IDPA -vs- IPSC comparisons..........

[22luvr]

Which one of these competition disciplines is the most active and growing entity? I don't want to get into something that is on the way down but something that is vital, active, and growing.

IDPA looks like it would be a little easier on the budget and more to real-life than others and I want to be able to get into this with a minimum outlay to begin.

Thanks for letting me share......I hope I don't wear you out with these novice questions.

 

[faustulus]

Both are strong organizations. I wouldn't worry about either of them going anywhere just yet.
Neither one (despite what others are about to post) is like real life so don't sweat that.
Gear for one will work in either. A DA gun will work in production class in IPSC and in stock service pistol in IDPA. A single action can be used in Open, Limited or limited 10 in ISPC or Enhanced Service Pistol or Custom Defensive Pistol (otherwise known as the Bill Wilson Class) in IDPA.
IPSC has the higher round count and allows the shooter to approach the stage more creatively. IDPA (in my experince) is a smaller pond and usually has a lower quallity of competition at the local level. IPSC has some strange rules (minor and major power factor) but IDPA is full of strange rules (the tactical reload, can't drop an empty mag unless slide is locked back, can't move and reload, et cetera)
But don't just pick one, shoot both. Don't be intimidated by the equipment in IPSC. You won't lose because of your gun, most people see how fast the other guys are and think it has something to do with the gun (It is the man).
prices for local match can run anywhere from 5-35 dollars usually. Club memberships lower these. As far as what is in your area, the IDPA and the USPSA websites allow you to locate clubs by state. Jump in and have fun, remember its a game (you can tell this by the loud buzzer telling you when to shoot and the distinct lack of return fire) it is supposed to be fun.

 

[Andrew Wyatt]

IDPA's a bit closer to the actual shooting problems you might have to face should you have to use your CCW piece in anger, since they make you shoot from cover, and give you a penalty if you drop magazines with ammo in them on the ground.

I'm told that the early days of IPSC was much more like IDPA than it is now.

 

[bullseyekp]

I've shot IDPA for almost four years and USPSA (US region of IPSC) for a little over one year. As far as which entity is growing faster, most people might say IDPA. However, with the advent of USPSA Production class (almost identical to IDPA SSP - stock guns limited to 10 rounds), USPSA is increasing its membership at a decent clip.

As far as cost goes, don't let anyone tell you that you can't afford to shoot USPSA. Once again, the introduction of Production class a few years ago almost neutralizes equipment advantages. I shoot the same gear in both sports, but carry two more mag pouches in USPSA because the stages usually require more rounds.

Neither of these SPORTS are real life. Neither of them simulate combat. In IDPA, we have what I call Hillbilly Ninjas who think IDPA is all about training to kill people on the street or in their home. While Hillbilly Ninjas probably only constitute 1 in 25-50 IDPA shooters, in my opinion, they sour the whole bunch. In real life, I will not be doing tactical reloads, I will not wait until I am behind cover to do a reload, I will not go on house/building clearing exercises if I have an alternative exit option and most importantly, I will likely turn and run away from, instead of toward, the enemy, if at all possible. If you want training, go to one of the "tactical" schools in Arizona or join the Army.

Now, I won't tell you which sport to choose because you need to try them both. Shoot a few matches of each sport and go with what feels most comfortable. I've won state titles in IDPA and USPSA and enjoy them both. However, I am beginning to enjoy USPSA a little better than IDPA. To each his own.

Don't let someone else's judgment skew your choice. Go shoot and decide for yourself.

 

[bullseyekp]

No offense for the following, Andrew.

I wouldn't attach too much weight to Andrew's last statement. I've had several early IPSC shooters (who recently started shooting IDPA) rebut that theory.

 

[Jeeper]

Most of the best IDPA shooters started in USPSA and a lot also still shoot it. Some off the best IDPA shooters like Rob L. Dave S. and Matt B. shoot more USPSA that IDPA it seems. Both teach gun handling to a degree that is unmatched. I think that there is usually better competition at the USPSA matches but that could just be where I live.

 

[HankB]

USPSA courses of fire are fun, but generally speaking, make no pretense at practicality. (That is, self-defense scenarios.)

IDPA attempts to insert reality into the scenarios - sort of "what if this happened" sorts of things - and it mandates the use of cover when available. But there has to be enough shooting to make the match FUN. And as already stated, some of the IDPA rules governing things like reloads are a bit, well, silly, and are very UN-tactical.

Compete in either sport - better yet, both - and your shooting will improve.

IMHO the top 25% of shooters at a USPSA match will generally be populated with more really good shooters than the top 25% at an IDPA match.

I never shot IPSC during the "early days" but was told by no less than Ray Chapman - now in his 70's - that IDPA is closer to the original IPSC than is today's USPSA. (He didn't get into "how close is close.")

 

[Andrew Wyatt]

I wouldn't attach too much weight to Andrew's last statement. I've had several early IPSC shooters (who recently started shooting IDPA) rebut that theory.

Pretty much all of my shooting buddies, and my father are SWPL and early IPSC people, and they've all told me that IDPA is much closer to early IPSC than current IPSC.

 

[TaxPhd]

I've shot IPSC since 1984, and was following it for a couple of years prior to that.

Similarities between early IPSC and IDPA are probably driven more by the equipment limitations of the time than anything else. 1911's had 7 round mags, and an 8 round follower (that worked) was a high tech gamey piece of equipment that could easily win the match for you. When capacity increased, round count in the stages increased.

Early philosophy of IPSC was to use competition as a testing ground for equipment innovation. All competition was straight up, and you would run what you brung. No Open or Limited classes. Comp guns, the change to 38 super, etc. were all done in an attempt to gain competitive advantage. And in many, if not most, situations, competetive advantage in the games translated to competetive advantage on the street.

Even back then, there were gamesmen and martial artists. The gamesmen usually won.

 

[another okie]

The memberships are cheap. Join both, depending on what clubs are in your area.

You can buy either a Glock 17 or a basic 1911 and compete very happily and successfully in both IDPA and IPSC for under $600 for gun, holster, and spare magazines.

 

[mattburkett.com]

Another Okie, great post!

Remember that the point isn't whether one sport or the other is better. They are shooting and that is what is important. As long as your on the range burning powder and your a safe shooter, I don't care what sports you compete in. Try them out, have some fun, meet some great people that is what it is all about!

 

[bullseyekp]

Andrew, et al,

I have been told that the only way IDPA is similar to early IPSC is the equipment similarity. I would agree with that point. I was trying to point out that several guys have told me that the general IDPA tactical/practical mumbo jumbo rules are nothing like early IPSC.

TaxPhd's statement about the shooting sports serving as a testbed was right on. Once the equipment development began to accelerate, I guess the "martial artists" became frustrated and started their own game with more restrictive equipment rules; and not to mention a LGB full of incomprehensible tactical/practical rules.

And what do you know, the "gamesmen" have discovered IDPA and taken over its top ranks. It's all a game once you use a timer.

Once again, like Matt and several others (including myself) have said, try them all and see which one you prefer. Who knows, maybe someone reading this will become the next Sevigny (IDPA and IPSC champion).