First allow me to thank you for your interest in an exciting and fast-paced, growing shooting sport called International Defensive Pistol Association. Our local club is located at the Ancient City Shooting Range in St. Augustine, right off the I-95 State Road 16 exit. Our matches are on the Second Saturday of every month. For general information, please view www.idpa.com. But, more specifically, our club matches are based upon scenarios which could happen in real life, in which you might “have to” respond with deadly force in “defense” of your own life, or that of another person with the use of a concealed handgun. We strive to achieve realism, except for the good news that no one will be shooting or stabbing you. We have at least 5 different scenarios per match. Bring at least 75 rounds of ammo, better if you have 100, and a belt held holster (no cross-draw, small of the back or shoulder holsters please), eye and ear protection (those two even if you’re only going to watch the match), at least 4 speedloaders if you use a revolver, and at least 3 magazines if you use a semi-auto pistol. Most often, except during the hottest of summer months, we require a “concealment” garment to be worn only while on the shooting line, so that the handgun may often, but not always, start from a concealed holster. The scenarios involve decision-making between “shoot and don’t shoot,” movement, use of cover, shooting from different positions, some shooting with one hand only (sometimes your non-dominant hand…simulating a wound to your ‘strong’ hand), use of realistic props and a whole lot of fun with similar-minded good people who will fast become your newest friends. By the way, you don’t need anything more than a stock, out-of-the-box, semi-auto pistol (9mm or larger caliber) or revolver (.38 special, or larger caliber) to join-in on the fun. There’s no need to spend a small fortune on a handgun to have fun and be competitive. This sport emphasizes the use of a handgun which would easily be carried in everyday life by those who hold concealed carry permits. Ultracompetition guns “need not apply.”