It may be cheaper for someone to actually get their restricted PAL, and pickup an actual handgun, and compete in a stock gun IPSC class. Thats what I would personally do, but thats just me. Although its not as cheap to feed a 9mm as it is an airsoft.
(Edit: But then again I guess thats always been the case with airsoft versus real. But in this peticular case if youre really interested in IPSC I would lean towards real, if that happens to fit your current situation.)