International Defensive Pistol Association (IDPA) was formed as a competition to simulate self-defense scenarios that might occur in real life. As IPSC and USPSA moved more to the sport or gaming side of competition the founders found a segment of the shooting sports that were looking for a home closer to the martial-artist side of handgun competition.

IDPA was formed in 1996 and has grown to a worldwide membership in 36 countries. Holding a National Championship with member clubs competing in local matches throughout the year. IDPA rules exclude the use of “race equipment” requiring equipment that can be used in everyday carry situations. Many of the IDPA scenarios require concealment garments to be worn.

Target engagement must be in tactical sequence, reloads are tactical and may require retention of magazines. Cover and concealment must be used to avoid exposure to threats.

To insure that the sport is not dominated by high-dollar equipment the divisions are designed so that the average shooter can afford to compete using the gear and guns readily available at the local gun shop or sporting goods store.

IDPA recognizes 5 Divisions; Custom Defensive Pistol, Enhanced Service Pistol, Stock Service Pistol, Enhanced Service Revolver, and Stock Service Revolver. Classifications within each Division are Novice, Marksman, Sharpshooter, Expert, and Master.

The IDPA Classification system consists of only 3 classifiers each consisting of 30 rounds and designed to be shot as a continuous 90 round match. Each of the 3 classifiers consist of multiple strings testing different shooting skills such as strong hand and weak hand shooting, kneeling, and reloading.

IDPA scoring uses the “Vickers” scoring method. Vickers scoring converts points down to a time penalty added to the clock time. For each point down 1/2 second is added to the clock time. A miss is minus 5 points and will result in 2.5 seconds added and a procedural penalty will add 3 seconds. The shooter with the lowest time wins.

If you’re looking to improve your gun handling skills and shooting ability as it relates to concealed carry or self-defense then IDPA might be the sport for you. Many shooters cross over from USPSA, IPSC and IDPA competing in all of the Action or Practical shooting sports.

For more information about IDPA visit their website.

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