IDPA
About IDPA
About IDPA
IDPA is the use of practical equipment including full charge service ammunition to solve simulated “real world” self-defense scenarios using practical handguns and holsters that are suitable for self-defense use. The main goal is to test the skill and ability of an individual.
THE ORGANIZATION
The International Defensive Pistol Association (IDPA) is the governing body of a shooting sport that simulates self-defense scenarios and real life encounters. It was founded in 1996 as a response to the desires of shooters worldwide. The organization now boasts membership of more than 22,000, including members in 74 foreign countries.
IDPA offers an exciting forum for practical shooters in which truly practical equipment, techniques, and courses of fire are mandated. Prior to IDPA, there was no place to compete with common service pistols. There were no shooting sports where your concealed carry holster could also be your match holster without handicap.
When you come to an IDPA match, you can not only use your CCW equipment, you can be completely competitive with it! Other shooting sports have become equipment “races”; IDPA will not.
If you’re interested in using truly practical pistols to solve challenging and exciting defensive shooting problems, then IDPA is the sport for you.
Learn more about what makes IDPA great, from the practical skills training rules, the variety of matches, the wide range of competitors and the ever-growing community.
WHY ANOTHER SHOOTING SPORT?
Prior to the formation of IDPA, there was no place to compete and hone one’s skill with equipment designed for & suitable for self-defense.
IDPA SOCIAL MEDIA
There are many ways to connect with IDPA, check them out and learn more about the sport.
Advertise With IDPA
Why should you advertise with us?
IDPA members are dedicated competitors and valuable members of the 2A community. IDPA members are a population of sport and recreational shooters who enjoy competition of a practical, self-defense nature.
Our membership includes a wide variety of occupations and socio-economic levels, many of whom are active members of local and federal law enforcement agencies, as well as active and reserve military members.
In addition to local and regional match sponsorships, we offer the opportunity to partner with IDPA to get in front of all our members internationally with advertising in our quarterly publication, the Tactical Journal, and with sponsorships available at our National and World Championship matches that occur annually in the fall.
The Tactical Journal’s online circulation base is to our 23,000 international and domestic members, and to the general public. With more than 200,000 page views and 20,000 new users per month, we can get your interactive ads in front of our readers at the consumer’s convenience.
Sponsors at our National and World Championship matches can be sure that their brand will be seen in multiple print, digital, and social media platforms, in addition to exclusive access to the competitors at the match.
If you are interested in showcasing your brand in either the Tactical Journal or at our championship match, please contact us for more information.
Contact IDPA
THE INTERNATIONAL DEFENSIVE PISTOL ASSOCIATION
Mailing Address
Address: 150 CR 4603, Bogata, TX 75417
Phone
(870) 545-3886
Connect with IDPA Online
MESSAGE IDPA
Email
help@idpa.com
Last updated Nov 01, 2026