www.idpa.com

What is IPDA?

The international Defensive Pistol Association is the governing body of a shooting sport that simulates self-defense scenarios and real life encounters.  It was founded in 1996 as a response to the desires of shooters worldwide.  The organization now boasts membership of more than 17,008, including members in 50 foreign countries.

One of the unique facets of this sport is that it is that it is geared toward the new or average shooter, yet is fun, challenging and rewarding for the experienced shooter.  The founders developed the sport so that practical gear and practical guns may be used competitively.  An interested person can spend a minimal amount on equipment and still be competitive.

The main goal is to test the skill and ability of the individual, not equipment or gamesmanship.  “Competition only” equipment is not permitted in this sport.

Why shoot at IDPA events?

Unlike bull’s-eye shooting where the shooter and targets are stationary, IDPA is a sport where the shooting scenarios require the shooter to move from one shooting position to another. Occasionally, IDPA scenarios include targets that move. IDPA is a sport that rewards both speed and accuracy in shooting. Physical condition, however, has little to do with performance at an IDPA match.

What do I need to start shooting in IDPA?

IDPA matches typically require the use of a service type pistol or revolver of 9mm/.38 special or larger caliber. If your handgun is suitable for self-defense use, it will probably be competitive for IDPA matches. Note: You may also use .22 caliber in a Not For Competition division.

For a complete list of allowable modification in each division, please visit www.idpa.com

You will also need a holster for your chosen firearm such as a common pancake-style holster. You will also need a minimum of two magazines and or speed loaders and carriers ( three is better).

Since IDPA is designed to be a simulation or real world situations, a concealment garment (such as a jacket, west or over shirt) will be required.

Shooters are then classed by like-skill levels with progression as follows; This is done by the shooter completing a standard course of fire which is used to classify the shooters' skill level. SCSA runs these Classifier Matches two or three times per year.

• •·        Novice (NV)
• •·        Marksman (MM)
• •·        Sharpshooter (SS)
• •·        Expert (EX)
• •·        Master (MA)

Do I have to be a member?

No, you do not have to be a full member of either SCSA or IDPA to participate in our IDPA shoots, we encourage shooters to become members and to take advantage of what both SCSA and IDPA have to offer. Talk to an IDPA Safety Officer at a match to learn more.

What does it cost to shoot a match?

South Cuyahoga Members - $5.00

Guest - $10.00

When do you shoot?

IDPA shoots are held every Monday and Tuesday evening, from 5:30pm to 8:30pm.

We also hold monthly outdoor matches May through October, check our calendar.

You can register for all pistol events on Practiscore.com

 

What are the rules?

COLD RANGE

A cold range means that the range does NOT allow loaded firearms in the holster or firearms to be handled except for at the firing line under the supervision of a Safety Officer. At all other times weapons are to be unloaded and either holstered or cased.

If you are a concealed carry permit holder or a law enforcement officer with a duty weapon, we ask that you DO NOT come to the range with a loaded handgun. If you do have a loaded handgun, you may not handle it, you must notify a safety officer immediately and that safety officer will take you to a safe area where you will unload your firearm and holster it unloaded.

When you bring a firearm to the range in a case, it must stay in that case and not be handled until a safety officer clears the range and gives the OK to bring your cased weapon to the safe table. There, keeping the muzzle pointed downrange, you are to show that the weapon is clear of ammunition and that the slide is closed and hammer or striker is down. Then you may holster your weapon. The weapon must stay holstered until it is your turn to shoot and the safety officer gives the command to load.

Magazines and speed loaders may be loaded to division capacity.  Six (6) for all revolver class, 15+1 for SSP, 10+1 for CCP, CO and ESP,  and 7/8+1 for CDP depending on your specific magazine. (Also, NFC (Not For Competition ) 10+1 and BUG (Back Up Gun) 6 only, .380 or greater).

Before each stage is shot, there is a walk through where the course of fire (COF) is explained by the SO ( Saftey Officer). Any questions regarding the stage should be raised at this time.

Range Commands:

RANGE IS HOT

LOAD AND MAKE READY

At the command, you may load your firearm and go hot (chamber a round). 

If your firearm has the ability to decock, it must be done so at this time before placing the weapon in the holster.  The safety may be switched off at this time.

If your firearm is of a type that cannot be decocked, the safety must be engaged before being placed in the holster.

ARE YOU READY?

Provide either a verbal or visual indication to notify the SO that you are ready.

STAND BY

This is the point of no return.  The buzzer will sound 1-3 seconds after this command is given.  At the sound of the buzzer, you are on the clock and are free to engaged threat targets as per the course description.

IF FINISHED UNLOAD AND SHOW CLEAR        

Upon completion of the COF, you will be given this command.  Upon doing so, you will drop your magazine and eject any live rounds from the chamber of a semi-automatic pistol. You must allow the SO to physically see that there is an empty chamber.  Do not assume that the live round was ejected and the chamber is clear.  With a revolver, you will open the cylinder and empty all fired and unfired cartridges.  Again, you will show the SO that the chambers are empty.

IF CLEAR: SLIDE FORWARD or CYLINDER CLOSED

You are now free to lower the slide onto the chamber or close the cylinder of a revolver.

PULL THE TRIGGER

You will point the firearm down range and pull the trigger.  This is just another precautionary step to ensure that the firearm is unloaded and clear.  You may not lower the hammer using the decocking function on weapons with this feature.  This is to prevent you from lowering the hammer safely on a live round.

HOLSTER

Holster your firearm.

RANGE IS CLEAR

You may now make your way down range to inspect scores and paste targets. 

 

Please feel free to contact                                                                                              

Bill Masler – masler3@roadrunner.com

Lee Hover   buttonbuckone@aol.com