NSSF Sponsors Inaugural Smith & Wesson IDPA Back Up Gun Nationals

BERRYVILLE, Ark. – The National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF), the trade association for the firearms, ammunition, hunting and shooting sports industry, continues its overall mission to promote the shooting sports in America with sponsorship of the inaugural Smith & Wesson IDPA Back Up Gun Nationals taking place November 14-16, 2013.

Officials with the International Defensive Pistol Association (IDPA) announced that as part of NSSF’s sponsorship the organization will host the awards banquet taking place Saturday evening, November 16.

“NSSF understands better than anyone else the vital role competitive shooting plays in recruiting new gun owners and educating them on safe, responsible firearms ownership. They also understand the importance of recognizing excellence in the sport and have graciously offered to host our awards banquet where we will celebrate the accomplishments of all those competing,” said Joyce Wilson, executive director of IDPA.

“IDPA remains one of the fastest-growing shooting sports in America, and NSSF is committed to helping the sport continue its record growth,” said Chris Dolnack, NSSF senior vice president and chief marketing officer. “Best of luck to everyone competing at this inaugural event!”

The Smith & Wesson IDPA Back Up Gun Nationals will feature 13 stages with a round count of 180. Held on the indoor ranges of the Smith & Wesson Shooting Sports Center in Springfield, Massachusetts, match officials expect the new championship event to draw upwards of 200 top IDPA shooters vying for titles in either the Pistol or Revolver division.

Registration for the match has begun and a handful of slots are still available for those interested in competing. Registration is being conducted online at MatchReg.com/BUG.

For more information on IDPA, the inaugural Smith & Wesson IDPA Back Up Gun Nationals or to join the more than 22,000 members competing each week all across America, visit www.IDPA.com.

You can further connect with the IDPA community through IDPA’s social media, such as @OfficialIDPA on Twitter and ShootIDPA on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest and Tumblr, or check for regular news and updates on the organization’s DOWN ZERO Blog.

About National Shooting Sports Foundation:
The National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF) is the trade association for the firearms, ammunition, hunting and shooting sports industry. Its mission is to promote, protect and preserve hunting and the shooting sports. Formed in 1961, NSSF has a membership of more than 7,000 manufacturers, distributors, firearms retailers, shooting ranges, sportsmen’s organizations and publishers.