What is Defensive Pistol Shooting?

Defensive pistol shooting as a sport is quite simply the use of practical equipment including full charge service ammunition to solve simulated "real world" self-defense scenarios. Shooters competing in Defensive Pistol events are required to use practical handguns and holsters that are truly suitable for self-defense use. No "competition only" equipment is permitted in Defensive Pistol matches since the main goal is to test the skill and ability of an individual, not his or her equipment or gamesmanship.

Why do we need another shooting sport?

Prior to the formation of Defensive Pistol, there was no place to compete and hone one's skill with equipment designed for and suitable for self-defense. Other shooting sports are just that, sports that have no relevance to self-defense. Defensive Pistol offers an exciting new forum for practical shooters in which truly practical equipment, techniques and courses of fire are mandated. Prior to Defensive Pistol there was no place at all to compete with common service pistols such as the Beretta, Glock or Sig. Nor was there a shooting sport where your concealed carry holster could also be your match holster without handicap. When you come to a Defensive Pistol match you cannot only use your duty/CCW equipment, you can be completely competitive with it! Other shooting sports have become equipment "races," Defensive Pistol will not. If you're interested in using truly practical pistols, drawn from practical holsters to solve challenging and exciting defensive shooting problems, then Defensive Pistol is the sport for you.

What are the goals of Defensive Pistol?

The goal of Defensive Pistol is to create a level playing field for all competitors to test the skill and ability of the individual, not their equipment or gamesmanship.

• To promote safe and proficient use of guns and equipment suitable for self-defense use.
• To offer a competition forum for standard factory produced service pistols such as the Beretta 92F, Glock 17, etc. (STOCK SERVICE PISTOL Division), for popular single action 9mm/.40 pistols which have been modified for carry (ENHANCED SERVICE PISTOL Division), for 1911 style single stack .45's which have been modified for carry, not competition (CUSTOM DEFENSIVE PISTOL Division) and for service revolvers such as the popular Smith & Wesson 686 (STOCK SERVICE REVOLVER Division).
• To provide the shooters with practical and realistic courses of fire that simulates potentially life threatening encounters or tests skills that would be required to survive life threatening encounters.
• To offer a practical shooting sport that is responsive to the shooters and sponsors, with unprecedented stability of equipment rules.
• To offer a practical shooting sport that allows competitors to concentrate on the development of their shooting skills and fellowship with other like minded shooters.

What types of matches does Defensive Pistol hold?

The Defensive Pistol headquarters has developed a comprehensive course of fire book which is supplied to all affiliated clubs and is also available for a nominal fee to individual members. These courses fall into two categories: Self-defense scenarios or Standard exercises. The self-defense scenarios are simulations of actual or possible "real world" confrontations. These scenarios typically require shots from 3 - 20 yards and often require the shooter to change firing points and shoot from awkward positions. Standard exercises do not attempt to simulate a potential threat situation but are designed to test specific shooting and gun handling skills. Defensive Pistol matches offer diversity and truly test both accuracy and speed. Physical condition has very little to do with your performance in a Defensive Pistol match.

What type of equipment do I need to compete in Defensive Pistol matches?

Defensive Pistol 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 Defensive Pistol matches. Practical concealed carry type holsters are stipulated for Defensive Pistol use. A common service pistol/revolver such as a Beretta 92F, Glock 17/22, Sig 226, Colt 1911A1, S&W 686 or Ruger GP-100 carried in a common pancake style holster is all that is needed to be competitive in Defensive Pistol matches.

What types of people compete in Defensive Pistol matches?

Defensive Pistol membership and matches are open to all people who can legally own a handgun regardless of occupation, race, sex or religion. Defensive Pistol shooters come from all walks of life and include many women too.

Does Defensive Pistol shooting offer a place for both pistols and revolvers?

Yes, as a matter of fact Defensive Pistol competition is divided into four divisions so all popular service type pistols and revolvers will have a place to compete competitively. They are STOCK SERVICE PISTOL for DA, DAO, Safe Action users, ENHANCED SERVICE PISTOL for SA users, CUSTOM DEFENSIVE PISTOL for custom pistol users and SERVICE REVOLVER for revolver shooters.

What are the advantages of Defensive Pistol memberships?

• You will be a member of an international organization devoted to promoting defensive pistol shooting as a sport and preserving your right to own and use self-defense handguns.
• You will receive an official Defensive Pistol rule book.
• You will be eligible to compete in shooting events at the local, national and international levels.
• You will receive an official Defensive Pistol shooting cap.
• You will receive a Defensive Pistol membership card certifying you as a member in good standing.

MEMBERSHIP INFORMATION: If you are not a member of IDPA, you may shoot your first match at our club for free. If you decide to come to our IDPA matches and you are still not an IDPA member, please ask us for a membership application, complete it at the range and give the application together with your membership fee of $35.00 (1 yr. membership) or $90.00 (3 yr. membership) to Chuck or Ken. We will be happy to submit it for you. Otherwise, you can visit the following links.

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IDPA MEMBERSHIP INFORMATION

IDPA MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION (PDF FORMAT)

IDPA RULE BOOK (PDF FORMAT)

Visit the IDPA Official Website at www.IDPA.com

The International Defensive Pistol Association (IDPA)
2232 CR 719
BERRYVILLE, AR 72616
(870) 545-3886 FAX: (870) 545-3894