IDPA International Defensive Pistol Association IDPA
Silver City Hole In the Wall Club


Hole In The Wall Range
4008 South Highway 90, Turner Airport Road
Silver City, New Mexico
Phone: 575-388-8186

Who can shoot an IDPA event?

If you shoot a handgun safely and can legally bear arms you will be welcome to participate in our IDPA matches. The Hole In The Wall makes it a practice to welcome shooters from other clubs, law enforcement personnel and new shooters to join us.

How much does it cost to shoot an IDPA event?

Ranges fees vary at different clubs. The Hole In The Wall Range has a $10.00 fee to use their range. The Hole In The Wall IDPA Club does not charge anything besides the range fee. The range fee is used to cover the cost of targets, equipment and insurance.

What type of matches are held by the IDPA?

There are several levels of competition within the IDPA. Local club matches are the most informal. We try to have a club match on the first Saturday of each month and all are invite to come shoot. This is a fun shoot with safety being the most rigorous rule enforced. Monthly IDPA matches are held on the third Sunday and are larger and more complex. Major or sanctioned matches are the most rigorous and complex matches. They are much more expensive and typically involve advanced competition with trophies being awarded.

What is a Classifier?

In order for shooters to be able to complete fairly with their peers, IDPA competitors are divided into five classifications based on their skill level. A "Classification Match" is the standard formatted match scored by an accredited safety officer (SO). We recommend that you shoot a classifier if you are going to compete at any level. The Hole In The Wall holds classifiers twice a year, in April and again in October or by special arrangement. Club members shoot the classifier for free, non-club members the cost is $15.00, which covers targets and equipment.

What are the Classifications and Divisions?

IDPA classifications are:

These classifications are determined either by performance in a Classifier Match or meritorious advancement by winning a classification/division in a major match.

IDPA divisions are the five different types of pistols used in competition:

How old do you have to be to shoot IDPA?

You must be at least 12 years old. Children who want to participate must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian during the ENTIRE match.

What kind of gun do I need?

IDPA requires the pistols to be "safe and serviceable." That means they have to operate safely and reliably. The IDPA also requires a certain minimum "power factor." These power factors are usually met by pistols shooting .38 special or more powerful cartridges. The most common cartridges used are .38 special, 9mm, and .45. You may shoot either a revolver or an semiautomatic.

What else should I bring to shoot?

Hearing protection, (either muffs or ear plugs), eye protection, (impact resistant sun or regular glasses or clear shooter's glasses) a holster; hip only, no shoulder holsters, cross draws, or pocket holsters. Inside the waistband holsters are okay. You will need three magazines or speed loaders for revolvers (only two are required for almost all scenarios but it is much better to have three). You also should have a garment that conceals your handgun in its holster.

What are the requirements for concealment for a match?

One of the goals of IDPA is to more closely approximate real world situations in a safe environment. Some of the local matches held in hot climates relax that requirement during the heat of summer. (Summer Rules.) With that minor and local exception, the handgun must not be visible when you arms are held straight out to the side. If you are shooting for the first time on a local fun match the club may also give you a waiver from this requirement for your first practice match.

Can I just watch a match?

Yes. Spectators are always welcome. You are required to wear hearing protection and safety glasses just like the shooters do. That said, we encourage participation above merely looking. No one will think the less of you if you are not a highly accomplished shooter. If you are going to be there, you might as well join in the fun. Should you decide to simply observe please let one of the match directors know are you there simply to watch. Don't be scared off by the fast shooters. Some of these shooters have been doing this for years and they started off slow just like the rest of us.

I just want to improve my shooting skills; I am not interested in the competition. Can I just shoot for practice?

Lots of people come out and shoot just for practice. Because of safety requirements we will treat everyone who is shooting just the same. You will have a safety officer right behind you at all times and he will time your run. If you are not interested in your scores, just ignore them. Focus instead on shooting safely and accurately. Each run is made individually; the only real competitor you have is yourself. We are all trying to learn how to shoot faster and more accurately within the strict limits of safety. If you are not interested in your scores, no one else will be either. No matter how well or badly you shoot; if you shoot safely you will be welcome.

Do I need a concealed carry permit to shoot IDPA?

NO. Although a lot of concealed carry folks come to shoot IDPA for practice with the concealed carry gun. It is a good idea if you are going to get a concealed carry to know your firearm and practice with it, to make sure that it is in good operating order.

What do I do when I show up for a match?

If you are a first time shooter please arrive at least 30 minutes before the scheduled start of the event. For our club that is 9:30 AM on the third Sunday of the month. The Hole In The Wall range is located at the Turner Airport off of Highway 90 South. Range fee of $10.00 is paid prior to the start of the shoot. Our sign up location is inside the main building. Come up to anyone standing around there and let them know that you are a new shooter and ask what to do next. They will make you feel welcome (really!) and set you up with the right people to give you a personal safety briefing.

Is IDPA safe?

Yes. IDPA has an admirable safety record; far better than other recreational activity such as softball or jogging. And we intend to keep it that way. Shooting a firearm can be a risky activity but as long as everyone observes the safety rules you are more likely to be hurt playing football or soccer. To minimize risk there are stringent safety requirements. We will not bend, alter, waive, or otherwise try to shortcut safety rules.

THERE ARE FOUR BASIC RULES OF GUN SAFETY>

A Safety Officer (SO) remains just behind every shooter for every scenario. Safety violations such as dropping a loaded gun or pointing the muzzle past the designated muzzle safe point will result in disqualification from the rest of the match. Handguns only can be removed from their holsters either in a designate "safe handling area," or when called to the firing line. The SO will check downrange to confirm it is clear and then call out "We are going hot!" The SO will then tell you to "Face Down Range, load and make ready." The SO will ask you if you are ready. When you confirm this the SO will hit the "buzzer button" on the timer that signals you to start your run. After you are finished shooting the gun muzzle must remain pointed down range until the Safety Officer tells you to "Unload and Show Clear." For a revolver that means opening the cylinder and removing all rounds and showing the SO an empty cylinder. For a semiautomatic, remove the magazine, pull backs the slide. This SO will say "I see it" confirming that there is not a round in the chamber. The next command is "Hammer" which directs you to pull the trigger (still keeping the gun pointed downrange), then "Holster." Once the weapon is thus proven to be unloaded and safely stowed in your holster, the SO will call out "Range Safe." Then and only then can you move down range to check your targets will they are being scored for that scenario.

Where can I find out more about the IDPA?

Visit the International Defensive Pistol Association at the IDPA Web site