Founded in 1996, the International Defensive Pistol Association (IDPA) is the governing body for IDPA competition, a handgun-centric shooting sport based on simulated self-defense scenarios.
The IDPA competition format was designed to be enjoyable for all shooters of all skill levels, with a premium put on the social interaction and camaraderie of the members. Participation in IDPA matches requires the use of handguns, holsters and other equipment suitable for concealed carry self-defense. With that in mind, and keeping the shooters' best interests in mind, IDPA's founders established equipment requirements that are based on commonly available firearms and gear, allowing individuals the opportunity to compete with minimal investment.
Our main goal is to test the skill and ability of the individual. Equipment that is designed with no application for daily, concealed carry is not permitted in this sport.

This section contains a summary of IDPA rules and guidelines. More information is available at the IDPA web site.

1. Equipment/Divisions - Power factors, modifications and holster guidelines.
2. Competition Rules - Reloads, use of cover and order of engagement.
3. Targets & Scoring - Scoring methods, Shot Count, penalties and classification.
4. Range Commands - Commands and procedures.
5. Safety Issues - General considerations, violations and commands.

Equipment

Shooters competing in IDPA events are required to use practical handguns and holsters that are truly suitable for self-defense use.

Divisions

Stock Service Pistol (SSP)

Standard service pistols in DAO, traditional DA/SA and striker fired actions in 9mm and larger caliber. May use selective DA but must start with hammer down. Must fit in IDPA standard box, maximum weight 43 oz. Limit 10 rounds plus 1 in the chamber.

Enhanced Service Pistol (ESP)

Enhanced Service Pistols, single action, Double Action or selective DA/SA pistols in 9mm or larger caliber that have been modified for carry (not competition). Must fit in IDPA standard box, maximum weight 43 oz. Limit 10 rounds plus 1 in the chamber.

Compact Carry Pistol (CCP)

Compact Carry Pistols, single action, Double Action or selective DA/SA pistols in 9mm or larger caliber with a barrel length of 4 3/8” or less that have been modified for carry (not competition). Must fit in IDPA CCP box, maximum weight 38 oz. Limit 8 rounds plus 1 in the chamber.

Custom Defensive Pistol (CDP)

.45 caliber pistols that have been modified for carry (not competition). Must fit IDPA standard box, maximum weight 43oz. Limit 8 rounds plus 1 in the chamber.

Revolver (REV)

Consists of Stock and Enhanced sub-categories

Stock revolvers, maximum weight 43 oz, .38 Special or larger rimmed cartridge, barrel must be 4.25" or less and no moon clips. Limit 6 rounds.

Enhanced revolvers, maximum weight 50 oz, .357 Magnum or larger cartridge, barrel must be 4.25" or less. Limit 6 rounds.

Back Up Gun (BUG)

Consists of Semi-Auto and Revolver sub-categories

BUG-S, Semi-Autos (single action, double action, double action only, or striker fired), maximum weight 29 oz, .380 ACP or larger cartridge, barrel must be 3.50" or less. Limit 6 rounds.

BUG-R Revolvers, maximum weight 38 oz, .38 or larger cartridge with a rimmed case and not loaded with moon clips, barrel must be 2.50" or less. Limit 6 rounds.

Power Factors

Power factor = Bullet Weight x Muzzle Velocity.

Stock Service Pistol: 125,000
Enhanced Service Pistol: 125,000
Compact Carry Pistol: 125,000
Custom Defensive Pistol: 165,000
Stock Revolver: 105,000
Enhanced Revolver: 155,000
BUG – 95,000

Modifications

Permitted Modifications (Non-Inclusive):

• Storage locks may be disabled or removed.
• Magazine disconnects may be disabled or removed.
• Lasers that are incorporated into the firearm or sights are allowed if they comply with all other division rules and the laser is not activated during a string of fire. Tape may be used to prevent the laser from projecting.
• Checkering, extended safeties and beveled magazine wells or magazine well extensions in ESP and CDP only.

Excluded Modifications:

• Compensators of any type including hybrid or ported barrels.
• Add-on weights. This includes (but is not limited to) weighted magazines, tungsten guide rods, brass magazine wells, weighted grips, and weighted grip plugs.
• Heavy and/or cone style barrels without a barrel bushing except as allowed in ESP, CCP, BUG and CDP divisions with length restrictions.
• Sights of non-standard configuration (ghost rings, Bo-Mar ribs, etc.).
• Disconnecting or disabling of any safety. Revolver actions may not be modified so that the
  hammer can fall when the cylinder is open.
• Lights mounted on firearms.
• Rail mounted lasers and bolt-on trigger guard mounted lasers are not allowed.

Competition Rules

This is a summary of the Competition Rules. The detailed competition rules can be found on the IDPA web site or downloaded by clicking this link: IDPA Rule Book.

