Q
What is IDPA?

 

A
IDPA (International Defensive Pistol Association) is a shooting game based around concealed carry of a firearm. The shooting scenarios resemble possible real life situations where you might have to shoot for self-defense. Unlike many other shooting games there are quite a few rules regarding use of cover and concealment, the type of equipment you can use and ammunition capacity.

 

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Q
What kind of gun can I use?

 

A
Your gun must fit in a standardized box to be legal for IDPA. Usually the gun is ready to go for IDPA as you get it from the gun store.

Generally these rules apply:

• You can use a Revolver of .38 caliber or larger with a barrel length of 4 inches or less.
• You can use a Pistol of 9mm caliber or larger with a barrel length of 5″ or less.
• There are additional rules for equipment you can have on the gun. The main option that comes with a standard gun that is not allowed is a compensated barrel.
• Additional disallowed enhancements are large magazine wells and optics.
  There is a complete set of requirements in the rule book a www.idpa.com

 

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Q
How many scenarios are in a match?

 

A
The scenarios are commonly referred to a ‘Stages’.
At Prado Olympic Shooting Park we have 8 stages each match.

 

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Q
How long does it take to shoot a match?

 

A
This varies depending on the number of shooters and the complexity of the stages.
Our goal is the complete the 8 stage match in approximately 5 hours.

 

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Q
When should I get to the range?

 

A
New shooters should be there by 8am.
We like to have the shooters meeting at 8:30 and then split into squads to begin the match.

 

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Q
What is a cover garment?

 

A
In IDPA you must wear something to cover your handgun and ammo. This simulates how you would carry your gun if you had a CCW.

It can be a shirt, jacket, vest or even a long t-shirt. The garment must cover the entire gun with your arms stretched out at shoulder height.

 

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Q
Can I share a gun?

 

A
This is not the preferred way to participate in a match.
If it is necessary you each must have your own holster and ammunition carriers.
The safety officer will supervise the transfer of the gun each time.

 

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Q
What kind of holster can I use?

 

A
The IDPA rule book at www.idpa.com has a comprehensive set of rules for holsters.

• In general, your holster must cover the trigger guard.
• It must be a holster you would use to carry your concealed weapon.
• Any kind of ‘inside-the-waistband’ holster is acceptable although it must stay open after the draw so you can re-holster without using your support hand.
• The holster must be at your waist. A drop leg holster is not acceptable unless you are an active LE officer and wear your full duty rig.
• The holster should be very close to vertical. it cannot have the muzzle pointed forward or radically backwards.

 

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Q
Are the holster requirements different for women?

 

AYes. Women may use a ‘dropped-and-offset’ holster because a straight holster may not fit adequately.

 

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Q
What kind of belt do I need?

 

A
A strong belt that fits through the belt loops in your pants and is wide enough to keep the holster from moving back and forth is sufficient.

Whatever belt you choose, it must be run through the belt loops of your pants to hold it secure while drawing and holstering.

 

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Q
What position must my holster be in?

 

A
Your holster is worn on your strong side (left side if you are left-handed; right if you are right-handed) at the mid-line of your body.

You ammunition carrier (double mag pouch) should be just behind the mid-line of your body on the opposite side from the gun.

 

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