By Tom Adessa
If you have a concealed carry license and have now purchased your first pistol, other than the mandated basic level safety course, where do you go to get some higher level training skills? You could shell out some big bucks for personal instruction or go to another safety course and hope it has the curriculum you need or want. But, chances are within 50 miles of your home is the perfect solution; a gun club that has a monthly IDPA course of fire. For the price of two boxes of ammo and a minimal range fee, you’ll get a lotta bang for your buck, and more importantly some great training.
The IDPA or International Defensive Pistol Association was founded in 1996 in Berryville, Arkansas to respond to the needs of shooters who desired training (and a little friendly competition) that provides practical and tactical training along with simulated street conditions and every day scenarios. IDPA has grown by leaps and bounds in the USA and across the globe with dozens of foreign countries holding matches. This organization stresses the skills of the shooter and is not gear or gamesmanship oriented. Also, unlike the “run and gun” format of USPSA, IPDA stresses a utilization of “shooting from cover” at nearly all times. Additionally, safety and gun handling are stressed constantly and closely scrutinized by the range officers present at all stages.
Safety
All participants must undergo an initial safety course that reinforces basic handgun handling but also the safety officer will instruct the individual for what to expect during the various stages they will encounter and how to shoot them safely. This sport has its own idiosyncrasies and safety for all participants is paramount. Generally most IDPA ranges are “cold ranges” and have a “lost brass” policy, both which further contribute to safety.
Equipment-Obviously there are restrictions for gear, but the IDPA once again stresses your gear will closely simulate an item you could wear on the street. A sturdy gun belt, with a double mag pouch and a holster that securely holds your handgun will get you started, along with your chosen gun and at least three mags and safety gear. Cabela’s has a “double duty” belt that is excellent for this type of shooting. As always, consult the rules for the particulars regarding your gear and how it is worn. An outside garment to conceal your rig is also mandatory, and many shooters use a lightweight camera vest style that suits this purpose quite well.
Caliber
Most shooters utilize the common calibers of 9mm-.40 or .45 in semi-auto pistol, but there are some shooters who use a revolver and there is a classification for this as well. IDPA has a power classification that uses a velocity/ bullet weight formula and all but the lightest loading of factory ammo will meet this requirement.
Handguns Classifications-There are several classifications but here are the two most common:
SSP-Stock Service Pistol
9mm and up in caliber, semi-auto design and Double action or Glock Safe Action style.
CDP-Custom Defensive Pistol
.45 caliber and of semi-auto design, generally single action
Scoring
Without getting into fine detail and rules, your scoring is based on time, accuracy and proper procedures. New shooters should always concentrate on the basic mechanics, safe shooting and accuracy, then your speed and score will follow with practice and familiarity of the different stages and how to best shoot them. From personal experience, new shooters are always given great advice and instruction from the local range officers and fellow shooters. As with many other shooting sports, practice the fundamentals and improvement will follow.
Stages
There are so many potential stages and courses of fire that they are limited only by IDPA rules, the range masters imagination and the clubs finances. There are stationary targets, steel plates, movers (on a cable) and oscillating targets, pop-ups, along with “shoot or no shoot” targets. IDPA can be shot year round with safe range conditions; and some clubs even have an indoor range.
An indoor range that is setup properly can simulate conditions that would occur in your home or on the street by using “low light” and “no light” (using a flashlight) stages that are unparalleled for real world training. And…during the winter months an indoor range is a sure cure for cabin fever. So, if you want some great practical training and the camaraderie of fellow shooters, try IDPA. Take your spouse or the kids along too, IPDA is also a great spectator sport; and you may just bring another shooter into the ranks.
Tom Adessa resides in Central New York, he is a LEO, an avid lover of the outdoors and passionate about handgun shooting.