INTERNATIONAL DEFENSIVE PISTOL ASSOCIATION

THE REAL PRACTICAL SHOOTING SPORT

FOCUSED ON DEFENSIVE TACTICS WITH CARRY GEAR

Become an IDPA Member

Join a community of shooters to learn, grow and most importantly have fun.

LEARN MORE

Watch what it’s like to shoot an IDPA match.

Jan 09, 2024

Announcements now via Blog Posts

Going forward we will post all announcements via blog. You can find all IDPA news and anno...

+ Read More

IDPA MATCHES

Matches are held virtually every weekend of the year. Many ranges will also hold matches during the week. Browse matches and find one near you.

EXPERIENCE AN IDPA MATCH

Not sure if competitive shooting is right for you? Find a local match and experience it for yourself. Use the search to find a local classifier.

IDPA MATCH RULES

Curious about the match rules, scoring, and what you need to do before shooting a match?

LEARN MORE

BROWSE UPCOMING MATCHES

Mar 28

2025 Walkers Texas State IDPA Championship

Host Club

Location Mission 160 Range (Primary location) Whitewright, TX

Tier 4

Level State
Mar 28

LORENZONI STYLE

Host Club

Location Regione Goretta sn Torrazza Piemonte TO, italy

Tier 1

Level
Mar 29

March 29, 2025 IDPA Bug Match at H2O Fowl Farms

Host Club

Location 3494 Fairground Rd Dunn, NC

Tier 0

Level
Mar 29

2025 IDPA CHINA CHAMPIONSHIP (airsooft)

Host Club

Location No. 1, Negative One Gun Hall, East District, North Fitness Plaza, Railway Station Road, Gusu District, Jiangsu Province SUZHOU, CHINA

Tier 1

Level
Mar 29

Classifier 5x5

Host Club

Location Bolewskiego Krotoszyn , wielkopolskie

Tier 0

Level
Apr 1

NWMODPC 1st Monthly Match

Host Club

Location 5415 US-169A St. Joseph, MO

Tier 1

Level
Apr 4

Adventures on Pirni Street 8th match

Host Club

Location Pirni 5 Tallinn, Harjumaa

Tier 1

Level
Apr 4

Tri-State Shootout

Host Club

Location CO. RD. 437 Daleville, AL

Tier 3

Level State
Apr 4

2025 Maryland IDPA Championship 20th Anniversary

Host Club

Location 21374 Sanner's Lane Lexington Park, MD

Tier 3

Level State
Apr 5

Vares Academy: Kerava Under Siege

Host Club

Location Kumitehtaankatu Kerava, Uusimaa

Tier 2

Level Regional
Apr 5

County Line IDPA Monthly Match- April 2025

Host Club

Location 4370 7 Mile Road Racine, WI

Tier 1

Level
Apr 5

CROATIA OPEN CUP 2025

Host Club

Location Bana Josipa jelacica Ceric, Vukovarsko-Srijemska županija

Tier 1

Level
Apr 5

CROATIA OPEN CUP 2025

Host Club

Location Bana Josipa jelacica Ceric, Vukovarsko-Srijemska županija

Tier 1

Level
Apr 5

3^ Gara Sud 2025

Host Club

Location Via Cuccuru is Olionis Donori, Sardinia

Tier 1

Level
Apr 5

SCCC April 5 IDPA Classifier

Host Club

Location 11307 Brownstown Road Underwood, IN

Tier 0

Level
Apr 5

SCCC April 5 IDPA

Host Club

Location 11307 Brownstown Road Underwood, IN

Tier 1

Level
Apr 5

CLASS to become an IDPA Safety Officer. Must be a member of IDPA.

Host Club

Location 365 FOSTER HILL RD GREENE, NY

Tier 0

Level
Apr 5

Saukville Gun Club - April 2025 w/ Classifier

Host Club

Location 4190 Blue Goose Road West Bend, WI

Tier 1

Level
Apr 5

Saukville Gun Club - April 2025 - 72 Round Classifier

Host Club

Location 4190 Blue Goose Rd West Bend, WI

Tier 0

Level
Apr 5

TRC IDPA April 5 2025

Host Club

Location 2850 TigerSwan Dr Autryville, NC

Tier 1

Level

WHAT OUR MEMBERS SAY

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.

Ben Hardt

MEMBER SINCE Sept 2015

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.

Chris Schmied

MEMBER SINCE Dec 2013

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.

Mike Alexander

MEMBER SINCE May 2005

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!

Jason Piccolo

MEMBER SINCE May 2022

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!

Rainey Williams

MEMBER SINCE May 2022

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.

Jason Miyashiro

MEMBER SINCE June 2015

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!

Memarie Lawrence

MEMBER SINCE April 2014

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.

Aaron Brulc

MEMBER SINCE July 2014

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.

Ben Hardt

MEMBER SINCE Sept 2015

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.

Chris Schmied

MEMBER SINCE Dec 2013

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.

Mike Alexander

MEMBER SINCE May 2005

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!

Jason Piccolo

MEMBER SINCE May 2022

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!

Rainey Williams

MEMBER SINCE May 2022

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.

Jason Miyashiro

MEMBER SINCE June 2015

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!

Memarie Lawrence

MEMBER SINCE April 2014

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.

Aaron Brulc

MEMBER SINCE July 2014

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.

Ben Hardt

MEMBER SINCE Sept 2015

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.

Chris Schmied

MEMBER SINCE Dec 2013

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.

Mike Alexander

MEMBER SINCE May 2005

IDPA CLUBS

Local IDPA affiliated clubs are the backbone of the sport. These clubs reach over 25,000 members. Competitors come from the United States and over 70 Foreign countries to compete in matches. Join the comradery of like- minded shooters all over the world.

JOIN IDPA AND SHOOT A LOCAL CLUB

Join a community of shooters to learn, grow and most importantly have fun. Compete with friends, and make new ones through your local club. Learn more about IDPA membership.

ARE YOU A CLUB? JOIN IDPA

IDPA offers a range of benefits to local clubs. We provide you with a platform to help manage events and members. View our club benefits page to learn more about what you get with IDPA.

EQUIPMENT SHOWCASE

IDPA Zip Up Hoodie

$43.99 – $47.99

Safety Officer Shirt

$22.99 – $25.99

IDPA Camo Patch

$4.99

Kryptek® Camo IDPA Cap

$19.99

BROWSE ALL PRODUCTS

IDPA NEWS

2025 Q1 Tactical Journal is posted!

The 2025 Q1 issue of the Tactical Journal is now posted. You can view the Tactical Journal issue by clicking here.

Staff Registration is open!

Registration for the 2025 IDPA National Championship Safety Officer and Staff Entry is now open! We are looking for dedicated staff to help run this year’s National Championship. The 2025 IDPA National Championship is scheduled for Sept. 18-20 at Mission 160 Range in Whitewright, Texas. Working the match is a fun, challenging and very rewarding…

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Jan 09, 2024

Announcements now via Blog Posts

Going forward we will post all announcements via blog. You can find all IDPA news and announcements via the Down Zero Blog.

Feb 07, 2023

MD AMA Live Tonight

Be sure to join us tonight at 7 pm Central on the official IDPA Facebook page to chat with Rodney Clark, the Southeastern PCC Challenge Match Director LIVE!

Oct 30, 2022

IDPA World Championship Date Change

We are changing the dates of the 2023 IDPA World Championship match to October 12 – 14, 2023 due to a scheduling conflict. We apologize for any inconvenience and hope to see you all there in Talladega. https://www.idpa.com/matches/2023-idpa-world-championship/