PRACTICAL COMPETITIVE SHOOTING

I have been shooting for most of my life, including decades in the military and law enforcement, and was very hesitant to take the step into the competitive shooting world, especially IDPA.   I had the perception that there would be too many rules and too many gruff competitors.  I was completely wrong!  It really is a sport for everyone that has a desire to compete (and have fun).  The community has welcomed me with open arms.  IDPA is made up of so many people from every background, from blue-collar to tech industry to veterans to everyone in-between!  Check out a match today!

Having only started familiarizing myself with handguns in February of 2022 I was very reluctant to step into the world of competitive shooting. I was expecting hostile competitors and an every man for himself mentality, but joining IDPA was one of the best decisions I could’ve possibly made. The people I’ve met, the things I’ve learned, and the skills I’ve gained are just a few of the many things I will carry with me for the rest of my life thanks to IDPA and the people that truly make this association a family. Camaraderie is at the forefront of every match I attend, and there is never a shortage of people willing to push you to succeed. I urge anyone and everyone with the willingness to learn to come and check out a match!

When I first starting shooting IDPA 3 years ago, I had no idea I would forge lifelong friendships and learn from the best shooters in the world. It has been an emotional ride filled with character building moments. I owe all of my success to everyone I've met on the range. I look forward to many more years of competition and fellowship.

I never dreamed I would be competitive in anything, much less a shooting sport. When I became licensed to carry, my husband John, insisted that I train before I started actually carrying a firearm. I found a female instructor to work with me and once I started hitting bullseye, I was hooked and wanted more. I quickly became bored just standing shooting at a target. John took me to my first IDPA match and I fell in love. John, my son Ashton, and I all started shooting IDPA together as a family. The things I love most about IDPA are: it's a sport I can shoot with my family, all the wonderful people I have met while shooting IDPA, and the confidence it has given me. This year I was bumped to Expert so now it's a race with my husband on who will be the next Master, since Ashton has already beat us both!

I joined IDPA in 2014 with one goal in mind: Feel more confident when I carry a concealed weapon. After spending 22.5 years in the Navy and two combat deployments I felt I was ok with a pistol, but quickly found out I had so much more to learn. What started out as a loose hobby for me has turned into a passion. I quickly volunteered at two local clubs, and I am now the Assistant Match Director at both clubs and a qualified CSO. I've now competed in matches in 15 different states and made life long friends along the way. IDPA has allowed me to travel to new places and meet new people, talking about shooting sports and promoting 2nd Amendment rights along the way.

I think the thing I enjoy most about shooting IDPA is the people I've met. I've made some new friends, and reconnected with some old friends that I had no idea were shooting sports enthusiasts. Practically everyone I've met has been willing to help me along the way, regardless of whether I'm shooting my local match, or shooting a Major with 250 other people. Even the people that I'm trying to "beat" will sit at the back of the bay and compare notes about how best to shoot a stage.

I enjoy shooting IDPA because it's a unique opportunity to build skills under pressure. IDPA has also helped me to really find the right pistols for myself for both carry and competition, instead of just going with what I thought I liked in the store. It's made me a more skilled and confident shooter, and along the way I've made some amazing friends.

I was originally drawn to IDPA at an affiliated club in my area. I was always interested in the skill of SAFE high speed pistol shooting and gun handling. As an athlete, my traditional sports faded away and IDPA filled my competitive urge along with feeding my long time interest in action shooting. After many years of competing, I have found other benefits of IDPA. I use the sport to introduce others to competitive handgun shooting. With the rapidly increasing numbers of responsible Americans purchasing handguns for protection, most remain casual gun owners/shooters. IDPA is an easy pathway to graduate from a casual shooter into a more proficient and safer gun owner. Plus, everyone finds it a lot more fun than static target shooting. A purchase of a handgun provides virtually all equipment needed to shoot a match, so it's easy to get started. IDPA flourishes at the local club level and I utilize the general stress free environment of IDPA club matches to introduce casual gun owners to the world of competitive action shooting. Many get hooked, and in the process, we have more responsible, skilled, and safer gun owners. Finally, I have made many solid friendships around the US and globally through my travels competing in IDPA.