Welcome

What is a Combat Shoot?

Our Combat Shoot is largely based on the format used by the International Defensive Pistol Association (IDPA). The primary interest of the founders of IDPA was to hone their defensive shooting skills in a practical competitive environment. The goal of Defensive Pistol is to create a level playing field for all competitors to test the skill and ability of the individual, not their equipment or gamesmanship.

What's the course like in a Combat Shoot?

Each Combat Shoot has three stages. What makes it interesting is that each stage is a different scenario and the scenarios are never the same from shoot to shoot. For example, one stage may have you move through a course neutralizing the bad guys without hitting any hostages while another could have you shooting targets from a simulated automobile in a low-light setting. During the shoot, all shooters shoot the first stage with pistol first and then all shooters go through the same stage with a revolver.

How am I scored?

Each combat shooter is timed as they go through the course. The safety officer uses a timing device that tracks the total time the shooter takes to 100th of a second. The device is triggered by the sound of a round being fired, so when the last shot is fired, the total time is read and recorded. Targets are scored as indicated in the picture. A center of mass hit adds no additional time, however, as you move away from the center of mass, penalty time is added to your total time for that stage. At the end of the shoot, all times are added and an averaged total for auto class and revolver class is obtained for each shooter.

What type of equipment do I need?

At the Combat Shoot we have several classes of weapons, (3) pistol and (2) revolver (see IDPA rules). Any safe and serviceable handgun of a minimum caliber of 9mm/.38 Special may be used. The following are expressly not allowed on handguns: compensators, optical or electronic sights, ported barrels. You may only use one pistol and one revolver during the match. The configuration of each (sights, holsters, etc.) may not be changed between stages. If a firearm breaks or otherwise becomes unserviceable, you may change to another of a similar configuration and identical action type after informing the match director. The exact description of IDPA requirements for holsters are posted on the IDPA Website. It states: All equipment used in Defensive Pistol matches must meet the following simple guidelines; equipment must be practical for self-defense use, concealable, suitable for all day continuous wear and must be worn in a manner that would be appropriate for all day continuous wear. The match director will be REQUIRED to disallow any equipment that does not meet these simple criteria. If you wouldn't carry it to defend yourself, you can't shoot or use it in Defensive Pistol competition. If you are caught using equipment that is not in the guidelines set forth and not in the spirit of Defensive Pistol "PURPOSE", and the Match Director is convinced you did so to gain competitive advantage, you will be disqualified from the entire match. For the purposes of this match, we are a bit more lenient. Any belt holster that is not designed specifically as a competition holster is allowed. No shoulder holsters or cross-draw holsters will be allowed. Serviceable and safe ammunition that at least meets the minimum power factor requirement (see IDPA rules) will be used. Most bullet types (FMJ, JHP, SWC, etc.) are fine. Please, no armor piercing ammo as some shooting will be done on steel targets. Some form of eye and hearing protection is required for all shooters and spectators.

What will it cost?

Each shooter registers with a $15 entry fee ($7.50 for each class) to shoot two classes (1 pistol & 1 revolver) in all three stages. After the shoot, all shooters scores are totaled and posted to this web site. As a result, you can watch your times improve as you develop skills that could save your life some day.

How can I participate or get more information?

If you think you would like to participate or just take a first hand look at how a Combat Shoot works, we would love to meet you and show you around at the next scheduled match. Just ask for Rick Tilburg. If you have any questions or need additional information, you can contact Rick at (978) 355-4644 or by e-mail at . Please check the Calendar of events for dates and times and How to find us for directions to the club. Hope to see you there!