What is IDPA?
IDPA stands for The International Defensive Pistol Association. IDPA matches simulate real-world self-defense scenarios. The main focus is using real-world gear and real-world guns (as opposed to some of the ultra customized guns used in other shooting sports) in a competitive sport. For a more in-depth description of the IDPA organization please visit www.idpa.com.

What do I need to compete in IDPA?
Complete IDPA holster and handgun rules can be found in the IDPA Rules Book. Essentially if you have a stock or slightly modified handgun and holster that fits the handgun safely and securely and a jacket, shirt, or vest that can completely conceal your rig, you can compete in IDPA. If you are concerned that your handgun and/or holster will not qualify, bring it by for practice and one of the senior members will take a look. We do not strictly follow the IDPA handgun/cover-up guidelines for practice, so any handgun (within reason) can be used at practices. Holsters must still be safe for fast-draw so they must be side-mount-style holsters (no middle-of-the-back, ankle, or shoulder holsters).

Can I try it out before committing to anything?
Sure can. Everyone is entitled to one practice and one match before committing to becoming a WSSA member or IDPA member. If you are not a WSSA or IDPA member and would like to practice or compete in a match with us, a $1 temporary membership fee is required the day of practice and/or match (WSSA by-laws for temporary membership). If you are already a WSSA member, you can practice with us at any time without being an IDPA member and you can compete in one match for free as a non-IDPA member. Non-WSSA members who are IDPA members can attend any matches held at WSSA. Temporary membership fees are included in the cost of the match.

What do I need to know before my first practice/match?
We practice safe gun handling at WSSA. If you are attending a practice at WSSA for the first time, please check with one of the members in the clubhouse before unpacking your firearm. If you are attending a Sights match for the first time, please arrive by 9:30AM to attend a safety briefing before the match.

What is a normal IDPA match like?
An IDPA match consists of a number of small scenarios. Competitors are grouped into squads usually by shooting ability and rotate through the different scenarios set up throughout the rages on the club grounds. Each scenario has a description and requirements. Shooters are timed for how long it takes to complete the scenario. Once a shooter completes a scenario time is added to the completion time based upon the shooters accuracy and ability to follow the requirements of the scenario. So, faster shooting does not always equal a lower final time. After all scenarios are completed, final times are added up and competitors are ranked from fastest to slowest total final times.

Does Sights do anything different from other IDPA matches?
At Sights, we also incorporate a shoot-house (a favorite of our pre-IDPA days) and a single indoor scenario in every match.

Anything else I need to know?
Since we utilize the WSSA facilities, if you would like to practice with us regularly you must become a member of WSSA.
Unsafe firearm handling will not be tolerated. Failure to follow safe firearm handling procedures can result in suspension of WSSA membership and/or expulsion from club grounds.