What to expect on your First Day at Prado Olympic Shooting Park for IDPA, and the things you need to know.

What you need to bring with you.

• Gun
• Ammo (200rds will be more than enough)
• Holster that covers the trigger
• Magazines (minimum 3, 4 is better, more is even better)
• Magazine carrier (two magazines)
• Cover garment (vest, jacket, shirt)

Shooting starts about 8:30ish, New shooters should arrive at by 8am

Sign in is in the second metal building, next to the public pistol range, through the roll-up door

You will need to sign a waiver for Prado Shooting Range,
And, sign-in for the match (the email list is optional)
Put you Name on the front of your score sheet card
Put your name on the back of the score sheet. All of them LEGIBLY, please. Don’t for get to circle which division you are shooting. Here is a BASIC break down, but if your unsure ask when you get there.

• Stock Service Pistol (SSP) – Glocks, M&P, double or safe action 9mm or larger
• Enhanced Service Pistol (ESP) XD, 1911 (9mm), single action 9mm or larger
• Custom Defensive Pistol (CDP) Single action, Semi-Auto (1911) 45cal only
• Enhanced Service Revolver (ESR) Revolver 9mm or larger, barrel 4.2” or less, loaded with full moon clips
• Stock Service Revolver (SSR) Revolver 38cal or larger, barrel 4.2” or less, not loaded with full moon clips.

(There are many detailed rules about modifications to keep IDPA as real world as possible. This is just a generic idea of divisions.)

You will now have a signed Score Sheet in your hand. Sign up for a squad and put your score sheet on the clipboard. IF you are there with some one be sure to pick the same squad, if not just go with the one that has the least shooters.

This is a cold range. Load and unload only under direction of an Safety Officer (SO).
Law enforcement officers and concealed carry permit holders check at the sign-in table for procedures.

You can load your magazines in the general meeting area, but you can only holster your weapon in the designated safe area to the right of the rifle range.

There will be a general shooters meeting to get things going, and a “New Shooter” meeting to go over the safety and basics of an IDPA match.

What can get you removed from the match:
Prado Park has a 180 degree rule. Pointing your gun up-range will result in a D.Q. I f your muzzle is always pointed at the backstop this is never a problem.
A bullet striking within 2 yards of any person will result in a D.Q.

When the new shooter meeting is over go and join the squad you signed up for. They might already be shooting. Be sure to mention you are a new shooter to the SO or Scorekeeper. Ask Questions, watch and learn the process for scoring and taping. People are friendly and always happy to help the new people. Remember your gun stays in the holster until you are told to remove it by the SO.

You will be told when you are “in the hole” or “on deck”. In the hole means you will shoot after the on deck person. This is the time to check that you will be ready when it is your turn. On deck means you are shooting next. Be at the starting point of the stage ready to load. This way the SO can keep things moving. When the range is clear the SO will tell you to load and make ready. The SO will ask if you understand the course of fire, if you don’t SAY SO. The SO will then ask “nod when ready”, “shooter ready”, the buzzer goes off and you start shooting. The SO will stay near you to help you though the stage if needed.

Don’t get nervous, they are just making sure things stay safe, and that you know what’s going on.

When the stage is over they will tell you to unload the weapon, show them an empty chamber, aim into the backstop squeeze the trigger to dry fire (hammer down) then, re-holster.

Only after the SO says “range is safe” can you walk down to tape the targets after the SO scores them. Be sure to help tape. It’s a great way to learn the stages.

Come on out, try this great sport with us. Remember; be safe, have fun.