What is Defensive Pistol Shooting?
Defensive pistol shooting as a sport is quite simply the use of practical equipment including full charge service ammunition to solve simulated "real world" self-defense scenarios. Shooters competing in Defensive Pistol events are required to use practical handguns and holsters that are truly suitable for self-defense use. No "competition only" equipment is permitted in Defensive Pistol matches since the main goal is to test the skill and ability of an individual, not his or her equipment or gamesmanship.
Why do we need another shooting sport?
Prior to the formation of Defensive Pistol, there was no place to compete and hone one's skill with equipment designed for and suitable for self-defense. Other shooting sports are just that, sports that have no relevance to self-defense. Defensive Pistol offers an exciting new forum for practical shooters in which truly practical equipment, techniques and courses of fire are mandated. Prior to Defensive Pistol there was no place at all to compete with common service pistols such as the Beretta, Glock or Sig. Nor was there a shooting sport where your concealed carry holster could also be your match holster without handicap. When you come to a Defensive Pistol match you cannot only use your duty/CCW equipment, you can be completely competitive with it! Other shooting sports have become equipment "races," Defensive Pistol will not. If you're interested in using truly practical pistols, drawn from practical holsters to solve challenging and exciting defensive shooting problems, then Defensive Pistol is the sport for you.
What are the goals of Defensive Pistol?
What types of matches does Defensive Pistol hold?
The Defensive Pistol headquarters has developed a comprehensive course of fire book which is supplied to all affiliated clubs and is also available for a nominal fee to individual members. These courses fall into two categories: Self-defense scenarios or Standard exercises. The self-defense scenarios are simulations of actual or possible "real world" confrontations. These scenarios typically require shots from 3 - 20 yards and often require the shooter to change firing points and shoot from awkward positions. Standard exercises do not attempt to simulate a potential threat situation but are designed to test specific shooting and gun handling skills. Defensive Pistol matches offer diversity and truly test both accuracy and speed. Physical condition has very little to do with your performance in a Defensive Pistol match.
What type of equipment do I need to compete in Defensive Pistol matches?
Defensive Pistol matches typically require the use of a service type pistol or revolver of 9mm/.38 Special or larger caliber. If your handgun is suitable for self-defense use, it will probably be competitive for Defensive Pistol matches. Practical concealed carry type holsters are stipulated for Defensive Pistol use. A common service pistol/revolver such as a Beretta 92F, Glock 17/22, Sig 226, Colt 1911A1, S&W 686 or Ruger GP-100 carried in a common pancake style holster is all that is needed to be competitive in Defensive Pistol matches.
What types of people compete in Defensive Pistol matches?
Defensive Pistol membership and matches are open to all people who can legally own a handgun regardless of occupation, race, sex or religion. Defensive Pistol shooters come from all walks of life and include many women too.
Does Defensive Pistol shooting offer a place for both pistols and revolvers?
Yes, as a matter of fact Defensive Pistol competition is divided into four divisions so all popular service type pistols and revolvers will have a place to compete competitively. They are STOCK SERVICE PISTOL for DA, DAO, Safe Action users, ENHANCED SERVICE PISTOL for SA users, CUSTOM DEFENSIVE PISTOL for custom pistol users and SERVICE REVOLVER for revolver shooters.
What are the advantages of Defensive Pistol memberships?