what are the differences between IPSC and IDPA?

Both are great shooting sports, ISPC is more of the competative open carry style shooting, were IDPA is more concealed carry for the most part with an emphasis on real world senarios. Both are fun!
 
Production division is most similiar to IDPA (not sure which class), in the USA, where "race" holsters are not permitted. (ie: use Bladetech, Kydex, fobus etc..)
Under a $1000 for a new pistol, holster and mags, and mag pouches and you are good to go in production division, and even Standard division.
 
my one and only problem with IDPA, and it's been the same one since day one, is that you have the ability of too much influence on the outcome of a stage/COF based on the RO. True IPSC RO's can influence stuff through DQ's etc. but in IDPA, there are a lot more "judgmental" calls on stuff, like uses of cover, that wonderful "Failure to do right" rule and so on. I know a number of the top shooters in the USA who shoot and win at both disciplines and that's their complaint too.
 
my one and only problem with IDPA, and it's been the same one since day one, is that you have the ability of too much influence on the outcome of a stage/COF based on the RO. True IPSC RO's can influence stuff through DQ's etc. but in IDPA, there are a lot more "judgmental" calls on stuff, like uses of cover, that wonderful "Failure to do right" rule and so on. I know a number of the top shooters in the USA who shoot and win at both disciplines and that's their complaint too.

We should start a new game that is just totally judgement based like say, ice dancing. We could call it Gun Dancing or some such and just have it all based on style. Moves like the "John Woo Dive and Shoot" or the "Sam Peckinpah Slow-Mo with Grimmace" would fetch extra difficulty points, and costumes would of course be of paramount importance.

Rob, I can totally see you festooned in a bubblegum colored spandex jump suit, prancing around the stage looking good with that death-rictus smile they all use (an interesting mental image there). Man, there'd be some huge points in that. For those whose wives shoot we could have mixed doubles.

I of course would wear a tux.
 
my one and only problem with IDPA, and it's been the same one since day one, is that you have the ability of too much influence on the outcome of a stage/COF based on the RO.

Maybe a poor or inexperienced RO will cause you grief, but as in any other game the benefit of doubt should go to the shooters so... Unless the RO is blind or has no idea what their doing there shouldn't be a problem scoring stages or assesing penalties...
As for the FTDR penalty.... It's should be very obvious to anyone when a shooter deserves it. I don't think I've ever given one.
In my book a FTDR is as close as you can get to a DQ without having to pack up and go home:D
 
my one and only problem with IDPA, and it's been the same one since day one, is that you have the ability of too much influence on the outcome of a stage/COF based on the RO.

First of all, the proper terminology for IDPA is SO vice RO, but yes, IDPA rules can be 'subjective'. However, it's been my experience (I've been a member for 10 years and I've shot several 'major' matches in the USA this past year alone and I'm a certified IDPA SO instructor) that the subjectivity is used sparingly. Furthermore, unlike IPSC, in IDPA, the SO is allowed to give a warning before giving a procedural. For example, if a competitor is not using cover properly, the SO can shout 'cover'. If the competitor doesn't heed the warning, then, and only then, is a procedural awarded.

As for the 'Failure to do Right' rule, I have yet to see it used. IDPA is very much less 'freestyle' than IPSC. Stage procedures are a lot more specific about how the stage is to be shot. For a FTDR penalty to be awarded, the offending action would have to be pretty blatant.
 
Last edited:
one of the big differences is that IDPA tells you how to shot the stage and have a "do no wrong penalty" to enforce this. IPSC encourages shooters to solve the puzzle, however i will be the first to say that most stages are designed in such away that you can only shot them one way.
 
However, it's been my experience (I've been a member for 10 years and I've shot several 'major' matches in the USA this past year alone and I'm a certified IDPA SO instructor)

'Reminds me of...
kirk.jpg
 
Back
Top Bottom