Bama Belle

IDPA Women's Only Shooting Match

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    Match Staff:

    Match Director:

    Amandalyn Barr bamabelleidpa@gmail.com

    Assistant Match Director:

    April Love

    bamabelleidpa@gmail.com

    Brocks Gap Liaison

    Michael Goodman

    • IDPA Bama Belle

      IDPA Headquarters Update

      In case you haven’t heard the stories circulating about the Sig P320, it is now banned in IDPA. Please seek an alternative if this was what you planned on using at the Bama Belle or Bama Bo.

      As your AMD for these matches, I will say I fully agree with IDPA’s ruling on this. There are just too many accounts of this firearm ADing and this eliminates potential issues for all on the range.

      If you know me, you KNOW my P320 X5 Legion has -always- been my favorite pew pew and is the one that got me to make the jump into 9mm pistol. I’ve thankfully retired it for competition use and am now using a Springfield Prodigy until Sig can guarantee a fix for their issues.

      If you need any help looking for alternatives -> Check out our title sponsor H&K! Our MD and her hubby both have H&Ks that they are loving!!! (P.S. I’m still waiting to test one of theirs out! 😉)

      See you on the range!

      -April Love

      TSS Women’s Defensive Pistol Class

      Timberline Security Solutions teaches defensive firearms tactics and techniques worldwide. As one of our platinum sponsors they are offering a class on Sunday following the match. Women’s Defensive Pistol 1 will be taught from 9am until 12:30am registration can be done here or on Practiscore. Women’s Defensive Pistol 2 will be taught at 1pm and run until 4pm registration can be done here, or on Practiscore.

    • IDPA Bama Belle

      Our Title Sponsor: H&K

      Heckler & Koch (H&K) is a renowned German defense manufacturing company specializing in the design and production of firearms. Founded in 1949 and headquartered in Oberndorf am Neckar, Germany, H&K has built a reputation for engineering precision, reliability, and innovation. The company is best known for producing iconic weapons such as the MP5 submachine gun, the G36 assault rifle, and the USP series of handguns, widely used by military and law enforcement agencies around the world. With a commitment to quality and advanced technology, H&K has become synonymous with high-performance weaponry tailored for demanding combat and tactical situations.

      As an industry leader in small arms manufacturing, Heckler & Koch maintains a significant global presence, supplying firearms to NATO forces, elite special operations units, and numerous law enforcement agencies. The company invests heavily in research and development to stay at the forefront of firearm innovation, emphasizing modularity, ergonomics, and durability. Their strategic focus on quality over mass production has earned H&K a reputation as a premium brand in the defense industry. With subsidiaries in the U.S., UK, and France, Heckler & Koch continues to influence global arms development while navigating the challenges of international arms regulation and competition.

      Heckler & Koch (H&K) has become increasingly active in supporting shooting sports in the United States, including participation in the International Defensive Pistol Association (IDPA) and initiatives aimed at encouraging female shooters. H&K handguns, such as the VP9 and USP series, are popular choices among IDPA competitors for their reliability, accuracy, and ergonomics. The company has also shown growing support for women in shooting sports by sponsoring events, offering firearms training tailored to female shooters, and promoting inclusive shooting environments. By engaging with both IDPA and women’s shooting communities, H&K is helping to foster skill development and expand its brand presence among a broader audience of competitive and recreational shooters.

      We extend our sincere thanks to Heckler & Koch for their outstanding support and commitment to the shooting sports community, especially in promoting women’s participation and growth in the sport. Your dedication to advancing opportunities for female shooters, along with your ongoing involvement in IDPA, reflects your leadership and investment in the future of competitive shooting. As the title sponsor of the Bama Belle, your partnership has not only elevated the event but also inspired and empowered countless women to compete with confidence and pride. We truly appreciate your continued support and advocacy.

      Ask ChatGPT

      TSS Women’s Defensive Pistol Class

      Timberline Security Solutions teaches defensive firearms tactics and techniques worldwide. As one of our platinum sponsors they are offering a class on Sunday following the match. Women’s Defensive Pistol 1 will be taught from 9am until 12:30am registration can be done here or on Practiscore. Women’s Defensive Pistol 2 will be taught at 1pm and run until 4pm registration can be done here, or on Practiscore.

    • IDPA Bama Belle

      Some Fun in the Sun

      April and I had a wonderful yet HOT match at Brock’s Gap this July. (You can see our husbands working hard in the background!) When we got home exhausted, sweaty and stinky, our oldest son asked me why we shoot in the Alabama heat in the middle of summer and while I can’t speak for April, I train in uncomfortable weather because we don’t get to choose the time and place of an attack. This is the whole reason I joined IDPA in the first place! Yes, I can control my situational awareness and staying alert when out and about but as much as I try, I have yet to be able to control anyone else’s actions. (Believe me, I’ve tried!) Out of all the fun gun matches out there, IDPA is the closest to helping prepare yourself for a self-defense situation. The whole idea is to practice with your carry gun, mentally prepare yourself for crazy scenarios and shoot under pressure. And while I pray I never have to draw in defense of myself or someone I love, I want to be the most prepared I can possibly be if that day ever does arrive. We are our own first responders and responsible for our safety first and foremost! As we get closer to the Bama Belle and Bama Bo shoot, we’ll be inviting police departments to come join us because they need this added stress factor to their practice as well. We all do.

