Frequently Asked Questions

IDPA stands for International Defensive Pistol Association (www.idpa.com). IDPA was founded in 1996 to provide shooters with a sport that allows them to develop and practice defensive shooting skills using “real-world” equipment suitable for everyday concealed carry. Thus, while IDPA shooting is definitely a “game,” it does not allow use of specialized competition gear. 

IDPA shooters are men and women who come in all shapes, sizes, colors, ages, and skill levels. At a typical IDPA match, you’ll find doctors, lawyers, bricklayers, business owners, teachers, students, retirees, computer specialists, construction workers — you name it. Anyone of any age who is capable of acting safely and responsibly in the presence of firearms is welcome in IDPA. 

No, but we believe that every shooter who participates in IDPA matches should be a member of IDPA. For your annual membership fee, you get a classification card, patch, decal, a subscription to the quarterly Tactical Journal magazine, and most importantly, the right to be awarded a classification and to shoot an IDPA-sanctioned major match such as the Alabama State IDPA Championship.

You also do not have to be a member of Brock's Gap Training Center to participate in our matches, all of which are open to the public.

To compete in IDPA, you’ll need a handgun, semi-auto or revolver, of 9mm/.38 caliber or larger, in good working order. In lieu of a pistol, you may also compete using a pistol-caliber carbine (PCC) with either optics or iron sights. The carbine must have a chamber flag at all times (we always have extra flags if you need one). For a pistol, you’ll also need a “strong-side” (the side with your dominant hand) holster. In real life, you may carry a small-of-the back, shoulder, or cross-draw holster, but for safety reasons these are not allowed in IDPA. There are a few other rules with regard to holsters, but generally speaking, if you wear it on your strong side and it covers the trigger guard, you’re good to go.  (Note: Brock's Gap IDPA does not permit the use of Blackhawk Serpa holsters in our matches because of a potential safety issue, especially when these holsters are used by new or inexperienced shooters.)

You’ll need at least three magazines. The stages you’ll shoot in an IDPA match will often require that you perform a reload, so you’ll also need a convenient place to carry your spare ammo. That usually means a magazine pouch or carrier. If you’re just starting out and don’t have magazine carriers, you can always use your waistband or pockets.

Because IDPA is premised on concealed carry, most scenarios (stages)  you shoot will require that you wear some type of  “concealment garment” (optional  for PCC shooters). Most seasoned IDPA shooters wear some type of vest (such as those that photographers wear), but you can use any garment that keeps your firearm and magazines out of plain view.

Finally, you’ll need eye protection (prescription glasses are OK, otherwise get an inexpensive pair of shooting or safety glasses) and ear protection (ear plugs are available at most drug stores).

The best way to start is to register on practiscore.com and join us.

Practiscore is the platform most clubs use to manage registration and scoring for matches.  It is also how match directors communicate with competitors in the event the match needs to be changed, such as due to inclement weather.  It's also how you get your scores after the match.

After you create a free account, you can click on matches and search for Brock's Gap to see all our matches.  Click on the one you want and you'll be taken to the registration page.  Don't worry if you don't have answers to questions such as division or classification.  You can either check "Don't know", "UN", or just leave it blank.  Also, be sure to check the box letting us know that this is your first competition so we can make sure you get some extra coaching.

After you register, you will be asked to squad.  Your squad is the folks you will be shooting the match with.  Squads move together from stage to stage through the match.  If you don't recognize any names on the list, just pick a squad.  It's a great way to meet new people and you can always change squads later.

Before the match starts, we hold a mini-clinic for new shooters.  You’ll be given a short briefing about safety rules and IDPA-specific match rules, and you’ll be on your way. We’ll also try our best to place you with an experienced shooter who will “mentor” you through the match, giving you tips and answering any questions. We want nothing more than for you to be safe, have fun, and become a regular member of the Brock’s Gap IDPA family. 

We also encourage you to take the Introduction to IDPA course the next time it becomes available, even if you've shot a couple matches.

If you really want to “ease” into it, you can show up just to watch the match (you must have eye and ear protection and sign a liability release even if you’re just a spectator), but we don’t encourage being a spectator. Why? Because we’ve found that folks who come just to watch a match usually leave wishing they had actually shot the match. So why not just jump in right from the beginning?