New & Visiting Shooter Information
What is IDPA
Founded in 1996, the International Defensive Pistol Association (IDPA) is the governing body for IDPA competition, a handgun-centric shooting sport based on simulated self-defense scenarios.
The IDPA competition format was designed to be enjoyable for all shooters of all skill levels, with a premium put on the social interaction and camaraderie of the members. Participation in IDPA matches requires the use of handguns, holsters and other equipment suitable for concealed carry self-defense. With that in mind, and keeping the shooters' best interests in mind, IDPA's founders established equipment requirements that are based on commonly available firearms and gear, allowing individuals the opportunity to compete with minimal investment.
Today, thanks to the vision of its founders and a commitment to serving the organization's loyal membership, IDPA stands as the fastest growing shooting sport in the United States with over 25,000 members from all 50 states, and over 400 affiliated clubs hosting weekly and monthly competitions, and membership representing over 70 nations.
Our main goal is to test the skill and ability of the individual. Equipment that is designed with no application for daily, concealed carry is not permitted in this sport.
Matches and Practices
Cost & Payment
Currently, we ONLY accept CASH. We are not setup for credit / debit card payments.
Monthly IDPA Matches are:
Howell Gun Club Members: $10
Guests / Non-Members: $20
IDPA Practices:
Howell Gun Club Members: $5
Guests / Non-Members: $10
Registration
All Howell Gun Club Monthly IDPA Matches will have registration & squadding managed on Practiscore. Pre-registration is requested and recommended. Registration will close the day before the match. If there are open spots on squads, we can accept walk-up registration.
All Howell Gun Club IDPA Practices are a "walk-up registration". Follow signage to register, pay & get your score sheet.
Arrive up to 1 hour before the event to register. Registration closes 15 minutes before the start of the event, to allow for squadding & squad adjustments.
Weeknight Practices are more casual. Shooting will start by 5:00pm. If you can't make the start, we will work you in when you arrive.
Scores
All Howell Gun Club Monthly events & PCC Events will have scores posted to the website, and sent via email (only to those who provide an email), and be available on Practiscore.
Weeknight practice will be scored, but no results will be posted or sent.
New Shooter Info
What Do You Need
All participants will need to bring basic shooting gear. Hearing and eye protection are required.
If shooting pistol, a safe and serviceable firearm, a strong side holster (inside or outside the waistband), extra magazines (2+), a magazine carrier, ammunition and a belt. A concealment garment is required. Everyday carry gear will work just fine. Cross-draw, appendix, pocket, small of the back and shoulder holsters are not allowed. If you're not sure, please ask, we're glad to review your gear and help.
If shooting PCC (pistol caliber carbine), a safe and serviceable firearm, chamber flag, extra magazines (2+, one should be 30+ rounds), a magazine carrier and a belt. There is no concealment garment required for PCC shooters. You will need a case for transporting between pistol bays, or a match wagon.
Shooters should bring plenty of ammunition. A Stage or "Course of Fire" (CoF) may require a couple rounds, or a minimum or 18, so using 150+ rounds is not unusual, especially if you take makeup shots.
IDPA events are a "cold range" activity. If you arrive carrying as a CPL holder to participate, please unload and clear your firearm at our CPL Load & Unload station. DO NOT do this at or in your car, or the Safe Area. This will result in a disqualification (DQ).
It's requested that no 22lr or other rimfire pistols or PCCs be used, as you will be required to pull the trigger on an empty chamber.
If it is your first time visiting Howell Gun Club, please see Visiting Shooter section below.
Visiting Shooter
Release of Liability Waiver
All visiting shooters and spectators are required to complete and submit a Howell Gun Club Release of Liability Waiver once per calendar year. To help speed up registration and check-in, please print and bring the completed waiver with you. The form is available on our Downloads page.