I first started shooting competitively a decade ago. I also first started competing with a revolver a decade ago, using a S&W Model 10 in a DeSantis thumb break holster with HKS speed loaders on my belt. Throughout the following years my participation ebbed and flowed, and my guns of choice changed nearly as much as the cycles of the moon.
I’ve tried most major options; USPSA, IDPA, Steel Challenge, SASS, various outlaw matches, and more. In almost every format a revolver has found itself in my hand on more than one occasion. Unfortunately, most of these games are not the most friendly to the modern wheelgunner. Some nearly require the use of 8-shot, moon clip fed guns, which are few and far between, not to mention pricey. Others severely limit capacity, modifications, and more.
This can make it difficult to find a home as a revolver enthusiast, especially if your preferences don’t align with a local club. Of course we can take something less than ideal for a given division, but nobody wants to intentionally disadvantage themselves. Luckily there’s an option for those of us who enjoy the shooting irons of our forefathers. Let’s take a look at ICORE.
ICORE
Firearm Selection
The International Confederation of Revolver Enthusiasts, or ICORE for short. If the name wasn’t a giveaway, this is a competitive shooting body entirely focused on the use of revolvers. As such, ICORE has a wide variety of divisions to accommodate nearly every configuration of revolver on the market today.
A six-shot, 38/357 revolver fed by speed loaders? Jump into Classic division–32 caliber enjoyers are welcome too! You like the tradition of six-shooters, but prefer a big bore gun with either moon clips or speed loaders? Look no further than Big Six. Maybe you’re high speed and want optics, barrel porting, or higher capacity? There’s a home for you in Limited, Open, or Limited Six depending on your setup. Even snubbies can compete in the aptly named Snubby division.
For young or recoil adverse shooters, ICORE also has provisions for a rimfire division! While I’m sure there’s some esoteric revolver out there that wouldn’t cleanly fit the equipment rules, these matches are far more welcoming to the diverse pool of revolvers than any other match I’ve seen previously.
Support Equipment
What about your support equipment? Outside of some minor safety considerations such as maintaining a covered trigger, and a belt to hold up your gear, there’s a good chance that you’re good to go. I’ve seen cheap nylon and velco pouches, beautifully tooled leather, and modern synthetics with skeletonized race holsters.
I shot my first match from AIWB concealment with a Manurhin MR73, a Safariland 333 holder, and a mix of HKS and Jetloader. Against me were 929’s, a Security Six, an old Model 21, and plenty of other retro revolvers. As long as you’re safe, there’s a good chance that you’ll be good to go.
Stages and Match Direction
Welcoming equipment rules are one thing, but shooting the match is another. Many years ago I learned the hard way that some competitions aren’t as welcoming as others in terms of stage design and expectations. Before I attended my ICORE match I wasn’t sure if it would lean more towards SASS or 3 Gun in terms of physicality. In my opinion, it sits about on par with USPSA, requiring some movement, but being far from exhausting or particularly challenging.
While there are some truly stellar athletes who shoot ICORE, such as Jerry Miculek or the sitting ICORE President Alex Bakken, I’ve also seen the opposite end of the spectrum. Some of my fellow shooters are well into their 70’s and 80’s, with limited mobility. Despite this, they’re still able to complete every stage that I’ve ever seen them come across. Take this to mean that ICORE can scale with you; if you’re athletic, you’ll be able to save some time moving throughout the course, but the infirm or physically inhibited shouldn’t feel the need to exclude themselves.
Rules
One of the biggest hang up of starting a new gun game is becoming familiar with a new set of rules. ICORE keeps things simple with a rulebook spanning only 19 pages, four of which are covers, the index, and welcome note. A Policy and Procedure manual provides another 17 pages, but these are focused more on those running the clubs and directing matches. A recent rules clarification yielded a response effectively saying that if something isn’t explicitly prohibited, then it is allowed. In short, this means that it’s pretty easy to get into ICORE without slogging through a novel of rules and regulations. This is a huge win, saving a lot of heartburn on the range.
Of course there will always be disagreements and personal preference, there are human beings involved here after all. I’d love to see a few more divisions added, such as ICORE versions of Carry Optics and BUG, but those are minor complaints. I’m just happy that it doesn’t take a PhD to get a solid grasp of the rulebook. Additionally, ICORE regularly hosts virtual Range Officer classes, which is a fantastically accessible way to get your RO certification. As someone who’s been waiting for years to get his RO certification from IDPA or USPSA locally, I really appreciate how simple ICORE has made the process.
Closing Thoughts on ICORE
I may be new to ICORE, but I don’t plan on going anywhere anytime soon. They really seem to have struck a perfect balance between fairness and fun here, and other gun games should take a few pages from ICORE’s book. If you’re a revolver enthusiast, or just curious about the wheelgun, I highly recommend you jump into an ICORE match near you.
Author’s Note: Since writing this piece I have been appointed to the ICORE Board of Directors! So go find a match, join up, and help grow the sport!
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