Power factor (shooting sports)

A high-speed photograph of a .38 Special bullet fired out of a Smith & Wesson Model 686 revolver.

Power factor (PF) in practical shooting competitions refers to a ranking system used to reward cartridges with more recoil. Power factor is a measure of the momentum of the bullet (scaled product of the bullet's mass and velocity), which to some degree reflects the recoil impulse from the firearm onto the shooter (see section on limitations).

Power factor is used in competitions sanctioned by the International Practical Shooting Confederation (IPSC), United States Practical Shooting Association (USPSA), Bianchi Cup, Steel Challenge and International Defensive Pistol Association (IDPA).