IDPA Reloads

3.4.1 An "emergency reload" is when the magazine/cylinder and the chamber are both empty in the firearm.
3.4.6 Shooters may not perform a reload which results in a magazine (or loose rounds) being left behind after there was an unfired cartridge in the chamber, magazine, or cylinder at the time the reload was initiated.
3.4.3 A firearm is deemed reloaded when the magazine is fully seated and the slide is fully forward or the revolver cylinder is closed and the firearm contains at least one unfired cartridge in the chamber, magazine, or cylinder.

Proper Use of Cover

1.2.2 F: Competitors will use all available cover.

• 1.2.3 A: “Cover” refers to a position where a shooter can engage targets with a portion of their upper and lower body behind an object such as a wall
• For vertical cover when shooting, reloading and clearing a malfunction, shooter must remain within the fault lines. Low cover is the same as vertical cover and additionally requires at least one knee touch the ground.

Reloads:

• In stages with cover or concealment, shooters may reload standing still or on the move at any time, as long as they are not exposed to targets that are not fully engaged during the reload.
• When the shooter runs the firearm empty in the open, the shooter may reload in the open and continue engaging targets as needed or move to the next shooting position.

Order of Engagement

• Targets must be engaged in Tactical Priority - Near to far in the open, as visible (slicing the pie) from cover.

Courses Of Fire

Courses of fire will simulate a potential real life self-defense scenario or test shooting and gun handling skills that would be necessary in a real life self-defense scenario.

• Maximum number of rounds required for a course of fire is 18.
• The 75% of shots will be less than 15 yards.
• Maximum distance will be 20 yards for scenarios and 50 yards for standards.
• Maximum number of rounds in a magazine will be based on division being shot.
• Maximum movement required will be 10 yards between shooting positions and 20 yards total.
• Tactics will be enforced by use of fault lines, vision barriers, barricades etc.

Targets & Scoring

Targets

• 18 x 30 inch cardboard with three scoring zones: -0, -1 and -3.
• Various steel including 8" plates and standard poppers.

Scoring

Scoring is based on time with POINTS DOWN from the possible. Add penalties for procedural errors and 1 second penalty for each point down. The competitor with the LOWEST SCORE wins. Always award any question on scoring to the contestant.

• -0 Zone - Down 0, no penalty.
• -1 Zone- Down 1 point, each shot counts +1 seconds.
• -3 Zone - Down 3 points, each shot counts +3 seconds.
• Miss - Down 5 points, each miss counts +5 seconds

Unlimited Count

For use when shooting speed shoots and scenarios.

1. Fire as many shots as deemed necessary but only the highest scoring of the number specified will be scored.
2. Add 1 second for each point dropped for shots outside the -0 zones.
3. Penalties:
   • Procedural error: +3 seconds per infraction.
   • Flagrant Penalty: +10 seconds per infraction.
   • Hits on non-threat target: +5 seconds per hit.
   • Failure to do Right: (Circumventing the spirit of the sport for a competitve advantage) +20 seconds.

Limited Count

For use when shooting standard exercises.

1. Fire only the number of shots specified in the course description.
2. Add 1 second for each point dropped for shots outside of the 0 zone.
3. Penalties:
   • Procedural error: +3 seconds per infraction.
   • Flagrant Penalty: +10 seconds per infraction.
   • Hits on non-threat target: +5 seconds per hit.
   • Extra shots fired: +3 seconds and deduct highest scoring hit per extra shot.
   • Failure to do Right: (Circumventing the spirit of the sport for a competitve advantage) +20 seconds.

Procedural Penalties

A procedural penalty is assessed when the competitor does not follow the IDPA rules or the procedures set forth in the course description.

DNF (Did Not Finish)

Score will be based on actual time up to the point at which the shooter could not continue plus 5 points down for each shot not fired plus other applicable penalties.

Classifications

Competitors are classified according to their performance on a standardized course of fire. You must shoot a classifier (or sanctioned match) at least once per year.
A classification match consists of three stages, 72 rounds total. Stages may be run together or individually at club option. The IDPA Classification Database is the only official record of Classifications. The IDPA Classification Database must be kept up-to-date and accurate by each IDPA club’s Match Director, Club Contact, or designee within 7 calendar days of the classification.

