Regional Report: IPSC Barbados
In 2015, under the auspices of Smoking Barrels and
in collaboration with IPSC Barbados Inc., and with the
assistance of Mr. Alastair Stewart we were able to host
our first Level 3 match. In 2024 we are about to host our
IPSC National Handgun Championship to conclude
the year. To date, we have hosted 13 Level 3 matches
2015 and 2024 (the pandemic halted 2 years from our
match calendar). Barbados is picking up the pace with
regards to the hosting of level 3 matches and hope at
some point in the future, that we will be in a position to
host a Pan American Handgun Championship.
We host at least one level 2 match a month so that members can hone their skills in this sporting discipline. As the sport gained traction in Barbados, the local shooting community’s dedication to developing a competitive and supportive environment became evident. Regular club matches, safety courses, and workshops were organized to introduce new shooters to the sport and hone the skills of seasoned practitioners.
Barbados has three shooting clubs, namely, The Barbados Clay Target Shooting association, The Barbados Rifle and Pistol Federation and the Barbados Rifle Association. Each of these clubs support IPSC and has a representative on the IPSC Barbados Executive to assist the Regional Director and IPSC Secretary /Treasurer with the developing practical pistol at the various ranges and in general.
The 3 clubs are actively engaged in IPSC The Barbados Rifle & Pistol Federation does not have the facilities to support matches and as such they utilize the other clubs to host matches as we collaborate efforts to ensuring that each club is represented.
The Barbados Rifle and Pistol Federation, along with IPSC Barbados, began organizing competitions that attracted international attention. These matches offered a platform for Barbadian shooters to compete against some of the best in the world and brought international shooters to the island, further raising the profile of the sport locally.
Through the 2000s and 2010s, IPSC Barbados became a key player in the Caribbean shooting circuit. The island’s shooters started participating in regional and international competitions such as the Pan American Championship and the IPSC World Shoot, often with impressive results.
At present, the is a Shooting Council that is recognized by the National Sports Council (NSC) and the Barbados Olympic Association (BOA). IPSC does not as yet have a representative on this council as it is not an Olympic discipline. The Regional Director had numerous discussions with both the NSC and the BOA with regards to affiliation. Discussions are still being had surrounding affiliation with these organizations.
Today, IPSC Barbados is a thriving organization
that continues to promote the sport of practical
shooting in the country. The island’s shooters are
committed to maintaining the high standards of
IPSC, and the future looks bright for the sport in
Barbados.
The history of IPSC Barbados is
a tale of dedication, passion, and
a tight-knit community that has
worked hard to develop the sport
on the island.
Regional Director, Dr. Kevin Grant stated “as with any other sport, practical pistol should be an aspect of sport tourism and shouldn’t be overlooked. These matches can bring in hundreds, even thousands of overseas participants and spectators to the island.” Plans are on the way to have meetings with the minister of Sport and the Prime Minister regarding further recognition and development IPSC within the Barbados region.
IPSC Barbados By The Numbers
Active Members
Level III Matches Per Year (Avg)
Active IPSC Clubs
IROAs
MISIA Instructors
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