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Who can shoot an IDPA event?
If you can shoot a handgun safely and can legally bear arms you
will be welcome to participate in our IDPA matches. Northern Colorado IDPA makes it a practice to welcome shooters from other clubs, law enforcement personnel, and new shooters to join us.
How much does it cost to shoot an IDPA event?
NCRGC has a $10 fee for each match.
How old do you have to be to shoot IDPA?
You must be at least 12 years old. Children who want to participate must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian during the entire match.
What kind of a gun do I need?
IDPA requires the pistols be “safe and serviceable”.
That means they have to operate safely and reliably.
The IDPA also requires a certain minimum “power factor”.
These power factors are usually met by pistols shooting 38 special
or more powerful cartridges. The most common cartridges used are 38
special, 9mm, .40 and 45.
You may shoot either a revolver or an semi-automatic.
What else should I bring to shoot?
Hearing protectors, (either muffs or ear plugs), eye protection,
(impact resistant sun or regular glasses or clear shooter’s glasses)
a holster, hip only, no shoulder holsters, cross draws, or
pocket holsters. Inside the waistband holsters are okay, three magazines
or speed loaders for revolvers (only two are required for almost
all scenarios but three are better. Note: It is also ok to bring more magazines and
speed loaders, the shooter just can't have more than stated above on your body at
one time. It helps speed things up if
you have 2 or 3 extra magazines and speed loaders loaded up and ready to go.
You also should have a garment that conceals your handgun
in its holster.
What are the requirements for concealment for a match?
One of the goals of IDPA is to more closely approximate real world situations in a safe environment.
Therefore, the handgun must not be visible when your arms are held straight out to the sides.
Can I just watch a match?
Yes. There is no fee for watching and spectators are always welcome.
You should bring hearing protection and safety glasses however.
It is appreciated if you just let one of the match directors know you
are there just to watch. NCRGC also requires you to sign a wavier as well.
I just want to improve my shooting skills; I am not interested in
the competition. Can I just shoot for practice?
Lots of people come out and shoot just for practice. Because of safety requirements we will treat everyone who is shooting just the same. You will have a safety officer right behind you at all times and he will time your run. If you are not interested in your scores, just ignore them. Focus instead on shooting safely and accurately. Each run is made individually; the only real competitor you have is yourself. We are all trying to learn how to shoot faster and more accurately within the strict limits of safety. If you are not interested in your scores, no one else will be either. No matter how well or badly you shoot; if you shoot safely you will be welcome.
What is a classifier?
In order for shooters to be able to compete with their peers, IDPA member
competitors are divided into five classifications based on their skill
level. A “Classification Match” is a standard formatted match scored
by one of our accredited Safety Officers.
We recommend you shoot a classifier if you are going to
compete at any level. Just remember that non-IDPA members welcome to shoot
the match, but do not get Classified, but their are scored
are posted for the match. NCRGC
holds a classifier at least once easch season.
Do I need a concealed carry permit to shoot IDPA?
No.
What do I do when I show up for a match?
If you are a first time shooter please arrive at least
1 1/2 hours before the scheduled start of the event so you can attend both
the safety and shooters meetings.
Is IDPA safe?
Yes. IDPA has an admirable safety record; far better than other recreational activities such as softball or jogging. And we intend to keep it that way. Shooting a firearm is an inherently risky activity. To minimize this risk there are stringent safety requirements. We will not bend, alter, waive, or otherwise try to shortcut safety rules.
The rules are commonsense:
A Safety Officer is remains just behind every shooter for every scenario.
Safety violations such as dropping a loaded gun or pointing the muzzle
past the designated muzzle safe point will result in disqualification from the rest of the match.
Once on the range, handguns can only be removed from their holsters,
on the firing line under direrection of an RO, or in the designated
“safe handling area".
The Safety Officer will check downrange to confirm it is clear and
then call out “We are going hot!” The SO will then tell you to
“Face downrange, load and make ready.”
The Safety Officer will ask you if you are ready.
When you confirm this the SO will hit the ‘Buzz Button” on the timer
that signals you to start your run.
After you are finished shooting the gun muzzle must remain
pointed downrange until the Safety Office tells you to
“Unload and Show Clear.” For a revolver that means opening
the cylinder and removing all rounds and showing the SO an empty
cylinder. For an automatic, remove the magazine, and pull back
the slide. The SO will say “I see it” confirming that there is not a
round in the chamber. The next command is “Hammer” which directs you to pull
the trigger (still keeping the gun pointed downrange).
Then “Holster”. Once the weapon is thus proven to be unloaded and is safely stowed the SO will call out “We are safe.” Then and only then can you move down range to score the scenario.
Where can I find out more about the IDPA?
Here is the link to their web site.
http://www.idpa.com/
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