History of DSM

Two long time friends and shooting enthusiasts, Jim Gommenginger and Sam Hardy formed DSM in 1997. Sam and Jim started their competition careers in the 70's with one of the area’s first IPSC/USPSA (International Practical Shooting Confederation/United States Practical Shooting Association) clubs, FINGER LAKES COMBAT PISTOL CLUB.  They also perfected their defensive firearm skills under the watchful eye of Chuck Taylor.  In the beginning, USPSA was a practical/tactical approach to defensive pistol shooting requiring strict concealed carry rules and equipment. The teachings of one of the founding fathers, Jeff Cooper, were the guidelines that piloted the sport.  Over the years, USPSA forgot those teachings and it changed in many ways.  Every day
carry guns gave way to "race guns". Holsters no longer resembled carry holsters but mere shells. Use of cover gave way to open, high round count field courses of fire.

Disillusioned by the changes in USPSA, Jim and Sam decided to go back to the "old ways", to the doctrines of Jeff Cooper & Chuck Taylor. To make available a competition & training program that closely resembled real life. A testing ground for a person's personal protection firearm, equipment and skills. So with the help of Steve Rankin and Wayne Dupra, Defensive Shooting Management was born. DSM has withstood the test of time and each year enjoys a steady increase in participation with shooters of all ages.

DSM is broken down into classes determined by the shooter's ability, allowing shooters to compete against individuals of equal skill. There is no pressure to be number one, only by the shooter himself. DSM has no membership fees and match fees are quite reasonable so anyone with a personal protection firearm and holster can participate.

The main focus of DSM is to develop defensive shooting skills with practical and, as real as possible, scenarios. Courses of fire cover all possible defensive situations from car hijacking to low/no light. Each month we look at a different set of problems so we never bore the shooter with repeated courses of fire.

DSM ACADEMY

The DSM ACADEMY was established in 2000, and offers defensive classes in handgun, rifle and shotgun.  Classes are conducted on our private range or our instructors can travel to your facility. 

Check our calendar and plan on attending a match or class soon.  You won't regret it!