New Member Information
As a club we welcome new members and have introduced over 100 folks to IDPA style shooting. However, to maintain safety, we do require that persons be able to draw safely from the holster. As a result we require prior tactical training which will allow you to draw safely from a holster, move with the handgun, shoot around barricades and engage multiple targets. We recognize there are many forms of advanced training which are too numerous to mention, but new shooters are requested to outline the tactical training they have taken. Note that currently certified law enforcement officers, active duty military and crossover shooters from Cowboy Action and USPSA will be considered to have met the training requirements. The President or Match Director have final approval of all new to our club shooters and one of them must approve in advance ALL new shooters before they are allowed on our range. There are NO exceptions to this safety rule.
Once approved, we ask that you watch a match. We require you to attend a New Shooter briefing at 8:45am on match day, so arrive by 8:30am to get registered. During this briefing, we will review Safety Officer Commands,review your equipment and answer any questions you may have. Following the safety briefing, you will then be assigned a club member to mentor you through your first match.
If you do not have tactical training and for example, are a new permit holder or an experienced shooter who has only done target or pick up the gun from the bench shooting, others can train you to draw safely from the holster, move and engage multiple targets. This is done outside the club by NRA certified instructors who are often also active IDPA competitors and other groups. A fee is charged, but these folks can also help you get started with the right gun, holster, mag pouches, ammo, etc., as well as an overview of the rules and skills needed. Contact Bob at president@twincitiesidpa.com for details on available instructors. We can also advise you on other tactical training like LFI, Farnam, Thunder Ranch, Bill's, etc that more than meets this requirement.
One last option is to take USPSA/IDPA specific training which is offered once or twice per year to better understand these sports and their rules. Note that this training assumes you can already draw safely from the holster. Times will be announced in our newsletter and on Minnetonka IDPA's website
Special Note for Youth: A person cannot compete with us until they are a MINIMUM of 16 yrs old. and then only after completing appropriate training as required for other competitors. Hunter safety training and written permission from both parents and\or guardians is mandatory, Minors MUST be accompanied by a parent /guardian at ALL times while on the range. It is required that the guardian participate in several matches and be classified as a Marksman or higher before bringing a minor to the range to watch and/or participate. This is for the benefit of both participants and the safety of all. The sport is complex and a good understanding of the rules and procedures is paramount to the safety and success of the participant/s. We love seeing young people get "hooked" on the firearms sports as it ensures the success of our sport in the future.
What is the International Defensive Pistol Association - IDPA
The IDPA is the international organization that has established the rules of competition. They sanction matches and organized clubs throughout the international shooting community. The website for the IDPA is www.IDPA.com . To understand more about this sport and how we compete, read the rule at IDPA Rules.
What are the goals of our sanctioned Defensive Pistol Club?
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The goal of Defensive Pistol is to create a level playing field for all competitors to test the skill and ability of the individual, not their equipment or gamesmanship.
- To promote safe and proficient use of guns and equipment suitable for self-defense use.
- To offer a competition forum for standard factory produced service pistols.
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To provide the shooters with practical and realistic courses of fire that simulates potentially life threatening encounters or tests skills that would be required to survive life threatening encounters.
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To offer a practical shooting sport that is responsive to the shooters and sponsors, with unprecedented stability of equipment rules.
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To offer a practical shooting sport that allows competitors to concentrate on the development of their shooting skills and fellowship with other like minded shooters.
Required Equipment
- Handgun must practical for self-defense use, 9mm or .38 caliber or larger. No "competition only" equipment permitted.
- Holsters
- Must be worn in a strong side holster in a manner that is appropriate for all day continuous wear.
- Duty gear may be worn under certain situations - Please review IDPA rules.
- There are many styles of holsters but you should review the IDPA rules and/or discuss with a club member before buying.
- Mag Holders
- A dual mag holder is allowed.
- A minimum of 3 magazines or speed loaders are required, 5 are highly recommended
- Ammunition: Must be full charge service ammunition. Reloaded rounds must meet a power factor for their caliber.
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Concealment: All equipment will be so placed that, when wearing an open concealment garment with your arms extended to your sides and parallel to the ground, the weapon and mag holder can NOT been seen from the front, rear or sides.