SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (January 14, 2008) – Smith & Wesson Corp., announced today that after 10 years of successfully hosting the Smith & Wesson International Defensive Pistol Association (IDPA) Winter Championships, the company will now hold the first IDPA Indoor National Championships February 21-23, 2008. This year’s prestigious event will be held at the Smith & Wesson Shooting Sports Center in Springfield, Massachusetts.
The 2008 IDPA Indoor National Championships will feature nine challenging courses of fire with over 300 competitors from across the globe competing in five IDPA divisions. Each participant will face an exciting array of stages involving low-light conditions, moving targets and defensive shooting scenarios. In addition to the one-half day match, competitors will have the opportunity to participate in a variety of events including Smith & Wesson factory tours, training seminars and shooting demonstrations.
On Thursday, February 21 and Friday, February 22, competitors will have the chance to tour the legendary firearms factory. Tours will be offered to competitors on a first come first served basis at the published times and locations. During Friday evening, competitors will have the opportunity to test the latest products from Smith & Wesson and Walther in the New Product Shoot. A wide range of firearms from the Military & Police (M&P) Pistol Series as well as various Performance Center models will be supplied for the shoot. Throughout the match, participants will be able to take part in special shooting seminars hosted by world champion sports shooter Jerry Miculek along with other military and law enforcement professionals including Scott Warren and Gordon Carrell. At the conclusion of the match, an awards ceremony will be held at the Clarion Hotel & Conference Center in West Springfield.
“Since the inception of the IDPA in 1996, Smith & Wesson has been a huge supporter of our organization through match sponsorships and other various donations,” said Robert Ray, IDPA’s Membership and Marketing Manager. “We are very excited to be holding the first IDPA Indoor National Championships at the Smith & Wesson Shooting Sports Center, one of the most advanced training facilities in the United States. Along with providing a unique atmosphere, this location will easily accommodate the large number of competitors and spectators that are expected while allowing the match staff to design creative and challenging courses of fire.”
Ray added, “Over the years, the Smith & Wesson Winter Championships have grown into the second largest IDPA event in the world and we expect that momentum to extend into this year’s Indoor National match. With over 13,000 IDPA members worldwide, matches such as this allow us to promote the shooting sports in a very attractive and positive setting. We look forward to working with Smith & Wesson on this year’s match and encourage all of those who are interested to stop by the event to see firsthand what IDPA is all about.”
