IDPA Skills
To be a good competitive shooter, as well as a good self-defense shooter, a person must master many separate shooting skills. An IDPA stage consists of a number of these separate skills linked together. A skill can be defined as any separate element or mechanic involved in shooting. It includes everything from how to draw a firearm, to how to shoot on the move, to how to shoot a moving target, etc.
We have all shot stages where we did really well until a certain point -- and then we messed up. This resulted in a poor score on the stage. How many times have you heard the following: “I shot all the static targets well, but then there was this swinger!” or “I thought I did well until I looked up and saw a DOWN 3!” or “I can’t believe I missed that shot!” The truth is that we probably encountered a particular skill at which we are not good. We may not even be aware that shooting is actually made up of so many small separate skills.
This class will attempt to break down the necessary skills to shoot competitively or for self defense -- and then teach them. Drills will then be used to practice the separate skills and will often be followed by shooting actual IDPA stages or self-defense scenarios that will incorporate the skills emphasized in that night’s class.
Each class will be different and will concentrate on learning one or two shooting skills. These classes will include skills such as:
- How to draw a firearm efficiently
- Shooting on the move – forward, backward and laterally
- How to shoot swingers
- How to shoot drop-turners
- Shooting plates and pepper-poppers
- How to shoot a target with a non-threat target in front of it
- How to improve your transitions from target to target
- How to improve your reloads
- Shooting around cover – and how to do it faster
- Shooting from the kneeling positions
- Shooting from the prone positions
- Shooting strong-hand only
- Shooting weak-hand only
- How to shoot two to the body and one to the head . . . FAST
- How to transition from strong-hand only to weak-hand only and vice-versa
- How to make a plan for shooting an IDPA stage
- How to mentally prepare for an IDPA stage
- How to improve your draw speed
And more . . .
Prerequisite: In order to attend these sessions a shooter must have attended at least a basic shooting course, or have had one-on-one instruction with a professional instructor, or been approved by the course intructor. These sessions are NOT for students who have not shot before or who are not comfortable shooting a firearm.
Required Equipment: Please bring the following with you:
- Handgun with a minimum of 3 magazines (or speed-loaders for revolvers)
- Practical-concealable hip holster (no small-of-back, fanny pack, or shoulder rigs)
The holster must permit re-holstering with the use of ONLY one hand!
- No soft nylon holsters are permitted
- Straight-drop holsters (NO cant) are best
- Belt-mounted magazine pouch(s) for two magazines or 2 speed-loaders
- At least five snap-caps or dummy rounds
- Vest, jacket or other garment that will conceal your handgun
- VERY sturdy shooting belt)
- Eye and ear protection
- Note taking material
- Rugged, but comfortable attire and footwear
- 200 rounds of ammunition
Time: 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM
Reservations / Cancellation Policy: To guarantee a spot in the class, please go to our Class/Match Schedule page and click on the appropriate link. NOTE: We take you at your word. We promise to be there. We expect the same from you. A reservation guarantees you space and it is therefore a promise to pay the class fee even if your plans change.
No Reservation Walk-ins: We will accept shooters without reservations as long as there is room.
Late Arrivals: The door to the range is locked at 7:00 PM. If you arrive late, please call 919-741-8808 for entrance. Due to range noise we will open the door as soon as possible after we “feel the vibration" of your call.
Class Fee: $40.00
Duration: Two hours
Ammunition: 200 rounds
Revised: 11/15/19
