USPSA or IDPA?

[Glock513]

Hello all. I'm interested in USPSA and/or IDPA. This will be my 1st time competing. I mainly want it for improving my speed and accuracy, reloading, etc. My range is a USPSA range, so that will be my 1st place to compete. I did manage to find an IDPA in my area too, and it's only maybe 10 miles further away than my range. What are differences between USPSA and IDPA? Which is better for real world defensive handgun training? I'm not looking to join the SWAT team, just looking to improve my gun skills should I never need to defend me and my family's lives. Thanks in advance.

My gun is a stock Glock 19 (sold all of my full-size guns, unfortunately. Never thought I would them, until today )

[Brian D.]

Briefly, USPSA matches have a higher round count and focus less on tactics such as using cover than IDPA. The latter has also turned into more of a game than it used to be; IPSC/USPSA became an equipment race many, many years ago. However, both have categories and classifications so for scoring purposes you won't be competing against the entire crowd, just those of presumably similar experience and gear. Go shoot both and see which one suits you better; it's still quality trigger time either way.

For truly improving tactics and such, schools such as TDI is where it's at.

[dl1911]

Which is better for real world defensive handgun training? I'm not looking to join the SWAT team, just looking to improve my gun skills should I never need to defend me and my family's lives. Thanks in advance.

My gun is a stock Glock 19 (sold all of my full-size guns, unfortunately. Never thought I would them, until today )

Neither USPSA or IDPA is training. Both are places to practice your handling skills, but neither should ever be confused with actual training.

I don't shoot USPSA (although almost shot a classifier the other week in Wauseon) but I believe you would shoot the Glock G19 in the production division. In IDPA it would be Stock Service Pistol. USPSA has higher round counts (max 32 per string) and no use of cover or need for a cover garment. You'll probably want to have at least 4 magazines on your waist and one in the gun. In IDPA you will draw from cover (light cover, not heavy concealment and you'll hear people talk about vests but a jacket or button up shirt that covers everything is fine), you are normally required to shoot using cover and "slice the pie." Maximum number of rounds per string of fire is 18 and you'll need 3 magazines minimum although you could probably get by with just 2. You can only have a maximum of 2 magazines on your waist and one in the gun at the start of a string of fire.

Both can be a lot of fun. I'd say try both and see which one you like more.

[DTO]

Both games are a lot of fun. These are my thoughts on the two and are in no way meant to be derogatory to either game.

USPSA is generally more complicated, has more movement, and is more technically challenging than IDPA. The competitors at USPSA matches are generally better shooters and are more serious about competition.

IDPA is generally more welcoming to new competition shooters. You can use your carry gear in IDPA and the same clothes you would normally wear. That does not make it training, but you can practice drawing from concealment from your carry gear. That is very important practice in my opinion.

Competing for the first time can introduce some stress that most people aren't used to. Most people only shoot on a static range where no one is really watching what they are doing. At a competition you will probably have at least a dozen squad mates watching, or at least it will feel like it. Plus there is the time pressure of being on the clock. For these reasons I would suggest keeping your first competition simple. Start out with something like Steel Challenge. If you must start with USPSA or IDPA, then go with IDPA. Once you have a match or two under your belt, then give USPSA a go.

Be careful. IDPA, USPSA, Steel Challenge, NRA Action Pistol, and Multigun can be very addictive.

[Dave Shooter]

Glock 513,
key thing to focus on at first match is safe handling: muzzle control and keeping your finger out of trigger guard except when actually shooting. Beyond that, shoot for your reasons. Some folks just come out for the comraderie, some are uber competitive, some for trigger time. I've seen police officers shoot both sports using their duty gear and tactics.

I've shot 100s of matches, it IS addictive.

[Stryker74]

I shot my first IDPA style match at Fun n Gun this year - it was awesome.

As a newbie myself, one thing I would suggest is that you practice your draw stroke and presentation (with an unloaded gun of course) - without a cover garment. Start doing reps of that - because no matter how good of a shot you are, we rarely get to practice drawing - and that will probably be your first hurdle.

Then, repeat with a cover garment. Watch some YouTube videos on techniques to draw from cover - then practice those.

I am geeky - I periodically practice my draw stroke and presentation. I drew and presented to target probably 50-60 times in the hotel over the weekend of Fun n Gun - and it paid off. It was not such an awkward feeling on the day of the shoot, and I even got a compliment on my form from another shooter.

[MyWifeSaidYes]

For the average handgun owner, who has never drawn from their holster and fired their gun, any of these events would be a good experience.

[dl1911]

For the average handgun owner, who has never drawn from their holster and fired their gun, any of these events would be a good experience.

Pretty close to what I tell a lot of people when trying to get them to come out to a match. Unless you're lucky enough to have your own range in your backyard, it's one of the few chances you'll have where you'll draw (from cover if IDPA) and engage multiple targets. Add in sometimes having moving targets, shooting while moving, etc. and it's great practice that's also fun.

Unfortunately a lot of people "don't think they're good enough" or get scared because of the words match or competition. Don't think they believe me when I tell them that all anyone cares about is safe handling. If you can keep the muzzle pointed in a safe direction and your finger off the trigger except when shooting, they're happy to have you there. Last year I took someone out to an IDPA match and she decided to try it. She was shooting a 9mm Glock so had 31rds on her at the start of the stage. First one had 4 steel plates, a popper and one target. 31rds later one of the plates wass till standing. She didn't let it get her down because she hadn't shot in a while. 31rds on the next stage as well. She did a little better on the last two stages at the match. All of the SOs helped her, gave her advice/instructions, etc. Ended up having to borrow 14rds so she'd be fully loaded on the last stage. On the drive back we talked and she had fun. Unfortunately come the next month's match she was busy packing to move out of state. I went out to thank the person who loaned us the ammo and give them a box of 50 as well. Everyone was asking where my friend was and hoped she hadn't gotten discouraged. The only person who cares how well you do is you!