As competitive shooting continues to evolve alongside the firearms industry, the International Defensive Pistol Association (IDPA) finds itself at a critical juncture. With more concealed carriers choosing compact optics-equipped pistols, there’s a growing gap between what people actually carry and the divisions currently offered in IDPA. To address this, it’s time for IDPA to consider a new division: CCO – Concealed Carry Optics.
The Gap Between CCP and CO
The CCP (Compact Carry Pistol) division was created to reflect the everyday carry guns many citizens rely on. In 2022, IDPA increased the round count in CCP to 10+1, aligning with the growing popularity of high-capacity micro-compacts. However, CCP remains limited to iron sights.
On the other hand, CO (Carry Optics) has exploded in popularity, welcoming striker-fired and DA/SA guns with slide-mounted red dots. But CO often favors full-size or competition-ready pistols like the CZ Shadow 2 OR, SIG X5 Legion, and Canik Rival S. These handguns are large, heavy, and optimized for speed—not concealment.
That creates a problem: shooters running guns like the SIG P365XL, Glock 43X MOS, or Springfield Hellcat Pro with optics are effectively left out. These true carry guns can’t compete with the size, weight, and performance of full-size CO pistols.
What is CCO?
Concealed Carry Optics (CCO) would follow the same basic ruleset and box dimensions as CCP:
- Must fit the CCP box (7.75″ x 5.375″ x 1.375″)
- 10+1 round limit
- Same holster and concealment garment requirements as CCP
- Only factory compensators/porting
- BUT would allow slide-mounted red dot optics
This would create a division squarely focused on practical EDC-style pistols equipped with optics—a fast-growing trend in personal defense and law enforcement carry alike.
Why It Matters
Reflects Modern Carry Trends Red dots on carry guns are no longer niche—they’re mainstream. Many major brands now offer optics-ready compact pistols out of the box.
Levels the Playing Field Competing in CO with a Glock 43X MOS against a steel-framed Canik Rival S is not realistic. CCO would give optic-equipped micro-compacts a competitive home.
Encourages Participation A CCO division would bring more casual or first-time competitors into the sport by giving them a division tailored to the guns they actually carry.
Balances Match Logistics Carry Optics often dominates match attendance. Dividing it with CCO could help balance squad numbers and improve match management.
Provides a Natural Bridge Shooters in CCP who decide to add an optic won’t be forced to jump into a division dominated by larger, heavier guns. It encourages skill progression without a gear penalty.
Firearm Examples That Would Fit CCO
- SIG Sauer P365XL with Romeo Zero Elite
- Glock 43X MOS with Holosun 507K
- Springfield Hellcat Pro with Shield RMSc
- Walther PDP F-Series 3.5″
- Smith & Wesson Shield Plus Optics Ready
All of these are slim, lightweight, concealment-focused pistols that currently have no dedicated home in IDPA.
Final Thoughts
If IDPA wants to remain relevant to modern concealed carriers and maintain a strong pipeline of new shooters, it must evolve. Adding a CCO division is a practical and progressive step that aligns with current firearm trends, competitive fairness, and the core philosophy of IDPA—real-world defensive shooting.
It’s time to recognize the rise of the optic-equipped EDC and give it a rightful place in competition.
What do you think? Should IDPA adopt CCO? Share your thoughts in the comments or join the conversation on GunCraver.com.
CCP allows compensators and ports, so why would you exclude it in CCO?
We agree. IDPA has vague rules on comps and ports. Some think it’s is just factory some say the rules allow them all together. Whatever the IDPA clarification rules are we think it should carry over to a new CCO class
I think ccp should be 8 rounds, after they changed to 10 rounds, it is esp with a slightly smaller gun.
I think leave the box alone, add CCP optics but 8 rounds instead of 10.
168 people are signed up for CO at Nationals, 94 are Masters.
CO is a huge division, add another dot division or two but don’t make it with just a slightly smaller gun like ccp is now.
I signed your petition. I like thenidea of a concealed carry optics division. However, if we just make it CCP-O, the box is too big. The guns you listed won’t be the guns that dominate the division. Compact 2011s like my OA Defense 2311, or the shadow 2 compact, or the Wilson’s will. Thats why I put together a BUG-OPTICS petition a few months back. I’d be happy with either one, but CCP-O I fear just turns into 2nd CO division. Here is a link to a video I made discussing the topic.
https://youtu.be/_7ebD6cpwao?si=bjAyq9HEQz2HA4PI
This is true I think we would see many compact guns that would dominate, but with the weight limit I do not see very many steel frames partaking. I also signed the Bug-Optics petition. Both have their place
Make it interesting load them up, Let the shooter manage his own rounds. Stop forcing competitors to dump ammunition in order to remain competitive in something other than PCC !
I think most of the 10+1 round limit was designed around states that have mag limitations. But times do change and now with larger mag capacity I can see arguments for it. I think a lot more would have to come with it – like increasing the round count per stage size to force reloading.