Action Pistol Matches

The Amarillo Rifle & Pistol Club offers IDPA and IPSC Action Pistol Matches in our two Pistol “Pits” located east of the Indoor Range and just west of the Benchrest Rifle Range.  IDPA and IPSC matches are held year ‘round.  See the club calendar for exact dates and times.

Matches are open to all responsible shooters. Membership in IDPA and/or IPSC is not required.  The entry fee for all competitors is $7.00 for either match.  If you’ve never participated in IDPA/IPSC we do recommend that you observe at least one match before actually competing. 

IDPA (International Defensive Pistol Association) competition is based around the requirements of concealed carry.  The principles of the IDPA are to create a level playing field for all competitors, to promote safe and proficient use of self-defense equipment and abilities, to provide practical and realistic courses of fire simulating life-threatening encounters, to provide a stability of equipment rules, and to offer a forum for use of standard factory-produced handguns.

IDPA seeks to develop the abilities and skills of the individual, not their equipment or gamesmanship.  Matches require the use of practical equipment: handguns and holsters suitable for concealed carry using full-charge ammunition. 

Basic equipment you’ll need to compete includes:

A handgun of 9mm/.38 caliber or larger

At least 3 magazines or speedloaders

A concealment-type holster and ammo pouches

A concealment garment such as a jacket or vest

Hearing and eye protection

100-150 rounds of ammunition

A chair and a drink

There are four basic divisions of handguns in IDPA: Stock Service Pistol, Enhanced Service Pistol, Custom Defensive Pistol, and Stock Revolver.  Each division competes only within that division.  For more information about IDPA, including the complete rule book, please visit the IDPA website.

IPSC (International Practical Shooting Confederation) is the Granddaddy of action pistol sports.  The equipment rules are a bit more open than IDPA.  IPSC format allows the use of compensated pistols, various types of sights, larger holsters, and reduced power ammunition in certain classes.  They also have a Stock Pistol Class for those not interested in the expense of “Race Guns”.  This sport does not adhere as stringently to concealed carry and “real world” scenario focus of IDPA.  As a practical matter, any equipment you use in an IDPA match you can use in an IPSC match but you don’t have to wear a coat or vest while you shoot.

For more information about IPSC, please visit the IPSC website.

For additional information concerning Amarillo Rifle and Pistol Club IDPA/IPSC matches, contact the Action Pistol Director or any of the IDPA/IPSC Match Directors listed on the Contact Information web page.