New Shooter Info
Starting March 20th, 2008, CTIDPA will be holding new shooter classes on the third Thursday of every month. This is a one hour saftey course only. It is not an all day event. It will be followed by our regular match at 6:15. CTIDPA has had a influx of new shooters in the past months that has been hard to keep up with. To make the new shooter experience better, we are going to hold these classes so that we can take the time needed to keep you and the other members safe and let you have more fun. This new shooter class will be mandatory if the shooter does not hold a current IDPA or USPSA classification. For more information about the new shooter classes, please contact our Chief Safety Officer, David Hedge at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or by cell: 817-565-7992 AFTER 5 PM.
Welcome to Cross Timber’s IDPA! Defensive pistol shooting as a sport uses practical equipment to solve simulated self defense scenarios. All participants will learn and practice responsible gun handling while having a great time. IDPA is a local club sport. We’re glad you're here! You can be comfortable with your safety on our range. Every person here is a volunteer -the Board of Directors, Match Directors, Safety Officers and other shooters.
Basically, there are 2 sets of rules:
1. The game rules, with time added to score - minor
2. The safety rules with DQ - serious & draconian.
A Safety Officer (SO) will be assisting you at each and every match. An SO’s two primary jobs are:
1. To oversee and command the safe operation of your weapon
2. To assist the shooter – They are here to help you!
Safety is our first concern. CTIDPA runs a “cold” range. All weapons are unloaded and have an empty magwell all times. You will only load your gun when the Safety Officer instructs you to do so. You will not handle you gun at any time during the match or when preparing for the match unless you are under the supervision of an SO or in a designated safe area. When in doubt, please ask someone before handling your firearm. The “Safe Area” locations will be shown to you. You may handle your unloaded firearm ONLY n this area without the supervision of an SO when you “gear-up” for the match. No ammunition is allowed in safe area.
IDPA has a formal set of commands used while shooting a course of fire (COF). These help provide the safest environment possible. Failure to follow the commands of the SO or Match Director (MD), or unsportsman-like conduct, can lead to disqualification from the match. Here is a list of things that will get you disqualified:
1. Endangering yourself or anyone else with a loaded weapon
2. Any shot that goes over the berm (outdoor range) or into the side walls or ceiling (indoor range)
3. Any shot into the ground either behind or in front closer than 6 feet
4. Grossly unsafe and/or belligerent behavior
5. Repeated safety violations or failure to correct finger or muzzle on command
6. Dropping a loaded weapon
We never want to disqualify anyone, but it does happen on occasion. You will not be allowed to shoot the remainder of the match. A DQ does not mean you have to leave, it simply means you cannot shoot the remainder of the match. You may return and participate in the next match. We welcome you to stay and participate in other ways.
Although there is not an official “180” rule, we typically observe this at all times (especially indoors!). If not, you will be instructed by the SO as to the muzzle “safe points”. The 180 is side to side as well as up and down. Pointing down at your feet or up at the ceiling is extremely dangerous. Please keep your firearm parallel to the ground, pointed downrange and your finger along side the frame at all times you are handling your firearm and not actively shooting. Also, although you may go as fast as you like while shooting safely, you are not being timed to load, show clear or holster. Please take all the time you require to perform these tasks safely. Please holster your weapon at the request of the SO and wait for his “Range is safe” command before you retrieve any ammunition or magazines.
Standard Range Commands:
Do you understand the course of fire?
Load and make ready
Shooter ready?
Stand by….
Unload and show clear
Slide, hammer, holster
Range is safe
Safety Issue Commands:
Finger
Muzzle
STOP
After the “Stand by” command, you may not move until the time beeps. The timer beep is your indication to safely draw your loaded weapon and start shooting.
“Cover” is a command used by the SO when the shooter is not using cover appropriately. This is a courtesy call and is not required by IDPA rules. Usually, if the shooter corrects the violation prior to the next shot, the procedural error will not be issued.
If at any time during a COF the shooter drops a loaded gun, DO NOT pick up your gun. The SO will pick the gun up and return it to a safe condition.
If at any time during a COF the shooter falls down, the shooter is to: STOP SHOOTING and do not move. Ensure your finger is off the trigger and keep the muzzle pointed down range while you await instructions from the SO. The MD and SO will determine if the shooter is allowed to re-shoot the COF.
You will be assigned a Mentor to educate you of COF/game/cover/reload rules.
Please ask questions. Lots of questions. We hope you enjoy your 1st match with CTIDPA and many more to come.
