LCSA

The purpose of the IDPA competition is to test the skill and ability of the individual in the use of practical equipment, including full charge service ammunition to sole simulated "real world" self -defense scenarios. The national organization was formed around the following main principals:

1. To create a level playing field for all competitors to test the skill and ability of the individual, not their equipment.
2. To promote safe and proficient use of guns and equipment suitable for self-defense use.
3. To offer a competition forum for shooters using standard factory produced service pistols and revolvers.
4. To provide shooters with practical and realistic courses of fire.

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

• Equipment/Divisions - Power factors, modifications and holster guidelines.
• Competition Rules - Reloads, use of cover and order of engagement.
• Targets & Scoring - Scoring methods, Vickers Count, penalties and classification.
• Range Commands - Commands and procedures.
• 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 .40 caliber. May use selective DA but must start with hammer down. Must fit in IDPA standard box. Limit 10 rounds.

Enhanced Service Pistol (ESP)

Single action or selective DA/SA pistols in 9mm or .40 caliber that have been modified for carry (not competition). Must fit in IDPA standard box, maximum weight 43 oz. Limit 10 rounds.

Custom Defensive Pistol (CDP)

Model 1911-style single stack .45 caliber and 10mm pistols that have been modified for carry (not competition). Must fit IDPA standard box, maximum weight 41oz. Limit 8 rounds.

Stock Service Revolver (SSR)

Standard service revolvers, barrel must be 5" or less. Limit 6 rounds.

Power Factors

Power factor = Bullet Weight x Muzzle Velocity.

Stock Service Pistol: 125,000

Enhanced Service Pistol: 125,000

Custom Defensive Pistol: 165,000

Stock Service Revolver: 125,000

Modifications

Permitted Modifications:

• External sights, grips and finish.
• Internal accuracy and reliability.
• Checkering, extended safeties and beveled magazine wells or magazine well extensions in ESP and CDP only.

Excluded Modifications:

• Compensators or ported barrels.
• Add on weights.
• Heavy barrels.
• Non-standard sights (ghost rings, optics, etc.)

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 2005.

Tactical Reloads

No loaded ammunition carriers may be left behind if the shooter moves to another firing position. Firearm is considered LOADED when the fresh magazine is seated or revolver cylinder is closed. Retain magazine in pocket, waostband or magazine pouch before firing next shot. No speed reloads.

• Tactical Reload - Exchange magazines at gun, always acceptable.
• Retention Reload - Exchange magazine at belt, if allowed at stage.
• Slide- Lock Reload - Slide locked back on empty magazine, okay to drop magazine.

Proper Use Of Cover

• At least 50% of the shooter's upper torso and 100% of the shooter's legs must be behind cover while engaging threat targets. Single warning issued.
• All reloads must be executed behind cover if available.

Order Of Engagement

• Tactical Priority - Near to far in the open, as visible (slicing the pie) from cover.
• Tactical Sequence - Engage all with one round before engaging with additional rounds.

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 majority of shots will be less than 15 yards.
• Maximum distance will be 20 yards.
• Courses will be 6 shot neutral.
• Maximum number of rounds in a magazine will be 10.
• Maximum movement required will be 10 yards.
• Tactics will be enforced by use of vision barriers, barricades etc.

Targets & Scoring

Targets

• 18 x 30 inch cardboard with three scoring zones: 5, 4 and 2.
• Various steel including 8" plates and standard poppers.

Scoring

Scoring is based on time with POINTS DOWN from the possible. Add penalties for procedural erros and .5 second penalty fr each point down. The competitor with the LOWEST SCORE wins. Always award any question on scoring to the contestant.

• 5 Zone - Down 0, no penalty.
• 4 Zone- Down 1 point, each shot counts +.5 seconds.
• 2 Zone - Down 3 points, each shot counts +1.5 seconds.
• Miss - Down 5 points, each miss counts +2.5 seconds

Vickers 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 .5 second for each point dropped foe shots outside the 5 zone.
3. Penalties:

• Procedural error: +3 seconds per infraction.
• Hits on non-threat target: +5 seconds per target, any number of hits.
• Failure to neutralize: (Less than 4 points on target) +5 seconds.
• Failure to do right: (Circumventing the spirit of the sport for a competitve advantage) +20 seconds.

Limited Vickers Count

For use when shooting standard exercises.

1. Fire number of shots specified in the course description only.
2. Add .5 second for each point dropped for shots outside of the 5 zone.
3. Penalties:

• Procedural error: +3 seconds per infraction.
• Hits on non-threat target: +5 seconds per target, any number of hits.
• 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.

Par Time

For use in standard excercises.

1. Each string of fire has a fixed time limit.
2. Score will be in points, not time.
3. Penalties:

• Shots fired in "overtime": -5 points per shot.
• Procedural error: -5 points per infraction.
• Hits on non-threat target: -10 points per hit.
• Failure to do right: -200 points.

Procedural Penalties

A procedural penalty is assesed when the competitor does not follow the procedures set forth in the course description.

DNF (Did Not Finish)

1. Score will be based actual time up to the point at which the shooter could not continue plus 5 points down for each shot not fired plus failure to neutralize penalties.
2. The minimum number of shots for the course is multiplied by 3 seconds for a stage score.

Classifications

1. Master: 85 - 100%
2. Expert: 70 - 84%
3. Sharpshooter: 55 - 69%
4. Marksman: 40 - 54%
5. Novice: under 40%
6. Unclassified: has not completed classifier.

Range Commands

The standard range commands are as follows:

Load and make ready: Shooters will load their handguns and assume the start position. Loading and gun handling will only be done on this command. Any gun handling before this command will be grounds for disqualification.

Shooter ready?: This is a question, not a command to be ready. Shooters will signify readiness by not responding or if "not ready" will reply loudly "NOT READY". A reasonable amount of time will be given to achieve readiness (loading, mental preparation, adjustment of equipment, etc.).

Standby: This command signifies that in 3 – 5 seconds the start signal beeper or whistle will sound.

Start signal: By electronic timer or whistle. On the sound, shooters will commence the course of fire. Jumping the signal (starting to raise the gun or moving finger to the trigger before the signal results in procedural error).

Unload and show clear: Before leaving the firing line for any reason and after completion of a course of fire, all competitors will unload their guns on this command, let the chambered round drop to floor, keep the muzzle pointing down range and display to the range officer for inspection with cylinder out or slide locked back.

Holster: Some safety officers may require the competitor to drop the hammer or striker before holstering. Wait for SO to state gun is clear before holstering. Be sure not to cross yourself with the muzzle while holstering.

Range is safe: The competitors and SO may proceed down range to score and tape targets.

Safety Issues

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

Safety Considerations

1. Absolutely no gun handling behind the line.
2. Firearms must be unloaded and holstered, bagged, boxed or flagged until called to the line.
3. Unloaded firearms:
   • Loading only on the line under direction of the SO.
   • Firing must be directed downrange only towards the backstop.
4. Trigger finger discipline must be observed, only access trigger when on target.
5. Disqualification will be incurred for any and all safety infractions plus failure to obey the commands of the SO.
6. Competitor briefings – each event will be explained by the SO prior to start.
7. Safe muzzle direction must be maintained at all times.

Disqualification Violations

Entrants will be disqualified, without refund, for the following:

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

Safety Procedurals

Three second penalty, no disqualification.

1. 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.
2. Sweeping (crossing your body with the muzzle at any time).

Safety Commands

Safety Officer may yell commands for unsafe actions:

1. FINGER - for finger in trigger guard violations.
2. MUZZLE - if the muzzle is getting near a safe point.
3. STOP - if the shooter does something grossly unsafe.