NewShooterInfo

MDPA Membership as an IDPA Affiliated Club

Mecklenburg Defensive Pistol Association is an IDPA affiliated club (Club Number# C0571). As such, we operate the club as generally 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.

We advocate for IDPA and request our shooters become IDPA members within the first 3-5 matches. You have several options for membership.

Join on line and use Club Number C0571 On Line Registration

Request a membership application during registration.

Our monthly matches are guided by the official IDPA Rule Book. Exceptions will be noted in course descriptions. It is recommended that new shooters review the rule book for guidelines on rules, penalties, scoring, equipment, matches, etc. You will be provided a new shooter orientation at your first match. This orientation will provide basic instruction regarding safety, rules, range commands, equipment review, etc. If your equipment does not meet safety guidelines you will not be allowed to shoot.

In particular, we will be enforcing the rules regarding equipment, scoring and cover. Please familiarize yourself with the official rule book. We will run the official IDPA Classifier at least 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. We advocate for all regular shooters to become IDPA Certified Safety Officers. This creates a shooting environment where everyone assists in maintaining safety.

New shooters are always welcome. This includes ladies and Children that meet age requirements. If you are new to IDPA competition or new to the Charlotte area, please keep reading for additional information.

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New Shooter Information

New IDPA shooters are welcome at every match. If you are a new shooter, please arrive at the match early and inform staff during registration that you are a new shooter. Staff will get you registered and assign you to attend the new shooter orientation. After the briefing you will be assigned to an experienced shooter who will gladly assist you with shooting the match and answer questions that arise from match participation.

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 speed loaders 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 the Charlotte area, we recommend that you find other IDPA clubs and shoot in their matches as well. A great way for the novice shooter to get comfortable with IDPA shooting is by supporting local clubs and shooting different matches. You will find under the links section, a listing of other clubs in the area.

Shooters competing in MDPA events are required to use practical handguns and holsters that are safe and truly suitable for self-defense use. No "competition only" equipment is permitted in MDPA matches since the main goal is to test the skill and ability of an individual, not his or her equipment or gamesmanship. Any Safety Officer at the local match can assist you with equipment questions. There are no exceptions on using unsafe firearms, ammunition, or equipment. These rules protect the shooters, safety officers, club, and community.

We run a "cold" range during matches (guns are unloaded, magazine out, and hammer down except when responding to the commands of a Safety Officer). Mecklenburg Wildlife Club enforces 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. Safe Areas are considered to be the vehicle and the safe areas clearly marked on each berm. These are the only locations that guns should be handled outside the holster. When using a safe area the shooter should not have any loaded magazines on his person. The only other times a gun may be removed from the holster is on the load and make ready command issued by the safety officer. Individuals violating this policy may be disqualified from the local match for violating these safety guidelines.

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Required Equipment

· 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.

· Hip holster

· Three magazines or speed-loaders

· Double magazine pouch, two single mag pouches, or two speed-loader holders

· 125 rounds of ammunition for the typical monthly match

· Eye and ear protection

· Cover garment (Not always required, but bring one)

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Four Rules of Gun Safety

The MDPA firmly believes in Col. Jeff Cooper's 4 rules of Gun Safety:

The Gun Is Always Loaded!
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!
Always Be Sure Of Your Target And What Is Behind It!

Learn Them, Know them, Live them—No Exceptions.

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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?

The match is on the 4th Saturday of the month.
Sign in starts at 9:00 am (or as posted on the website).
New shooter briefing starts at 9:30 am.
Shooting starts at 10:00 am.
Matches usually last 3-4 hours.

How much does it cost?

Match fee is $15 for non-Mecklenburg Wildlife Club (MWC) Members.
Match fee is $10 for MWC members.
Members who assist in match set-up and conducting match activities are waived from match fees as approved by the Match Director.

Do I have to be a member of the International Defensive Pistol Association to shoot a match?

Yes. However, you can shoot your first 2-3 matches without joining IDPA.
We advocate that all regular shooters become a member of IDPA. This supports our sport and financial overhead needed to keep the sport going.

Do I have to be a member of MDPA to shoot in our matches?

No.
We encourage you to become a member of MWC and MDPA. Any member can assist you with information on becoming a member. Membership fees are subject to change, but currently are $250.00 annually and are pro-rated based on the month joined. All new members must be sponsored by a current MWC member and be approved by the MWC Governing Board. You must attend a monthly board meeting, complete the membership application (be an NRA member and possess a conceal carry permit or background investigation conducted by law enforcement). After approval by the board you must complete a rifle and pistol orientation before using the rifle and pistol facilities.

Do I have to be a member of the Mecklenburg Wildlife Club to shoot a match?

How do I join the IDPA?

The easiest way is to On Line Registration. You can also mail your membership application or you can fax HQ the membership 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 125 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 Mecklenburg Wildlife Club range rules must be observed.
Anyone suspected of alcohol or drug use will be asked to leave.
Minors must be under the control of a parent or guardian at all times.
Be respectful and polite to other shooters and Safety Officers.
Safety officers have full authority to manage the stage and shooters, to include disqualifying a shooter for unsafe shooting. Their decisions for the most part are final. If you have questions or concerns express these to the assigned SO. You may be directed to the match director for further clarification.

ABOVE ALL, BE SAFE AND HAVE FUN

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