PPC is the acronym for Practical Pistol Course. This shooting discipline evolved from police firearm training into a sport enjoyed by civilians as well as law enforcement officers. PPC shooting involves shooting at targets from different distances, under different time constraints and from a variety of shooting positions. In PPC, the shooter does not walk or run with the firearm. Typically, Smith & Wesson revolvers are used for PPC shooting. The focus is on accuracy within a defined time allotment.
The distance the shooter is from the target varies from 7 to 15 to 25 to 50 metres.
The time constraints the shooter faces in firing on the target vary from 12 rounds fired in 20 seconds to 24 rounds fired in two minutes and 45 seconds.
The various shooting positions are; kneeling, prone, point shoulder, shooting around a barricade (strong hand & weak hand) and sitting.
A full "1500" PPC course of fire involves firing a total of 150 rounds of ammunition on 6 "B27" (paper or cardboard body silhouette) targets. The course of fire involves six matches outlined as follows;
12 rounds in 20 seconds Point Shoulder From 7 metres
12 rounds in 20 seconds Point Shoulder From 15 metres
Match 2
18 rounds in 90 seconds Kneeling, left barricade, right barricade From 25 metres
Match 3
24 rounds in 2 minutes,45 seconds Sitting, prone, left barricade, right barricade from 50 metres
Match 4
12 rounds in 30 seconds point shoulder from 25 metres
repeat
Match 5A
12 rounds in 20 seconds Point shoulder from 7 metre line
18 rounds in 90 seconds kneeling, left barricade, right barricade from 25 metres
Match 5B
24 rounds in 2 minutes, 45 seconds sitting, prone, left barricade, right barricade from 25 metres
6 rounds in 12 seconds point shoulder from 25 metres
PPC Shooters are classified based on their proven shooting ability. In Canada, the classifications and the corresponding average score (perfect score = 1500) required to achieve the classification are as follows;
| Marksman | 1279 or less |
| Sharpshooter | 1280 to 1379 |
| Expert | 1380 to 1439 |
| Master | 1440 to 1459 |
| Distinguished Master | 1460 to 1479 |
| Grand Master | 1480 to 1500 |
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