competition brass grip and a Zev G19XL slide. The G19XL slide is made by only a few companies and is the same length as a G34 slide. It also utilizes a G34 gen5 or gen3 barrel. But it uses a G19 length guide rod. Interesting right?

Carry Optics vs Limited Optics

Let’s get right into it. There are two main reasons why we think Limited Optics is going to be immensely popular.

1. 2011 users now have a division to call home. While Level 1 matches may not care if you use a 2011 platform pistol under Carry Optics, any Level 2 or state/nationals level match or above definitely would not permit it.

Per USPSA rules, single-action pistols are not allowed in Carry Optics, and the average Staccato user may not be up to par with the craziness of race guns in Open division.

2. If you appreciate large mag wells, Limited Optics will allow your use of them. That’s another accessory that isn’t allowed in Carry Optics. That includes guns that come with removable mag wells straight from the factory.

USPSA Rules

When it comes to competitive shooting, it’s imperative for you to read the official USPSA rulebook. But we do go over the basic competition rules in a previous blog that’s great for beginners looking to get their feet wet quick.

USPSA Divisions

Before you compete in a USPSA match, you have to plan your gun around one of nine divisions that have different requirements or limitations. Each division dictates what kind of gun you can use and will have specific rules that affect it such as magazine capacity, striker vs hammer fired action, or what accessories you’re allowed to use.

Those nine divisions now include:

Open
Limited
Limited 10
Limited Optics
Production
Single Stack
Revolver
Carry Optics
Pistol Caliber Carbine

USPSA Classes

As a reminder, the USPSA Classification system has 6 ratings total from Grand Master at the top to Master, A, B, C, and D at the bottom. For a breakdown of how you are awarded a class be sure to check out our Intro to USPSA blog.

USPSA Classifier

While your performance across a few matches can create an average score to give you an idea for what level of a shooter you are…there are also events called “Classifier Matches.” These matches are official events that can allow you to officially rank up, should you shoot faster and more accurate than you usually do (or if it’s your first time).

What is power factor?

In terms of power factors in USPSA there are only two: Major and Minor. In essence, it’s about how much recoil your pistol has. In layman’s terms, if you shoot .40cal or a larger caliber you will be shooting with a major power factor when it comes to your hits’ scoring. Any calibers like 9mm and smaller will rated minor power factor.

If you want to know the specifics, there is a formula the USPSA uses to calculate for power factor which measures for how much recoil your ammo produces:

USPSA power factor calculator