IDPA Announces Inaugural Smith & Wesson IDPA Back Up Gun Nationals

BERRYVILLE, Ark. – The International Defensive Pistol Association (IDPA) and Smith & Wesson announced that the 161-year-old legendary American firearms maker will be the title sponsor of IDPA’s first ever Back Up Gun Nationals to take place November 14-16, 2013.

Smith & Wesson, which for the past 16 years has organized, sponsored and hosted the IDPA Indoor National Championship, is again leading the way as the driving force behind the organization of this new national level championship that will also be held at the Smith & Wesson Shooting Sports Center in Springfield, Massachusetts.

“With the huge increase in concealed carry permits, the demand for the subcompact handgun has grown exponentially, yet the back up gun has seen limited use in competition. That ends this year as IDPA is pleased to once more partner with Smith & Wesson to bring our members a new national championship designed specifically for the back up gun,” said Joyce Wilson, executive director for IDPA.

Based on the small, subcompact pistols and revolvers used for concealed carry and personal defense, the Smith & Wesson IDPA Back Up Gun Nationals will be a fully sanctioned championship consisting of shooting strings utilizing a maximum of five rounds and stages made up of one or more shooting strings with multiple starts allowing competitors to reload off the clock.

“Smith & Wesson is honored to bring IDPA members the first ever Back Up Gun Nationals. For 16 years Smith & Wesson has helped grow the sport, and the new Back Up Gun National Championship represents our ongoing commitment to expanding the shooting sports,” said Paul Pluff of Smith & Wesson.

The inaugural Smith & Wesson IDPA Back Up Gun Nationals is expected to draw upwards of 200 top IDPA shooters to compete for the title of national champion in either the Pistol or Revolver division. The registration process for the new championship event is expected to be announced later this spring.

For more information on IDPA, the inaugural Smith & Wesson IDPA Back Up Gun Nationals or to get started in this fun and exciting defensive pistol shooting sport, visit www.IDPA.com. You can also follow @OfficialIDPA on Twitter, like ShootIDPA on Facebook, watch IDPA TV, or check out the Down Zero Blog to keep up with the latest news.

About Smith & Wesson:
Smith & Wesson Holding Corporation (NASDAQ Global Select: SWHC) is a U.S.-based leader in firearm manufacturing and design, delivering a broad portfolio of quality firearms, related products and training to the consumer, law enforcement, and military markets. The company’s brands include Smith & Wesson®, M&P® and Thompson/Center Arms(TM). Smith & Wesson facilities are located in Massachusetts and Maine. For more information on Smith & Wesson, call (800) 331-0852 or log on to www.smith-wesson.com.