WA1500 (World Association PPC 1500) is the international governing body for Precision Pistol Competition (PPC), a sport that grew out of Police Pistol Combat in the late‑1950s. It tests a shooter’s ability to fire accurately from a variety of positions and distances while drawing the weapon from a holster.
The discipline is sometimes called Service Pistol, PPC 1500, or simply WA1500. It is the only service‑pistol match that has a World Championship. Core Format
WA1500 matches consist of three possible courses of fire: Course Shots Stages / Stations 150 Shot 150 Nine different stages 60 Shot 60 Five stages 45 Shot 45 Four stations
Each stage is timed; the shooter must complete the prescribed number of rounds within the allotted. Distances & Positions
Distances: 7 yd, 15 yd, 25 yd, 50 yd (or the metric equivalents).
Positions: Prone, sitting, kneeling, free‑standing, and shooting from behind left/right barricades.
All positions are shot two‑handed and the firearm must be drawn from the holster at the start of each
Equipment Rules
Firearms: Any centre‑fire pistol or revolver in 9 mm, .32, .38, or .357 calibre. Revolvers are common, but semi‑automatics are fully permitted.
Holsters: Must be a competition‑approved holster that allows a clean draw. The shooter’s hand may not touch the firearm or holster before the start signal.
Sights: Categories exist for optical‑sight, open‑sight, distinguished‑sight, and standard (no optics).
Loaders: No speed loaders are allowed; rounds must be carried in pockets or pouches and loaded manually during the stages.
Barrel Length: For “service” categories the barrel is limited to roughly 4 inches (≈102 mm).
Scoring & Timing
Each stage has a maximum time. The shooter’s raw time is recorded, then penalties are added for missed targets, hits outside the designated zone, or procedural errors (e.g., touching the gun early).
The final score is the sum of all stage times plus penalties; the lowest total wins.
Competition Categories
Standard Pistol / Revolver – No optics, barrel ≤ 4.25 in.
Optical‑Sight Pistol / Revolver – Allowed red‑dot or holographic sights.
Open Pistol / Revolver – May use compensators, extended magazines, etc.
Distinguished Pistol / Revolver – Special recognition for historic or unique firearms.