IDPA FAQ
What do I have to do to get started?
Show up. That is the #1 hardest part of it all. We have all had a first match, and yes it was terrifying. After the first stage/scenario, the jitters lessened up immensely. Nobody will make fun of you, laugh at you, or call you “Newbie.” Do yourself (and us) a favor and read through the rulebook or the "New Shooter" page on our website, paying close attention to the safety parts. Contact us to get set up for a “New to IDPA” shooter class. Then grab your pistol or revolver, a few mags, belt, holster, two mag pouches, some ammo, and come to a match. We offer a complete money back refund if you don’t have fun or at least learn something.
How often are the new shooter intro classes offered?
“New to IDPA” shooter classes are offered prior to every FR IDPA Match and are free of charge. We do ask that you contact us via email at info (at) fridpa dot com to let us know that you will be coming. Show up by 7:30 and we will have someone available to run you through the ins and outs of IDPA. If you have an IPSC classification or have proof that you have competed in an IDPA, USPSA or ICORE match somewhere else, the class is not required.
Where and when to shoot?
Front Range IDPA runs one match a month at the Clear Creek Sportsmans Club in Dumont, just west of Idaho Springs on the second Saturday of the month. A map can be found at www.fridpa.com or www.ecouspsa.com We also run a second match on the third Sunday at the Pikes Peak Gun Club in Colorado Springs.
Can I just show up and watch a match?
Should you decide you just want to come out and watch, feel free. Be sure to introduce yourself and ask any questions you might have. Don’t forget that eye protection and hearing protection is required, even for those just watching.
How much does it cost to shoot a Front Range IDPA match?
$15 for non- Front Range IDPA Members and $10 for members. Show up early to help with setting up and we knock a few bucks off your match fee.
Do I have to join IDPA to shoot?
The IDPA rulebook states that you must join the national IDPA organization prior to competing in your second match.
Do I have to join Front Range IDPA to shoot?
No. Part of your match fee goes directly to Front Range IDPA. However joining FR IDPA gets you $5 off your match fee and entitles you to vote in any FR IDPA election or issues needing to go to the membership for a vote.
Do I have to be a member of the host range to shoot IDPA?
No. Front Range IDPA pays the host range a trespass / guest fee out of your match fee.
How do I get in touch with someone from FR IDPA?
Address all correspondence to info at FRIDPA.com
What time should I show up?
Some try to get to the range 2 hours prior to it starting to help set things up. As it is an all volunteer sport, any and all help is appreciated. The first five people there get $5 off their match fee.
How far will I be expected to shoot?
Targets usually range from arms reach (really) to 15 yards.
How much ammo and how many magazines should I bring?
If you bring 125 rounds and 3 magazines you will be fine. However, the more mags you bring, the easier the match will go for you. I bring 200 rounds and always take some home.
Will someone pick up my dropped magazines/moon clips and empty brass?
Yes. A small mesh stuff sack is great for this. Drop it behind you before you shoot and when you are done, all your brass and mags will be handed to you.
All I have is 15 round magazines. Can I just load them all the way up and shoot? After all, I carry them like that…
Yes you can. However, exceeding the rulebook legal capacity or violating any equipment rule will bump you into to “Outlaw” division.
Do I have to get classified to shoot?
No.
How often is the classifier set-up and run?
The IDPA Classifier is run a few times a year. If you would like to shoot it, contact your match staff and ask for it to be set-up. It takes 90 rounds and a while to shoot. All you have to do is ask ahead of time. Consider bringing as many mags as you possibly can. Beg, borrow or steal mags...
How can I get the match results emailed to me?
Send an email to info (at) fridpa.com requesting to be added to the email list. Please include your first and last name. You can also tell us when you sign in the match that you would like to be added to the results list. If you dont have email chances are good that you arent reading this...
How do I find out if a match is cancelled or not?
Send an email to info (at) fridpa.com requesting to be added to the email list. Please include your first and last name. You can also tell us when you sign in the match that you would like to be added to the results list. Match cancellations will go out via email by 6:00AM the day of the match and it will also be posted here. Check here before you leave, every match.
Can I shoot reloaded ammo and are lead bullets ok?
Reloads are fine. In fact, a lot of us of reload. Lead bullets are fine.
Do you chronograph ammo at every match or are they available?
We do not chrono ammo to ensure you are making power factor. With prior coordination a chrono can be made avail. Just ask. We should be able to help.
I carry a sub-compact pistol daily. Can I compete with it, or do I need a dedicated range/match pistol?
Using your daily carry gun is encouraged. Some shooters use range guns that only get shot at matches. It is all up to you.
The rulebook says my equipment is illegal. Can I still shoot?
Of course you can shoot with us. You will be tossed in “Outlaw” Division when the scores come out.
Where can I buy targets to practice with?
There are several places online to buy them from. Shipping cardboard is very expensive. Best bet is to beg for used ones after a match or co-ordinate with match staff to go in on a bulk order of targets. It makes it cheaper for all of us. As of 2007, targets run about .75-85 each delivered.
What is a good way to practice for IDPA matches?
IPSC believe it or not. It has been around longer and they have a match every weekend within an hour of Denver. Lots of shooting. IPSC teaches gun handling and speed. No tactics are involved, but that does not mean you cant shoot it “tactically.” IPSC/USPSA Production and Single Stack Division rules almost mirror IDPA Stock Service Pistol, Enhanced Service Pistol, and Custom Defensive Pistol Divisions. Along those lines, the best practice for IPSC is IDPA, as IDPA stresses accuracy over speed. Trigger time is trigger time. Get out there.
Why doesent FR IDPA have matches at all the other ranges in the state?
We have contacted most all ranges along the Front Range that are capable of hosting a quality IDPA Match. As of early 2006, Clear Creek and Pikes Peak Gun Club in Colorado Springs are the only ranges that have the staff, range time and props avail. Almost all the props come from piggy-backing with our sister IPSC clubs.
Why you don’t run weekday matches?
No match staff is avail to set-up, run, and score the matches during the week. It takes a tremendous amount of time and energy to just run one match a month much less more matches. If you feel strongly that you would like to see more matches, we ask you to get involved and try to get it going. Cant hurt, might help.
Following the match, can I hang out at the range and plink or practice?
Sometimes yes, sometimes no. Ask a match staff member if anyone is sticking around to plink or practice and if you could join them.
During the match, why do I have to keep my pistol empty / cold?
Just to ensure things are 100% safe, we run cold ranges. No exceptions. Sure, all of us with permits carry loaded guns all day long with no problems. But in a match environment we ask you to clear your gun before the shooters meeting or Intro to IDPA Class. This needs to be done before you leave your vehicle. Following the conclusion of the match, you may load up inside your car, but not in the safety areas (where ammo handling is not allowed).
How much does it cost to shoot the side matches?
All side matches are free. They aren’t required and your participation does not affect your main match score or placement.
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