The Greater Atlanta Defensive Pistol Association is an IDPA affiliated club. As such, we operate the club according to the guidelines set forth by IDPA Headquarters. Please review the rules summary below and make sure you agree with them before coming out to one of our matches.
You must be a member of IDPA in order to compete in a Greater Atlanta Defensive Pistol Association sponsored match. (New shooters may shoot one match without joining IDPA.) If you are already a member of IDPA, please bring your membership card to each match since you will be asked to show it during sign-up. If your membership has expired, please renew it prior to the match. We will have IDPA Membership Information at the match or you can download an application and mail it in yourself.
In addition to IDPA membership, frequent shooters may wish to join the Greater Atlanta Defensive Pistol Association. Association membership is not a requirement for participation in our matches. However, association membership entitles you to a discount on our major match fees and entitles you to vote or run for office in club elections.
Starting on April 15th, 2005 all matches will be run under the new IDPA Rule Book for 2005. In particular, we will be enforcing the new rules regarding equipment, scoring and cover. Please familiarize yourself with the recent changes in the official rule book. We will run the official IDPA Classifier Course of Fire match twice per year. Please watch this site for announcements regarding when the classifier will be held. It is also our intent to provide Safety Officer training at least once per year.
New shooters are always welcome. This includes the ladies. If you are new to IDPA competition or new to the Atlanta area, please keep reading.
New Shooter Information
New IDPA shooters are welcome at every match. If you are a new shooter, please arrive at the match early and notify the Match Director that you are interested in shooting IDPA and would like to hear the 'new shooter safety briefing'. After the breifing you will be assigned to an experienced shooter who will gladly assist you with any questions you have during the match.
In addition, we recommend that you come watch a match before competing, and especially before investing in any new equipment to be used to shoot IDPA matches. Handguns, holsters, belts, ammunition carriers, magazines, and speedloaders can be 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.
If you are new to IDPA or Atlanta, we recommend that you find other IDPA clubs and shoot in thier matches as well. A great way for the novice shooter to get comfortable with IDPA shooting is by going to the indoor match, held each Wednesday night, at American Classic Marksman indoor gun range. ACM is located in Norcross just off Peachtree Industrial Blvd.
Shooters competing in GADPA events are required to use practical handguns and holsters that are truly suitable for self-defense use. No "competition only" equipment is permitted in GADPA 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 are 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 at all times, and cannot cross an imaginary line drawn straight across the range parallel to the backstop.
Required Equipment
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Handgun (Concealed-carry guns only - 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.
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Hip holster
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Three magazines or speed-loaders
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Double magazine pouch, two single mag pouches, or two speed-loader holders
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150 rounds of ammunition for the typical monthly match
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Eye and ear protection
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Cover garment (Not always required, but bring one)
The following links will provide you with valuable information regarding IDPA competition.
Upcoming Major Matches
IDPA Match Score Sheet
IDPA Classifier Score Sheet
The Greater Atlanta Defensive Pistol Association firmly believes in Col. Jeff Cooper's 4 rules of Gun Safety:
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The Gun Is Always Loaded!
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Never Point A Gun At Something You're Not Prepared To Destroy!
- Keep Your Finger Off The Trigger Until Your Sights Are On The Target!
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Always Be Sure Of Your Target And What Is Behind It!
Know them, live them.
Frequently Asked Questions
I've never shot in an IDPA match before, how do I get started ?
- Come to the match. You will be assigned to shoot with an experienced shooter who will help you through the match.
When does the match start ?
- Our match on the 4th Sunday of the month
- Sign in starts at 9:00 am
- New shooter briefing starts at 9:30 am
- Shooting starts at 10:00 am
- Matches usually last 2-3 hours
How much does it cost ?
- Match fee is $18 for non-GADPA members
- Match fee is $15 for GADPA members
- Members who assist in setting up the match shoot for free. Match setup is the day before the regularly scheduled match.
Do I have to be a member of the International Defensive Pistol Association to shoot a match ?
- Yes. However, you can shoot your first match without joining the IDPA
- You must join IDPA before shooting your next GADPA match
Do I have to be a member of GADPA to shoot in our matches?
- No.
- We encourage you to join GADPA in order to take advantage of the benefits we offer.
Do I have to be a member of the South River Gun Club to shoot a match ?
How do I join the IDPA ?
- The easiest way is to join on-line. You can also mail your memebrship application or you can fax HQ the memebrship application along with your credit card information. The annual fee for IDPA membership is $40.
How many rounds should I bring ?
- Monthly matches are usually 100 rounds or less.
What else do I need to bring ?
- Concealment garment (Vest, Jacket or Shirt)
- Hearing and eye protection
- Water or soft drink (no adult beverages)
- Dress for weather conditions
- Sun screen and insect repellant
What else do I need to know ?
- The South River Gun Club range rules must be observed.
- Anyone suspected of alcohol or drug use will be asked to leave.
- Minor's must be under the control of a parent or guardian at all times.
ABOVE ALL, BE SAFE AND HAVE FUN
Other local IDPA clubs
Please follow the links below to learn more about other IDPA clubs in the Atlanta and surrounding area.