IDPA International Defensive Pistol Association

Last week I participated in a local IDPA (International Defensive Pistol Association) event. If any of you have never tried shooting at an IDPA event, you really should give it a shot. People of all abilities show up & get to try out fun things that are normally "against the rules" at many gun ranges. Usually there are 3 to 4 "stages" that have different scenarios to try. In any given "stage", you'll test your speed of the draw, shooting at multiple targets, tactical & speed loading, shooting while walking backwards, forwards, shooting from behind cover, from your knees or on the ground, etc. All things that are very fun to do but often prohibited at the local range during normal open range time.

You'll use the same gun & holster that you normally carry for self defense without any special modifications. That is in many ways optimal since you want to be able to enhance your skills with your normal carry weapon.

The event I went to was held at the Scottsdale Gun Club & there is one held there on the 1st Wednesday of every month in the evening. You need to bring a few spare magazines, your normal carry gun, holster, and about 100 rounds of ammo. The cost to participate is $12 for club members, and $15 for nonmembers. You can also go to the IDPA website to find other IDPA clubs & events all over the world.

It is a lot of fun, and time well spent honing your ability to defend yourself from the predators out there known as criminals. I highly recommend participation to everyone - old timers & newbies alike.