      Am reminded of a story by a dear friend of mine, Kim. If you’re local here in central Alabama, you’ve probably met her at a match or at the gun range training. She tells of the time when she needed her pistol but didn’t have it on her initially (that’s a whole other story) – and then her physiological response of intense sweating was so much that when she was holding her gun, it was extremely slippery. (No hand chalk out in the real world!) Thankfully, she didn’t need to use her firearm and everything ended well but she sure started training more and includes time out in not so ideal weather conditions.

      As summer starts coming to its end, I am definitely looking forward to the cooler weather and when it gets colder, this year I’m going to start practicing with gloves because I wear gloves in the winter. Have been looking at some 5.11 gloves but am open to hearing about brands you all like! This might be overkill but when I do find a great pair for the range, I’ll buy another set to wear with my winter gear for my every day life. Recently switched my edc firearm to what I am currently competing with – an H&K VP9 A1. If for whatever reason I am forced to draw in self-defense, gloves or no gloves, heat, cold or rain will be one less physical hinderance to overcome in the fight for survival. I want my firearm and anything on my hands to be what’s most comfortable so that my brain knows exactly what to feel and expect from that draw to first shots. This is why we practice, practice, practice.

      Hope to see you all out on the range soon! Let me know how you train to survive the fight on the street and any gear you always carry with you (besides your edc – hopefully that’s a given of being on you).

      -Amandalyn Barr

      Match Director Bama Bo & Bama Belle

      Co-owner Timberline Security Solutions http://www.tssalabama.com

      TSS Women’s Defensive Pistol Class

      Timberline Security Solutions teaches defensive firearms tactics and techniques worldwide. As one of our platinum sponsors they are offering a class on Sunday following the match. Women’s Defensive Pistol 1 will be taught from 9am until 12:30am registration can be done here or on Practiscore. Women’s Defensive Pistol 2 will be taught at 1pm and run until 4pm registration can be done here, or on Practiscore.

    • IDPA Bama Belle

      Competitions Aren’t a Gunfight BUT…

      Being asked to be the match director for the Bama Belle is such an honor and quite frankly, I was surprised to be asked. I immediately jumped at the opportunity because it’s my passion to help ladies become safe and proficient with their firearms. I want more ladies comfortable with being able to conceal carry everywhere and to be able to protect themselves and their loved ones. We are absolutely our own first responders and responsible for our own safety. One of the best ways to get the necessary practice and growth with our firearms is to practice and for me, that’s with IDPA (International Defensive Pistol Association) matches. There’s a saying “competitions aren’t a gunfight but gunfights are absolutely a competition”. I can’t in good conscience recommend we get in gun fights to progress our firearms skills but we can put ourselves under pressure and fight to the finish at the gun range.

      The Bama Bo grew out of the overwhelming support by the men wanting to support the ladies. It is still humbling to think of all these guys willing to take time off work, family time and travel from all over the country to help with the Bama Belle. Registration has only been open for 24 hours at this point and the men’s match is 1/3 full already with staff. Absolutely incredible! Vendors are being so generous too and donating for both matches so that everyone has a shot at winning something cool. And of course, if there’s a vendor you want me to reach out too, please make that introduction. We all know it’s who you know when it comes to finances and prizes. I’ll be posting more about each of the vendors separately but a big thank you to our Title sponsor H&K https://hk-usa.com/ and our two Platinum sponsors; Timberline Security Solutions https://timberlinesecuritysolutions.com/ and Vedder Holsters https://www.vedderholsters.com/. Matches are expensive and their generosity is helping keep the costs affordable for all the competitors and their donations for prizes are Awesome. 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. Thank you H&K, TSS & Vedder!

      There is so much more to write but that’ll be another time. Have one more stage to design this week and get it to my incredible Assistant Match Director April Love for final proofing. Y’all, I cannot brag enough about how amazing she is as a human being and as a friend. Getting to know her has been the hidden gem in these match preparations – hopefully she will still like me after the matches are over because we’ll need to start working on the 2027 Bama Belle and Bama Bo!

      TSS Women’s Defensive Pistol Class

      Timberline Security Solutions teaches defensive firearms tactics and techniques worldwide. As one of our platinum sponsors they are offering a class on Sunday following the match. Women’s Defensive Pistol 1 will be taught from 9am until 12:30am registration can be done here or on Practiscore. Women’s Defensive Pistol 2 will be taught at 1pm and run until 4pm registration can be done here, or on Practiscore.

    • IDPA Bama Belle

      Join Us For The 2026 Bama Belle

      Ladies – registration is finally open for the 2026 Bama Belle! Come join us Saturday April 11, 2026 at the beautiful Brock’s Gap Training Center in Pell City, Al. Bring your friends and come make new friends at this one-of-a-kind IDPA sanctioned match supporting and celebrating women in the shooting sports. This unique event is held the day after the Bama Bo which is the men’s only sanctioned match for the Bama Belle staff and other male shooters on April 10, 2026. Women bring a powerful and influential voice to the shooting community and we are passionate advocates for everything we believe in. Come join us in a day of fun, prizes, vendor booths for shopping and some unique shooting stages that will have you looking forward to our 2027 match. See you on the range!

      TSS Women’s Defensive Pistol Class

      Timberline Security Solutions teaches defensive firearms tactics and techniques worldwide. As one of our platinum sponsors they are offering a class on Sunday following the match. Women’s Defensive Pistol 1 will be taught from 9am until 12:30am registration can be done here or on Practiscore. Women’s Defensive Pistol 2 will be taught at 1pm and run until 4pm registration can be done here, or on Practiscore.