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.

May 22, 2025

Frank Strong Appointed as the Regional Area Coordinator Lead (RACL) for the Western US

Frank Strong from Cheyenne, Wyoming, has been selected as the Regional Area Coordinator Le...

+ 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

Jan 24

Caliber IDPA Monthly Match- January Double Classifier

Host Club

Location 3059 Washington St Waukegan, IL

Tier 0

Level
Jan 24

Fecha 1 Torneo Interclubes IDPA 2026

Host Club

Location Carretera General San Marn Santiago, Regin Metropolitana

Tier 0

Level
Jan 24

Classificazione Idpa

Host Club

Location Contrada San Nicola Snc Mazara Del Vallo, TP

Tier 0

Level
Jan 24

JANUARY CLUB SHOOT

Host Club

Location BALLITO BALLITO, BALLITO

Tier 1

Level
Jan 25

IDPA MINI MATCH Jan 26

Host Club

Location Sapareva Banya Sapareva Banys, Kyustend

Tier 1

Level
Jan 30

2026 Florida State IDPA Championship by Ruger

Host Club

Location 4330 Highway 630 E Frostproof, FL

Tier 4

Level State
Jan 30

test gara

Host Club

Location via pietro marchisio Roma, Roma

Tier 1

Level
Jan 31

Clasificador

Host Club

Location Boulevard Corrientes Carmen de Patagones, Buenos Aires

Tier 0

Level
Feb 3

This is an EDC Match. Every Day Carry.

Host Club

Location 5415 US-169 A St. Joseph, MO

Tier 1

Level
Feb 6

Snow storm

Host Club

Location Pirni 5 Tallinn, Harjumaa

Tier 1

Level
Feb 7

Lukna IDPA 3. Winter 2025/26

Host Club

Location Shooting range Luknja Maribor, Podravska

Tier 1

Level
Feb 8

Clasificacin santa rosa

Host Club

Location Santa rosa Santa rosa la pampa , La pampa

Tier 0

Level
Feb 12

Winter Classic

Host Club

Location 1630 Harlandsburg Rd New Castle, PA

Tier 3

Level Regional
Feb 14

Bandera Match

Host Club

Location 809 FM 1077 Bandera, TX

Tier 1

Level
Feb 14

CCSC Monthly IDPA Match

Host Club

Location 4955 Tinkers Creek Rd Edgemoor, SC

Tier 1

Level Local
Feb 17

NWMODPC 2nd Monthly Match.6 Stages $23.00 fee. Starts at 6:00, be there by 5:30.

Host Club

Location 5415 US-169 A St. Joseph, MO

Tier 1

Level
Feb 18

Patrons Defensive Pistol Cup

Host Club

Location Kirigiti main Range Kiambu , Kenya

Tier 3

Level State
Feb 18

DF Chairman's Cup Kenya

Host Club

Location Kiambu road Kiambu, Kenya

Tier 3

Level State
Feb 21

Clasificacin esperanza

Host Club

Location Dean funes 3845 Esperanza santa fe, Santa fe

Tier 0

Level
Feb 21

Clasificacin esperanza

Host Club

Location Dean funes 3845 Esperanza santa fe, Santa fe

Tier 0

Level

WHAT OUR MEMBERS SAY

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

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

Safety Officer Shirt

$22.99 – $25.99

Gift Certificate

$25.00–$100.00

IDPA Airsoft Training Kit

~~$174.99~~ $131.99

2023 IDPA Rulebook: Paperback

$5.00

BROWSE ALL PRODUCTS

IDPA NEWS

2026 Equipment Appendices V2

2026 IDPA Rule Changes – V2 of 2026 Rulebook

We want to thank our dedicated IDPA community for taking time on New Year’s Day to pour through the 2026 rule updates. Your feedback helped identify two key issues: a section that was to be deleted in disqualifications and the correction of the steel calibration power factor of 95. In response, the IDPA Regional Area…

ANNOUNCEMENTS

May 22, 2025

Frank Strong Appointed as the Regional Area Coordinator Lead (RACL) for the Western US

Frank Strong from Cheyenne, Wyoming, has been selected as the Regional Area Coordinator Lead (RACL) for the Western United States, effective immediately.

Frank has been shooting IDPA for 10 years after his wife started an IDPA club in Cheyenne. A Marksman in BUG and PCC, and Sharpshooter in ESP, SSP, CCP, and CDP, he is the Match Director of High Plains IDPA in Cheyenne and has been involved as MD and staff for Smith & Wesson Indoor Nationals (SWIN), IDPA Nationals, and World Championships for the past 10 years. He has been an Area Coordinator since 2018.

Strong says, "In 2014, my wife April, started the local club in Cheyenne, WY and we both became certified SOs. In 2015, April was selected to be part of the Girl and a Gun Squad at SWIN and dragged me along. I made my fatal mistake that year and asked if they needed help because I was stuck in the break room. Since then, I have become a CSO, SOI, AC, AMD, and MD for IDPA. Not necessarily in that order. I enjoy shooting and working IDPA matches because it provides me an opportunity to spend time with some great people." His hobbies outside of shooting are reloading, riding motorcycles, and brewing beer. "I have been married to my wife, April, for 28 years and have two children, Tate and Kat, and a granddaughter, Nova. "My goals as RACL are to see IDPA grow in my area, to provide assistance to the ACs in my area, and help with great matches. I want to provide clear direction and transparency to the ACs and IPDA membership.” How does Strong describe his preparation for this role? “I worked for and was mentored by two great RACLS, Rick Lund and Brian Ehrler. Each of them helped me to look at the sport from a different view and to identify processes that could be improved in the future. I look forward to working with Mike Wilkerson, RACL for the Eastern US, to achieve these goals.” What would you like your constituents in your Area of Responsibility to know about you? “That I am here to help. Help answer questions, help IDPA to grow, help with local matches, and help with sanctioned matches.” Please say thank you to Brian Ehrler for his decade of service, and welcome Frank to his new role!

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/