The Smith & Wesson Winter Championships
It’s competition sanctioned by the International Defensive Pistol Association, or IDPA for short. It’s competition based on concealed carry handgun training and it’s spreading world wide. Since 1996 the organization has grown to more than 11,000 members. So when Smith & Wesson opens The Shooting Sports Center and Academy ranges for a winter championship, you can bet turnout will be high. It’s the first competition of the season that brings out everyone from top professionals to people just trying to brush up on their shooting skills. And they’re all enjoying the 10th anniversary of the Winter Championships.
The match stages are most often some scenario drawn from real life - defending your family at home, repelling car-jackers, or defending your life and cash at an ATM. All stages are intended as training to reinforce quick decisions and accurate, decisive action.
IDPA Competitors shoot in one of five divisions based on gun choice:
- Stock Service Pistol – Stock Double Action / Safe Action factory pistols such as Glock, Beretta, S&W M&P, Ruger, Browning and Sig.
- Enhanced Service Pistol – for Single Action 9mm / 38 Super / 40 S&W service pistols, such as the Browning HP, EAA Witness, and 1911 pattern pistols.
- Custom Defensive Pistol – 45 Auto single stack pistols and Hi Cap models in 45 such as Para, STI, SVI and Glock 20 / 21 models.
- Stock Service Revolver – for popular service revolvers loaded with speed loaders or one round at a time.
- Enhanced Service Revolver - revolvers loaded using moon clips.
Competitors are ranked by skill level and compete in their classes for match awards: Novice, Marksman, Sharpshooter, Expert, and Master.
Related Links
Pro Tips:
Todd Jarrett on Concealed Carry Options
Related Links:
Blackhawk SERPA Holsters
Blackhawk Leather Holsters
Blackhawk Nylon Holsters
SERPA Shoulder Holster Rig
Fanny Packs from Midway USA
Ankle Holsters from Midway USA
