Home Promoting safe and efficient use of guns and equipment suitable for self-defense, and providing opportunities to practice safely in a sporting atmosphere. MMMM New Shooter Info 3-Gun Events Calendar Where We Shoot Match Results CoF Library Shooting Tips Contact Us Useful Links IDPA - New Shooter Information Down load & review our... New Shooter Orientation & Safety Briefing packet  Welcome to defensive shooting with WHIDPA! New shooters are always welcome and we encourage you to come join us. Whether you are shooting or you just want to watch, we'll pair you up with an experienced shooter to answer your questions and provide guidance on the courses of fire.  New shooters Shooting your 1st match... (on Wednesdays) please try to arrive at the range no later that 5:30 & promptly identify you self as a "New Shooter" so we can run you through our new shooter safety briefing in a timely manner. Shooters competing in IDPA events are required to use practical handguns and holsters that are truly suitable for self-defense use. No “competition only” equipment is permitted in IDPA matches since the main goal is to test the skill and ability of an individual, not his or her equipment or gamesmanship. We run a “cold” range during matches (guns unloaded, magazine out, and hammer down except while firing), and require that we enforce a 180-degree rule. The muzzle of your gun must remain pointed down-range into the berm at all times, and cannot cross an imaginary line drawn straight across the range parallel to the backstop.    Required Equipment     Handgun - (no competition-type guns) For specific equipment rules, see the Equipment section of the IDPA Equipment & Competition Rule Book at the Official IDPA Web Site.  Commissioned police and law enforcement officers and active-duty military personnel may use their standard-issue duty gear. Holster - Hip type holster on the strong side of the body.  Inside or outside the waist band holsters are allowed.  Muzzle must point towards the ground & the holster must completely cover the trigger guard.  No small of the back, cross-draw, fanny packs, or shoulder holsters. Inside the waist band and belt or paddle holsters must conform to the IDPA rules. Mag Pouches - At least two mag pouches, or 3 speed-loader holders, most people use 3 (one double mag pouch & one single mag pouch).  New shooters may use their pockets until they get a proper mag carrier. Belt - You will need a quality belt to support your holster/gun properly.  Any belt will work, but a belt designed to carry a holster will do exactly that, it will carry the weight of the holster minimizing fatigue and keeping your gear where it's supposed to be. Mags - At least 2 magazines (most people use 3) or 3 speed-loaders, & yes more is better.  Mags must be flush with the bottom of the grip. Ammo – For the typical weekly match (50 rounds minimum, 100 rounds to be safe) & for the typical monthly match (100 rounds minimum, 150 rounds to be safe).  The idea here is… bring more than you think you need.  IDPA is intended to be shot with full power ammunition.  Reloaded ammunition or factory produced ammunition is acceptable & copper jacketed, lead, or hollow points can be used.  It makes the most sense to use the cheapest ammo you can find to shoot this sport but it’s also a good idea to shoot your preferred self defense ammunition through your personal defense weapon.  IDPA provides an invaluable platform to test your ammo/gun combination in a stressful environment before your life is at stake. Eye and ear protection - Are required to shoot with us. Cover garment - Not always required, but bring one.   A helpful tool for deciding what kind of gear to get is the 2010 IDPA National Championship Equipment Survey.  This is a real eye opener for most people.  Look at this as a quick reference guide of sorts.  This survey includes… 1. Guns Used 2. Holsters Used 3. Ammo Used 4. Reloading Presses Used 5. Powder Used 6. Brass Used 7. Bullet Type Used 8. Bullet Manufacturer Used 9. Primers Used 10. Eye Protection Used 11. Hearing Protection Used 12. Range Bags Used We recommend that you shoot a match or at least come watch a match before investing in any new equipment to be used to shoot IDPA.  Handguns, holsters, belts, ammunition carriers, magazines, and speed-loaders are expensive.  Watching a match and asking questions may be quite helpful in your equipment selection process.  Also, make sure you have read the Competition and Equipment Rules in the official IDPA Rule Book before investing in any new equipment.  IDPA shooting is a fun and safe way to learn defensive pistol skills and sharpen your gun handling and shooting abilities. IDPA’s safety rules are easy to learn and follow. Click below for advice on preparing for the Course of Fire: BEFORE THE MATCH Below is a video of our new shooter briefing with actual demonstrations.  If you are a New Shooter & need more info or you just have some questions feel free to contact us at whidpa@gmail.com.      The above video feed courtesy of the     Greater Atlanta Defensive Pistol Association   Below is our very own Match Director Brian Stricker, demonstrating how to easily make ESP Expert in the IDPA classifier.     Below, Brian is now showing us how to get it done right.  This is a typical monthly match here at WHIDPA.  This video is from April 2011, Brian is shooting ESP Master.   Below is Jason Colborn is shooting the classifier, but this time it's from the shooters perspective.   THE 4 LAWS OF GUN SAFETY The 1st Law The Gun Is Always Loaded! The 2nd Law  Never Point A Gun At Something You Are Not Prepared To Destroy! The 3rd Law Always Be Sure Of Your Target And What Is Behind It! The 4th Law Keep Your Finger Off The Trigger Until Your Sights Are On The Target!