General questions about the courses

  • You are between 18 and 65 years old. (65+ upon request, from 16 years with active participation of a parent or guardian)
  • You are physically and mentally fit enough to endure a 3 or 5 hour course .
  • You have no for offenses against life and limb convictions.
  • You have an up-to-date [information] on the day of the course Criminal record extract, the not older than 3 months  is (here) early on-line order), or your Firearms acquisition permit (WES) involved.
  • You have personal liability insurance with a minimum coverage of CHF 5 million.
  • If you are a sole citizen of Albania, Algeria, Sri Lanka, Kosovo, North Macedonia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, or Turkey, you unfortunately cannot participate in the courses. (See Swiss Weapons Act, TSB Birmensdorf regulations (see Terms of Use 1.1.1)).
  • If you would like to participate with your own 9×19 pistol , please write when registering the make and model in the notes field.
  • All pistol module courses (excluding the reloading course) use a pistol holster for training. If you bring your own pistol , you will need your own belt holster and magazine pouch. (Speed ​​holsters are not permitted.) If you rent a pistol for the course, I will provide you with a belt holster.
  • If we deem you unsuitable for the courses due to your character or mental condition, or if you do not meet the general guidelines (conditions of participation), we will not allow you to attend the courses.

If you don't already have personal equipment, we'll provide almost everything you need.
For the pistol modules, you'll absolutely need with belt trousers loops and a belt (3 to 4 cm wide). hearing protection and safety glasses We'll also provide

Your clothing should be appropriate for the occasion. Sneakers, comfortable trousers like jeans, outdoor or cargo pants, and a top that is "closed" at the neck – meaning no blouses, shirts, or tops with a V-neck. Hot chicks might fly in, and you definitely don't want that ;o).

During the winter months, it can get cool to cold in the shooting range. Therefore, dress warmly. However, please note: no jackets, as these are very cumbersome during the pistol module courses and thus pose a safety risk.

You can find more information about the equipment in the resources under Media & Downloads!

No!
You can rent a pistol or, in some cases, other weapons for the duration of the course.
If you wish to participate with your own 9x19mm pistol, you will need your own pistol belt holster and magazine pouch.

If the content aligns with our courses, then generally yes. Please get touch and we can discuss it together.

 You will receive a course confirmation (course certificate) for each module/shooting course.

I don't conduct a test myself due to time constraints. However, you can find the HST-30 pistol shooting test under Media & Downloads . You can practice it on your own. You'll then have the opportunity to take the shooting test several times a year.

Questions about pistol courses

To participate in all modules, the first three modules form the basis.
These are mandatory and build upon each other.

After that, you can freely choose which modules you would like to attend. Be sure to watch the tutorial videos .

Both are beginner courses. The loading bench course lasts 3 hours and Module 1 lasts five hours.

In the loading bench course, the pistol rests in front of you on the loading bench , while in Module 1 you wear a holstercontaining the pistol. Module 1 also covers magazine changes and reloading.

Generally, no. If you're a beginner, the first three modules are mandatory. If you've already taken courses with another provider, please contact me first so we can discuss where and how you can join.

If you are already an experienced dynamic shooter, you can join Module 3. However, I will need proof of your current skill level. You can use the HST-30 . If you pass the Basic Level, you are definitely ready for Module 3.

Generally, yes!
Please before the registering for contact me
Low-emission (non-toxic) 9x19mm ammunition is included in the course price.
You will need to provide other calibers yourself and are responsible for their use.

Questions about IDPA

IDPA stands for "International Defensive Pistol Association" and is a shooting sports organization that focuses on realistic self-defense scenarios. Here is a simple explanation of IDPA shooting:

1. Goal of IDPA shooting sports

IDPA aims to simulate realistic self-defense scenarios to prepare shooters for potential dangerous situations.

2. Courses and scenarios

The shooters complete various courses (called stages) on a shooting range, simulating real-life situations. These can include, for example, apartment robberies, car thefts, or similar scenarios.

3. Equipment

The shooters use commercially available pistols, holsters, and magazine pouches suitable for everyday use. The equipment should be realistic and reflect everyday conditions.

4. Rating

The shooters are evaluated based on their shooting performance. Not only precision but also speed is taken into account. Penalty points are awarded, for example, for missed targets or safety violations.

5. Safety

Safety is the top priority in IDPA shooting. Strict rules are in place to prevent accidents. Shooters must adhere to clear safety regulations.

6. Categories

Participants are divided into different categories depending on their experience, the caliber of weapon used, and other factors. This ensures a fair competition environment.

7. Training and Community

Besides the competitive aspect, IDPA places great emphasis on training and community. Shooters can improve their skills, exchange experiences, and network with like-minded individuals.

To participate in IPDA competitions, you will need an IDPA-compliant pistol, revolver, or PCC. The appendix under the next section, "...Document for IDPA Shooting?", lists the different divisions. In IDPA, the pistol must not exceed certain weight and size limits.

Additional equipment includes hearing and eye protection, an IDPA-compliant belt holster, and magazine holsters for two spare magazines. Finally, a concealed carry vest.

YouTube videos

Here are a few explanatory videos (in English) for you.

IDPA Fundamentals Part 1: Gear
IDPA Fundamentals Part 2: Scoring
IDPA Fundamentals Part 3: Tactical Priority
IDPA Fundamentals Part 4: Reloads
IDPA Fundamentals Part 5: Divisions & Classifications
IDPA Fundamentals Part 6: Rules of the Game

The official documents for IDPA shooting can be found at the following links:

  • IDPA Match Rules – The directory with important information about matches, classifications, divisions, times, etc.
  • Become an IDPA member – To participate in the IDPA, you need IDPA membership.
  • IDPA Rulebook (2025) – This rulebook contains all the rules that the IDPA shooter must follow. 
  • IDPA Equipment Appendix – This appendix contains the rules for weapons divisions
  • IDPA Classifier (Standard Method) – Using the globally standardized classifier, we determine your performance category. This classifier is completed during the IDPA Intro course, which you can attend with me.
  • IDPA 5×5 Classifier – The “5×5” is a shortened version for obtaining the classification.
  • IDPA 5x5 Classifier Pre-Test. If you currently don't have access to a dynamic shooting range or an IDPA target to practice on, I have a modified 5x5 classifier here that you can easily practice.

As of July 2025

ICZ Logo 150

IDPA Club Zurich

Birmensdorf / ZH

Falke Logo 150

Falke sports shooters

Zurich / ZH

NLM Logo 150

NLM

Zurich / ZH

Sagittarius Logo 150

FSSV
Sagittarius

Emmenbrücke / LU

STDS Logo 150

STDS

Villeneuve / VD

Once you have completed the IPDA Intro course, shot the Classifier so that you are classified, and have an active IDPA Membership, you can participate in IDPA Matches worldwide.

The matches are usually posted on Practicescore.com . You also register for the matches through this site.