Taber is hosting the CCFR 2025 IPSC Canadian Handgun Nationals from July 28-August 3, 2025. (Photo: Lethbridge News Now)

By David Opinko

Canadian Handgun Nationals start Monday near Taber

Jul 27, 2025 | 6:00 AM

Some of the country’s top gunslingers are in the Taber area this week for a national competition.

The CCFR 2025 IPSC Canadian Handgun Nationals are being held July 28 to August 3, 2025 at the Taber Shooting Foundation and M.D. of Taber Sport Shooting Complex. The facility is about 11 kilometres north of the town.

A total of 420 people, including 173 Albertans, will take part in a wide range of competitions.

Rob McKenzie, match director at the Chinook Country Shooters Club, says they are proud to host and unite Canadian competitors.

“This event showcases the strength, skill and spirit of responsible sport shooting in Canada and is made possible by the support of the Government of Alberta, The CCFR and the firearms community,” says McKenzie.

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The province provided $50,000 in funding through the Major Sport Events grant to support the event. The money will help to cover costs like facility rentals, venue enhancements, and promotional and marketing materials.

The event is projected to generate up to $1 million for the provincial economy.

Andrew Boitchenko, Minister of Tourism and Sport, says the competition will also serve as a display of Canada’s responsible firearms community that exemplifies safety, discipline and sportsmanship.

“This top tier competition will be a thrilling showcase of skill and sportsmanship while also highlighting the warm hospitality and charm of southern Alberta,’ says Boitchencko. “Events like this reinforce Alberta’s reputation as a world-class destination for competitive sport, while emphasizing the importance of standing up against federal overreach.”

Learn more about the CCFR 2025 IPSC Canadian Handgun Nationals here.