The Evolution of the Competition Pistol Market and the Rise of Carry Optics

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — April 30, 2025

The competition pistol market in the United States has transformed dramatically, driven by technological advancements and the growing popularity of action shooting sports like USPSA and IDPA. The rise of the Carry Optics division has reshaped the landscape, influencing firearm design and gaining traction among shooters. Here, we explore this evolution and highlight an exciting new entrant, Derya Arms, set to join the market from Jacksonville, FL.

In the 1970s and 1980s, competitive shooting revolved around revolvers and single-stack 1911 pistols chambered in .45 ACP, equipped with iron sights. These firearms, customized by skilled gunsmiths with enhanced triggers and extended magazine wells, dominated early practical shooting competitions. The 1990s introduced double-stack pistols like the Beretta 92, Glock 17, and CZ 75, offering higher capacity and faster reloads, paving the way for specialized “race guns” in USPSA’s Open division.

By the 2000s, USPSA’s Production division gained popularity for its accessibility, restricting competitors to minimally modified, factory-stock pistols. Brands like Glock, SIG Sauer, and CZ led with models like the Glock 34 and CZ Shadow 2. This spurred manufacturers to produce competition-ready pistols with improved triggers and ergonomics, making the sport more approachable for new shooters.

Introduced in 2015, USPSA’s Carry Optics division allowed Production pistols with slide-mounted red dot sights. By 2017, relaxed rules on magazine capacity and weight limits fueled its growth. By 2023, Carry Optics accounted for 16.4% of USPSA activities, surpassing many traditional divisions. Factors driving its popularity include:

• Technology: Optics-ready pistols like the SIG Sauer P320 X5 Legion and Canik SFx Rival simplified adoption.
• Performance: Red dots enhance target acquisition and accuracy.
• Crossover Appeal: Many use similar pistols for competition and concealed carry.
• Affordability: Budget-friendly options like the Canik SFx Rival-S lowered barriers.
• Cultural Shift: Optics gained acceptance in law enforcement and civilian carry.

Carry Optics has driven demand for optics-ready pistols, with brands like SIG Sauer, Smith & Wesson, and Canik leading the charge. The accessory market, including red dot sights like the Trijicon SRO, is projected to reach $12.94 billion by 2033. Despite a 12% decline in firearms sales in Q1 2025, Carry Optics continues to fuel innovation. Turkish manufacturers have democratized access with affordable, high-performance options.

From their new 15,000-square-foot facility in Jacksonville, FL, Derya Arms is poised to enter the competition pistol market in 2025 with the DY9 pistol, a 9mm high-capacity semi-automatic. Known for tactical firearms, Derya aims to blend Turkish craftsmanship with American-inspired design, potentially targeting Carry Optics with an optics-ready model. Stay tuned for updates as Derya finalizes production and unveils their offering.

The competition pistol market has evolved from iron-sighted 1911s to optics-ready powerhouses, with Carry Optics leading the charge. As manufacturers innovate and new players like Derya Arms prepare to make their mark, the future of competitive shooting is bright. Watch Jacksonville, FL, for Derya’s entry into the market with a fresh spin on competition pistols.

Headquartered in Jacksonville, Florida, with operations in Türkiye, Derya Arms is a leading manufacturer of tactical firearms. Visit www.derya.us for more information.