Purpose:
Defensive Pistol shooting as a sport is quite simply the use of practical equipment including full charge service ammunition to solve simulated "real world" (not the Canadian world) self-defence scenarios. Shooters competing in Defensive Pistol events are required to use practical handguns and holsters that are truly suitable for self-defence use. No "competition only" equipment is permitted in defensive Pistol matches since the main goal is to test the skills and ability of the individual, not their equipment or gamesmanship. Scoring for competition purposes is a combination of time and accuracy.
Principles:
* To create a level playing field for all competitors to test the skill and ability of the individual, not their equipment or gamesmanship.
* To promote safe a proficient use of guns and equipment suitable for self-defence use.
* To provide shooters with practical and realistic courses of fire that simulate a potentially life-threatening encounter or that test skills that would be required to survive a life-threatening encounter.
* To offer a practical shooting sport that is responsive to the shooter and sponsors with unprecedented stability of equipment rules.
* To offer a practical shooting sport that allows the competitors to concentrate on the development of their shooting skills and to fellowship with other like-minded shooters.
http://www.idpa.com/
The International Defensive Pistol Association (IDPA) is the governing body of a shooting sport that simulates self-defense scenarios and real life encounters. It was founded in 1996 as a response to the desires of shooters worldwide. The organization now boasts membership of more than 11,000, including members in 19 foreign countries.
One of the unique facets of this sport is that it is geared toward the new or average shooter, yet is fun, challenging and rewarding for the experienced shooter. The founders developed the sport so that practical gear and practical guns may be used competitively. An interested person can spend a minimal amount on equipment and still be competitive.
The main goal is to test the skill and ability of the individual, not equipment or gamesmanship. “Competition only” equipment is not permitted in this sport.
The firearms are grouped into five (5) divisions: 1) Custom Defensive Pistol (.45ACP semi-automatics only); 2) Enhanced Service Pistol (9mm (9x19) or larger caliber semi-automatics); 3) Stock Service Pistol (9mm (9x19) or larger caliber double action, double action only, or safe action semi-automatics); 4) Enhanced Service Revolver (.38 caliber or larger double action revolvers); and 5) Stock Service Revolver (.38 caliber or larger double action revolvers). See Appendix One – Equipment for delineations in the revolver divisions. Shooters are then classed by like-skill levels with progression from Novice (NV); to Marksman (MM); to Sharpshooter (SS); to Expert (EX); and, finally, to Master (MA).