Bama Belle

Bama Belle is a sanctioned International Defensive Pistol Association (IDPA) competition designed exclusively for female shooters. Unlike general IDPA matches, Bama Belle creates a dedicated space where women can compete, train, and connect with other female shooters while developing practical defensive pistol skills.

IDPA isn't a bullseye shooting match. The whole idea is to practice with your actual carry gun in realistic defensive scenarios. Competitors work through multiple "stages" that simulate self-defense situations, shooting under pressure while moving through different positions. As Match Director Amandalyn Barr puts it: "Competitions aren't a gunfight but gunfights are absolutely a competition." You can't train for gunfights responsibly, but you can train the mental and physical skills under controlled pressure at the range.

This approach forces you to practice with uncomfortable variables—different shooting positions, time pressure, reload scenarios, and decision-making under stress. It's why IDPA has become popular with both civilians carrying for self-defense and law enforcement agencies that need to keep their skills sharp.

• •Match Director: Amandalyn Barr ([email protected])
• •Co-owner of Timberline Security Solutions
• •Uses H&K VP9 A1 for competition and EDC
• •Trains year-round in variable weather conditions to prepare for real-world scenarios

• •Assistant Match Director: April Love ([email protected])
• •Recently switched from Sig P320 X5 Legion to Springfield Prodigy after IDPA's P320 ban
• •Handles match stage design and logistics

• •Brocks Gap Liaison: Michael Goodman

Title Sponsor: Heckler & Koch

Heckler & Koch (H&K) is a German defense manufacturer founded in 1949, known for producing the MP5 submachine gun, G36 assault rifle, and USP handgun series. In competitive shooting, H&K handguns like the VP9 and USP models are popular among IDPA competitors for reliability, accuracy, and ergonomics. H&K is increasingly active in supporting women's shooting sports and has shown commitment to inclusive competitive environments.

Platinum Sponsors: - Timberline Security Solutions (tssalabama.com) – Defensive firearms training - Vedder Holsters (vedderholsters.com) – IWB and appendix carry holsters

"In my mind, this is the perfect trio – a gun company, a training company and a holster company – we need all three to be balanced! A firearm is just a talisman without the proper training and it's not safe without the holster & gear." – Amandalyn Barr

Timberline Security Solutions offers follow-up training on the Sunday after the match:

• •Women's Defensive Pistol 1: 9:00 AM – 12:30 PM
• •Women's Defensive Pistol 2: 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM

Registration available through Practiscore or TSS directly.

Bama Belle exists because women deserve training that prepares them for actual self-defense. The match is designed around a simple fact: you can't control when or where an attack might happen. You can only control your preparation.

This is why the match runs in summer heat (like July matches at 95+ degrees). Real threats don't wait for comfortable weather. Real attacks happen when you're tired, sweating, uncomfortable, or dealing with environmental factors you didn't choose. Training in these conditions means your hands know what to expect—whether that's sweat on a hot Alabama day or cold weather gear in winter.

Match director Amandalyn noted that after a self-defense incident where a friend's hands became slippery from intense physiological stress responses, she started training specifically in poor conditions and variable weather. This is the mindset behind Bama Belle: Train like your life depends on it, because in a real situation, it might.

The men's match (Bama Bo) runs the day before Bama Belle (April 10, 2026). It grew out of overwhelming support from male shooters wanting to support the women's event. The men's match is fully staffed by volunteer support from across the country and uses the same high standards as Bama Belle.

As of August 2025, IDPA has banned the Sig P320 from competition due to multiple reports of accidental discharges (ADs). If you planned to use a P320 at Bama Belle or Bama Bo, you'll need an alternative.

Staff recommendations: - Heckler & Koch VP9 / VP9 A1 (what match staff currently use) - Springfield Prodigy (what AMD April Love switched to) - Check with title sponsor H&K for other options that fit your preferences

Competitors should bring their actual carry pistol (shooting whatever caliber is allowed). The match features unique custom-designed stages that test decision-making, accuracy under pressure, and practical shooting fundamentals. Vendor booths are set up during the match, and winners receive prizes donated by sponsors and vendors.

Bama Belle exists in a shooting sports environment where women are the fastest-growing demographic but often the minority at mixed matches. A women's-only event creates space for women to compete without the social pressure or experience gap that sometimes exists in mixed environments. It also builds community—women meet other female shooters, share training approaches, and support each other's skill development.

Women bring "a powerful and influential voice to the shooting community," according to match organizers. This event celebrates that while building practical defensive skills.