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  Welcome to South Kent Sportsman’s Club (SKSC) International Defensive Pistol Association (IDPA)!  We are a group of people from all walks of life that gathers at the South Kent Sportsman's Club (SKSC) in Dorr, Michigan to enjoy IDPA shooting.  IDPA (International Defensive Pistol Association) the governing body of a shooting sport that places an emphasis on self-defense scenarios that are similar to “real world” environments.  This shooting sport is a fun, yet challenging way to practice your gun handling skills in a safe and controlled environment.  No “competition only” equipment is permitted in IDPA matches since the main goal is to test the skill and ability of an individual, not his equipment or gamesmanship.  All shooting is done while a timer is running, speed and accuracy must be balanced against each other, along with using the correct tactical approach for the scenario.  If that doesn't sound like fun, your powder must be wet!

  The shooters at South Kent Sportsman's Club would like to welcome you to come join them at a monthly match to find out how much fun IDPA shooting can be.  Public is welcome as competitors and/or spectators.  Whether you are a beginning shooter, an expert, or some where in between, you will find the IDPA shooters at SKSC to be a friendly and helpful group.

Monthly matches are held from March to October.  See the match schedule for match dates.

Some great reasons to participate in an IDPA event:

1.  Improve your gun-handling skills

     This is the main goal of IDPA practice.  Various gun-handling/self-defense skills are built into the scenarios.  For example: drawing from concealment, shooting while moving, reloading, strong-hand/weak-hand shooting, transitioning from one shooting position to another, engaging threat targets from cover, and more

2.  Safety

     Safety is the one element that will over ride everything you do in IDPA.  We want everyone to have a great time, and that can only happen in a safe environment.  We typically have at least two Safety Officers for every stage, watching over each shooter.  We run our match as a "cold range".  This means that no ammunition is allowed in the gun until you are on the firing line, and the gun is completely unloaded before leaving the firing line.  We believe that this helps promote a safer environment for all skill levels.

3.  Equipment Reality Check

     IDPA encourages you to participate with your real world carry equipment.  There are few other circumstances where you can actually test your conceal carry equipment, to be sure that it'll run in the moment of truth. Recommended equipment:
  1)  A firearm, typically 9mm/ 38 special or larger.
  2)  A strong side holster of some sort, Inside the waistband or Outside the waistband is acceptable.  It should be suitable for all day continuous wear, the firearm with enough tension to complete normal daily tasks without fear of losing the weapon.
  3)  If you have a semi-auto pistol, you will need a double magazine pouch.  If you have a revolver, you will need a moon clip or speed loader carriers.
  4)  For semi-auto pistol shooters, three magazines is the ideal number to have.  For revolver shooters, three moon clips or speed loaders.
  5)  Some sort of garment to conceal your equipment.
  6)  Ear and Eye Protection.
  7)  150 rounds of ammunition.
  8)  A good attitude and a willingness to have fun!!
Once you have this basic equipment, you're as competitive as the next guy.

4.  Everyone's Gun Has a Place

     IDPA has several separate regular gun divisions, and a few specialty divisions.  The divisions are:
   CDP - Custom Defensive Pistol, a class for .45 ACP pistols only.
   SSP - Stock Service Pistol for DA, DAO, Safe Action users, typically 9mm or .40 S&W.
   ESP - Enhanced Service Pistol for SA users, typically 9mm or .40 S&W.
   REV - Revolver.
   CCP - Compact Carry Pistol, 9mm and larger.
   CCO - Conceal Carry Optic, 9mm and larger.
   BUG - Back up gun, .380 and larger.
   PCC - Pistol Caliber Carbine.
   SPD - All other Specially Pistol Divisions.

5. Skill Levels for Everyone

     There are also five different skill levels, or classes, which everyone is divided up into.  From lowest to highest, they are: Novice, Marksman, Sharpshooter, Expert, and Master.  These classes ensure that everyone is competing, not only against themselves, but against shooters with similar skill levels.

6. Learn About Time vs. Accuracy

     Virtually everything you do is on the clock.  You gradually learn how long it takes you to do various tasks, and then you try to do them a little bit faster. However, if you go to fast then your accuracy will suffer, and penalty points will start to be added to your time.  It's a balance between speed and accuracy.

7. Social Atmosphere

     It’s also a great way to meet some new friends.  You will find that typically, we all have very similar interests.  People in IDPA are friendly, encouraging people.  We all have had a first match and can usually remember our first match jitters.  So, with all of that being said, jump in and come have some shooting fun with us!

For complete IDPA rules, see the Match Rules page on the IDPA web site.

See our Contact information page if you need additional information.