International Defensive Pistol Association (IDPA)

Thurmont, MD IDPA

Click Here for all IDPA Matches on Practiscore
- Please sign up for match notices and newsletters from Thurmont IDPA: Google Groups
- One Monthly Saturday or Sunday 8AM-2PM match run by Cody Claxton, Match Director.
- All matches are subject to weather, but especially winter months;
- Match fee is $15, 4-8 stages, 50-120 rounds;
- You are not required to be a member of TCSC.
- Participants are required to assist with setup, operation, teardown, and storage.
- Observers are welcome but they must have hearing and eye protection, stay at least 7 yards from the shooting area, sign the waiver, and not interfere with the match.
- Advance registration is requested for all IDPA matches which starts 1-3 weeks before the match and continues until the night before the match. Walk-ons are permitted subject to skill level.
- You are required to digitally sign a waiver, and provide a signature when you arrive at the match. You may view a copy of the waiver here: IDPA Waiver
- WE OPERATE A COLD RANGE. DO NOT HANDLE YOUR PISTOL UNTIL DIRECTED TO BY THE MATCH OFFICIALS. AUTHORIZED LAW ENFORCEMENT OR LEGAL CONCEALED CARRIERS MUST UNLOAD BEFORE THE MATCH UNDER THE SUPERVISION OF A MATCH OFFICIAL.
- If you register and then find you cannot attend the match, please withdraw using the practiscore management link so that we know you cannot attend.
- Unless otherwise stated, All Thurmont IDPA Matches will allow Carry Optics and PCC Division guns. The guns must be IDPA Legal. See the rulebook.
- You do not need a Classifier to shoot IDPA matches, as you may shoot Unclassified. We offer classifiers to those without an IDPA number.
- Video of Jerry Miculek about holster safety

Handgun/Pistol Restrictions in Maryland
THIS IS NOT LEGAL ADVICE, YOU ARE RESPONSBIBLE FOR KNOWING AND ACTING WITHIN THE LAWS:
- The Maryland Code requires that you transport your firearms unloaded and ammo separated from the handgun in the trunk or rearmost part of the vehicle, as in U.S. Title 18. (Code and Exceptions here)
- Non-Residents are allowed to bring their legally owned pistols to TCSC for IDPA or informal practice (Related Statutes).
- Note that some models of pistols are banned, none of which are legal for IDPA. (See List).
- You may bring high capacity magazines into Maryland for IDPA or informal practice, but you may not purchase or transfer them (Related Statute).
- Non-residents may stay overnight in Maryland with legally possessed firearms, or at hotels subject to hotel policy.
- You must have a Maryland Concealed Carry Permit to legally carry in Maryland. (Code and Exceptions here)
- Center fire rifles have special restrictions. See Maryland State Police Website FAQ.

What Is IDPA?
International Defensive Pistol Association (IDPA) shooting as a sport is 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 (typical production revolvers or semi-auto pistols - .38Sp/9mm or larger) and holsters that are suitable for self-defense use. The main goal is to test the skill and ability of an individual, not his or her equipment.
Intro to IDPA on YouTube

New Shooters
Please read this document: If you are a registered and experienced IDPA shooter you are already authorized to attend our matches. You will be required to partner with an experience Thurmont shooter. Please read the Orienation here!. If you are a new pistol shooter or new to competition, you will need to be evaluated and may be required to take supplemental training. In this case please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. with your shooting resume. Include pistol shooting experience, classes taken, work experience, qualifiers passed, and other similar experience. The IDPA Committee reserves the right to make a final determination of your status and reserves the right to deny anyone attendance based on your ability to operate safely. You may also qualify if you have sufficient experience with Law Enforcement and/or Military and/or contractor experience.

Other VA/MD/DE Area IDPA Clubs
- AAFG IDPA, Annapolis, MD (DC Metro)
- NRA HQ IDPA, Fairfax, VA (DC Metro)
- Fairfax Rod and Gun, Manassas, VA (DC Metro)
- Thurmont IDPA, Thurmont, MD (Frederick Area)
- Sanners Lake IDPA, Lexington Park, MD (South MD)
- Associated Gun Club, Marriottsville, MD (Baltimore)
- Bridgeville IDPA, Bridgeville, DE
- Rivanna IDPA, Charlottesville, VA
- Roanoke Rifle IDPA, Roanoke, VA
- Cavalier IDPA, Buckingham, VA
- Norfolk County Rifle Range, Chesapeake, VA
- Lafayette Gun Club IDPA, Yorktown, VA
- North Fork Sportsmen's Club IDPA, Saltville, VA