QUESTIONS & ANSWERS 

What is IDPA?

International Defensive Pistol Association (IDPA) is a shooting sport offering the opportunity to use practical equipment and develop shooting skills in a scenario set up called a Course of Fire (CoF). Practical equipment meaning handguns and holsters suitable for the purpose of conceal carry. Course of Fire has two categories: “Real-Life” Self-defense scenarios and Standard (practice drill) exercises. 

Who can shoot an IDPA event? Are spectators allowed?

Anyone who can legally own a handgun can shoot at an IDPA event. IDPA allows participation and membership for those as young as 12 years old who are accompanied by a legal parent/guardian. IDPA is perfect for families who enjoy activities together by recognizing the following categories: JUNIOR (ages 12 – 18), LADY, SENIOR (ages 50 – 64), and DISTINGUISHED SENIOR (ages 65 & Up).  

IDPA also encourages participation from all walks of life including: Law Enforcement, Military (Active / Retired / Discharged), Industry, and Press & Media. 

Yes, spectators are allowed and encouraged to come to matches – No Cost to watch! Eye protection and ear protection (ear plugs) are required for everyone on the range. A waiver provided by the range must be signed at the registration area on the range. Bring your lawn chair! 

Ridge Crossing Shooting Club is an IDPA affiliated club. We welcome everyone to shoot an event at our club. As an affiliated club we recruit shooters to the sport and membership in IDPA. 

What does is cost to shoot an IDPA event at Ridge Crossing Shooting Club? What does it cost to join IDPA?

The match fees at Ridge Crossing are $10 per event. Junior shooters pay $5 per event. Presently we do not have memberships and shoot by scheduled events only. As an affiliated club we are required to recruit shooters to join IDPA after shooting their first match and deciding if IDPA is the shooting sport they wish to participate in. IDPA membership costs $40 annually. You can join online at www.idpa.com or we can process the paperwork for you through Ridge Crossing. 

What are the advantages of IDPA membership?

IDPA membership gives you the opportunity to be a member of an International organization that promotes the safe practice of defensive pistol shooting as a sport and preserving your right to own and use self-defense handguns. You get the opportunity to meet and hang out with a bunch of really great people! 

You will receive the following: an official IDPA rulebook, an official IDPA cap, an IDPA membership card, a Classification card, a quarterly publication – IDPA Tactical Journal – that gives news from all over the IDPA world of shooting sports. You will be eligible to shoot at events held at the local, regional, national, and international levels. 

What kind of gun do I need?

IDPA requires the use of a pistol or revolver that is at 9mm / .38 special caliber or larger. If your handgun is suitable for self-defense use, it will most likely be suitable for IDPA. Visiting a match will give you the opportunity to see what equipment other shooters use, ask questions and observe. IDPA shooters are happy to answer questions about any aspect of IDPA – equipment, procedures, etc. 

Can I just shoot for practice? I don’t want to compete.

That’s the whole idea about a local match! We are all here to practice! The matches give us the opportunity to practice using our equipment, spend time with like-minded people, share information and practice tips. 

Do I need a concealed carry permit to shoot IDPA?

No, IDPA and Ridge Crossing Shooting Club do not require a Conceal Carry Permit. 

Is IDPA safe?

Yes! There are Certified Safety Officers (SO) at every event. At Ridge Crossing there are numerous SO’s on the staff – including the Safety Officer Instructor for the State of Mississippi. COLD RANGE Rule: A cold range is defined as a range where all shooters must be unloaded unless under the supervision of an SO. No ammunition feeding device in the gun (empty magazine wells). The ONLY time a gun is loaded the shooter on a CoF who is under the direction of an SO running that CoF.  

What types of matches are held by IDPA / Ridge Crossing Shooting Club?

Local club matches are the most informal and are the best opportunity to learn, practice and hone your skills. Ridge Crossing has practice matches one to two times a month. Classifier matches are a set of specific skill CoF – 3 stages, 90 rounds of ammo – designed to determine a shooter’s level of skill or classification. Classifications are: Novice, Marksman, Sharpshooter, Expert, and Master. Ridge Crossing has Classifier matches periodically throughout the year. 

What are the Divisions?

There are five Divisions of pistols: Stock Service Pistol (SSP) – semiautomatic 9 mm or larger: Enhanced Service Pistol (ESP) – semiautomatic 9 mm or larger with certain modifications; Custom Defensive Pistol (CDP) – semiautomatic .45 ACP; there are two divisions for revolvers – Service Stock Revolver (SSR) and Enhanced Service Revolver (ESR). For more extensive information see, www.idpa.com 

Do I have to be a member of NRA?