01/01/2026
So, there are some new rule changes that will take effect starting in the middle of January (after our January match, so you don't have to worry about them yet). There's actually quite a few of them, and this post doesn't actually cover them all.
Here's a couple of comments from Thomas H after a quick read-through of the 2026 rules. It is NOT comprehensive (in other words, he doesn't think he has caught all the changes, and need to look more in depth) but here are some of the things that he felt like commenting about...
Make sure to go to the IDPA website and get yourself a copy of the new rules, division requirements, and match admin handbook. Knowing the rules means you know how to play the game!
Commentary:
3.2.3 and so on, about activated targets and priority---went back to the way it originally was, which is good. (If you are fast enough to activate a target, shoot the next static, and then go back to hit the activated target, you are good. You do NOT need to wait for the activated target. Priority is in order of the STATIC targets.
3.5.10.3 Unfortunately does not actually say this what IDPA's post claims. I get that it is what they MEANT---unfortunately, they don't define "concealment" as something where you can reload and are not exposed to threats. (Matter of fact, other rules don't even mention concealment, and merely talk about a lack of cover meaning you are in the open, and so on.) This rule just talks about movement, and doesn't say ANYTHING about any changes in how reloads are to be handled. This is probably going to be an issue at majors, so make CERTAIN to ask your stage SO about it at a serious match!
5.2.2.4 may make it a flagrant penalty, but 5.4.1.5 still makes it a DQ, and that's still in the rulebook. So...might email IDPA HQ and remind them to take out that DQ rule...
8.1.3.5 -- that's actually 8.1.3.3 making BUG-S 8 rounds. BUG-R is still 5 rounds....and BUG is still only one division. Making BUG-R pretty much only for fun at locals because people want to do it occasionally. :/
Equipment: A.6.2.1.3 Killed .380 in BUG, so no more G42s, certain versions of Bodyguards, etc. On the other hand, almost no commercial .380 ammo actually make 95 power factor in the first place. (And certainly wouldn't make the new 105 PF requirement.)
Match Admin:
M-3.2.18 All classes must be recognized at majors, so make sure you sign up even if you are the only NV in REV! LOTS and LOTS of awards coming...
M-4.1 They are going to be giving out even MORE awards at majors now.
M-18.7 Match bumps are going to "beat 10 shooters" rather than the "beat 5 shooters" that we have been doing.
The problem with this, of course, is the opposite of the previous one. At 5, CO folks had all SORTS of folks suddenly becoming MA all over the place. At 10 (which is close to where this started) people OUTSIDE of CO are going to have significant difficulty getting match bumps---particularly in BUG, REV, and PCC. There just aren't that many people shooting things other than CO, unless it is an irons-only match, which....still doesn't get many BUG and REV people.
Other things that the post doesn't mention:
BUG now requires a PF of 105 instead of 95.
The section (3.4) on Reloads has changed a LOT. They have now defined the three different reload types (emergency, loaded chamber, and tactical) AND officially stated that a tactical reload retains a removed magazine AND PROPERLY STOWS IT. So now, the rule is FINALLY clear. (Stowed: pocket, carrier, inside the belt. NOT in hand.)
So, YES, you can pick up a mag off a table or from a pouch, run with it, and shoot with it in your hand. Any mag with rounds that hits the ground, however, (unless it is dumped due to a malfunction) must be properly stowed prior to the final shot.
They also finally took OUT the part about how a reload starts if you pull a mag out of a pouch. Now, activating a mag release or opening a cylinder starts a reload, and that's it. This is a good thing.
If people see other changes in the rules that are important, make sure to comment!
IDPA Regional Area Coordinator Leads have announced updates to the sport rulebooks with highlighted revisions listed below. Look for a detailed article on the revisions in the first quarter of the Tactical Journal. These updates will take effect on January 15, 2026. Please reach out to your Area Coordinator or International Point of Contact with questions.
2026 IDPA Rulebook:
2.2.3– A Firearm with a non-functional manual safety is a DQ.
2.9.1.3– Muzzle exclusion Zone only required for doorknobs and handles.
3.2.1.5– Targets in the open are a higher priority than targets available from cover.
3.2.3 – Update the definition of activated targets and how they can be engaged.
3.5.10.3– Vision Barriers provide protection for reloads.
5.2.2.4- Intentionally engaging (discharging the firearm) at anything other than a target or an activator is an FP.
8.1.3.5– BUG is now 8+1.
2026 Equipment Appendices:
A.6.2.1.3– .380 ACP removed from BUG.
2026 Match Administration Rules:
M-3.2.18 – All classes must be recognized at Tier Two Matches.
M-4.1 – Awards are required to 5th place.
M-18.7 – Match Performance Promotion revised to beating 10.
You can view the new documents on our website:
https://www.idpa.com/idpa-match-rules/