Times for:	CDP	ESP	SSP	CCP	REV	BUG
Master (MA)	75.00 or less	72.00 or less	73.00 or less	78.00 or less	83.00 or less	89.00 or less
Expert (EX)	75.01 thru 100.00	72.01 thru 95.00	73.01 thru 96.00	78.01 thru 103.00	83.01 thru 110.00	89.01 thru 118.00
Sharpshooter (SS)	100.01 thru 150.00	95.01 thru 140.00	96.01 thru 142.00	103.01 thru 155.00	110.01 thru 165.00	118.01 thru 177.00
Marksman (MM)	150.01 thru 240.00	140.01 thru 225.00	142.01 thru 232.00	155.01 thru 248.00	165.01 thru 263.00	177.01 thru 283.00
Novice (NV)	240.01 or greater	225.01 or greater	232.01 or greater	248.01 or greater	263.01 or greater	283.01 or greater

Range Commands

2.12.1 Range Is Hot - Eyes & Ears
This is the first command given to each shooter starting the action of shooting a stage. This command signifies the start of the CoF. The shooter will make sure that their eye and hearing protection is in place. It is also notification to anyone in the shooting bay to check that their own eye and hearing protection is properly fitted.
2.12.2 Load and Make Ready
When the shooter has proper eye and hearing protection, the SO will issue the Load and Make Ready command. The shooter will prepare the firearm and magazines to match the start position for the stage. Typically, this is to load the firearm and holster, but may include non-typical loading or staging of equipment. The shooter will then assume the starting position necessary for the stage. If the shooter’s firearm is not to be loaded for the start of a stage the command used will be “Make Ready.”
2.12.3 Are You Ready?
After “Load and Make Ready,” the SO will ask the shooter “Are You Ready?” If ready, the shooter should respond verbally, or by obvious nodding of the head, but may also choose to stand ready. If there is no response from the shooter in approximately 3 seconds, the shooter is assumed to be ready.
If the shooter is not ready when this question is asked the shooter must respond “Not Ready”.
2.12.4 Standby
This command is given after the shooter is ready. This command will be followed by the start signal within 1-4 seconds. The shooter may not move or change positions between the “Standby” command and the start signal, unless required to do so by the CoF.
2.12.5 Finger
This command is given when the shooter’s finger is not obviously and visibly outside the trigger guard when it should be.
2.12.6 Muzzle
This command is given when the muzzle of the shooter’s firearm is pointed near a muzzle safe point. The shooter must correct the errant muzzle and continue with the stage.
2.12.7 Stop
This command is given when something unsafe has happened or is about to happen during a stage, or when something in the stage is not correct. The shooter must immediately stop all movement, place the trigger finger obviously and visibly outside the trigger guard, and await further instruction. Failure to immediately stop and remove the trigger finger from within the trigger guard will result in Disqualification from the match.
2.12.8 If Finished, Unload and Show Clear
This command will be issued when the shooter has apparently finished shooting the stage. If the shooter is finished, all ammunition will be removed from the firearm and a clear chamber/cylinder will be shown to the SO. If the shooter is not finished, the shooter should finish the stage and the command will be repeated.
2.12.9 If Clear, Slide Forward or Close Cylinder
Once the SO has inspected the chamber/cylinder and found it to be clear, this command will be issued and the shooter will comply.
2.12.10 Pull the Trigger
The shooter will point the firearm at a safe berm and pull the trigger to further verify that the chamber is clear. If the firearm fires, the shooter will be disqualified from the match. This requirement also applies to firearms with a de-cocker or magazine disconnect. For firearms with a magazine disconnect, an empty magazine, or dummy magazine must be inserted before the trigger is pulled, and then removed again. This command is not needed for revolvers.
2.12.11 Holster
The shooter will safely holster the firearm.
2.12.12 Range is Clear
This command indicates to everyone within the stage boundaries that the range is clear. This command ends the CoF and begins the scoring and resetting of the stage.

Safety Issues

IDPA rules have as their fundamental purpose the safe conduct and enjoyment of defensive pistol matches.

Safety Considerations:

• Absolutely no gun handling behind the line.
• Firearms must be unloaded and holstered, bagged, boxed or flagged until called to the line.
• Unloaded firearms: Loading only on the line under direction of the SO. Firing must be directed downrange only towards the backstop.
• Trigger finger on frame or slide unless engaging a target.
• Disqualification will be incurred for any and all safety infractions plus failure to obey the commands of the SO.
• Competitor briefings – each stage will be explained by the SO prior to start.
• Safe muzzle direction must be maintained at all times.

Disqualification Violations

Entrants will be disqualified, without refund, for the following (Non-Inclusive):

• Handling a firearm except while on the firing line. Otherwise all firearms will remain in safe condition (holstered, magazine out, chamber empty, hammer down).
• Unsportsmanlike conduct.
• Premature shots: In the holster or striking behind the firing line or within 6 feet of the shooter.
• Breaking the 180-degree line.
• Possessing a loaded pistol except under direction of a range official.
• Crossing yourself or another person with the muzzle.
• Use of artificial support.
• Failure to obey commands of the SO.

Safety ProceduralsThree second penalty, no disqualification.
Loading, unloading, holstering, moving more than 1 step (except while engaging targets as specified), changing positions or clearing malfunctions with finger inside the trigger guard. A second offense in the match is a disqualification.Safety CommandsSafety Officer may yell commands for unsafe actions:

• FINGER - for finger in trigger guard violations.
• MUZZLE - if the muzzle is getting near a safe point.
• STOP - if something grossly unsafe happens or is about to happen.