IPDA vs IPSC

They are similar sports, but with slightly different rules.

Like comparing beach volleyball vs regular volleyball. They are both still volleyball, but the rules and scoring are a little bit different.

If you are awesome at regular volleyball, you probably won't suck at beach volleyball.

The biggest difference you will notice between IDPA and IPSC is in the length of the shooting sequences.

IDPA stages are maximum 18 shots, while IPSC stages can be much longer.

There's a bunch of other smaller rules that are different, but that's the main difference that you will notice.

As for which one you should join; The answer to that is simply which sport is more active in your area. Some areas have a huge IPSC league, and very little IDPA going on. Other areas have tons of IDPA events, but very little IPSC.

Visit your local ranges and see what clubs are shooting where. That will bring you to your answer.
 
For what its woth, I have found that IDPA is a more wallet friendly than IPSC. I have shot both and like anything else both have pros and cons and it really boils down to personal preference.

I don't personally feel one is "better" than the other. Both are fun and challenging and encourage/develop safe and accurate shooting skills.

I would recommend finding a local club and trying both out. Most of the shooters I have encountereds are more than willing to lend equipment to a new shooter to try it out.
 
They are both excellent places to foster safety and friendship and fun, I shoot both discilpines and they are both great... "It is just another flavor of ice cream"

Either one you pick you will meet a lot of great people and have a great time. Please remember that there are a lot of good people who support each one, from organizers, sponsers, business owners... in the end its all about supporting each other.
 
I'll be the one to say it here-IPSC is the best and all others are weak:)

In all honesty I like IPSC but also shoot 3Gun/PPC occasionaly. I've never shot IDPA but after looking at the rules I find it quite different from IPSC and not based on speed (which I prefer) anywhere near as much. I'd say go out and watch some matches of various shooting sports and you'll find the ones you enjoy the most. I found IPSC and 3gun.
 
As for which one you should join; The answer to that is simply which sport is more active in your area. Some areas have a huge IPSC league, and very little IDPA going on. Other areas have tons of IDPA events, but very little IPSC.

Visit your local ranges and see what clubs are shooting where. That will bring you to your answer.

:agree:

This is great advice, either one is a lot of fun and you will get more out of it if you shoot whatever discipline offers more opportunities local to you.


I've never shot IDPA but after looking at the rules I find it quite different from IPSC and not based on speed (which I prefer) anywhere near as much.

Yeah, and I've never shot IPSC, but it clearly sucks with its spray and pray mentality. IDPA's emphasis on accuracy over unlimited blasting is obviously better. :rolleyes:

They are different (and offer different challenges) and that is all anyone can say. OP needs to try them both to see what he likes.


Anytime a gun is used in competition, it is way more fun than paper punching.

You can't go wrong with either.

+1. It is all an excuse to shoot more and have fun, how can any of that be bad?


Mark
 
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This discussion is similar to Squash vs Racketball... Squash players usually don't have much good to say about Racketball (or those who play it!).

In any case, I think you will not find any local (to Edmonton) IDPA matches. Ponoka is the closest range to you that holds the occasional match. Most of the IDPA activity is around Calgary. And those matches are 1-day affairs.

For that reason alone, I suggest you check out IPSC at Spruce Grove: local matches, lots of active shooters, advice and support, etc. Get your Black Badge - it is a good intro to action shooting, regardless of the flavor.
 
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