Uspsa or idpa ?

[Joespapa]

Am a former cowboy action shooter and am considering trying one of the other action shooting sports. For someone who has tried neither,which is more fun? I'm interested in hearing from folks that have tried both.....looking for opinions.

[S391]

Why one or the other? Why don't you try them both and see what you like? I primarily shoot IDPA but I enjoy shooting USPSA as well.

IDPA is designed to try and mimic real world scenarios. USPSA is about running and gunning. I love them both and can't get enough of either one.

Find some local matches and give it a try.

[richpetrone]

I am a 60 year old shooter and still shoot both, but I shoot IDPA more often.

If you like less rules, high round count with 32 round field stages, and enjoy running and gunning (good cardio work out!) then you might really like USPSA.

If you prefer a more defensive type of shooting, where you have to use a cover garment and draw from concealment, where the scoring system favors accuracy over speed, where the round count per stage is never over 18 minimum shots (you can shoot more rounds if needed!) where there is less distance and running on target arrays in a course of fire stage design, and you have to use proper cover when shooting to limit your exposure to the threat targets......then you might like IDPA.

I shoot and like both, so more trigger time in any shooting sport is fun!

[simonsay]

Originally Posted by Joespapa

Am a former cowboy action shooter and am considering trying one of the other action shooting sports. For someone who has tried neither,which is more fun? I'm interested in hearing from folks that have tried both.....looking for opinions.

I prefer uspsa because it allows shooters to shoot the stage however they wish, defensively, using cover, moving or not, fast, slow etc., and reloading wherever you want. Subjective penalties are almost nonexistent and you get to shoot more.

Shoot both and see which one you prefer. Remember, it's supposed to be fun.

[Horoscope Fish]

Originally Posted by Joespapa

Uspsa or idpa ?

Easy...

Steel Challenge.

[2MoreChains]

Guess its been a few weeks since we've discussed the differences between USPSA and IDPA.

Here's my take: Shoot them both, and decide for yourself which one you prefer or keep shooting them both if both are equally available. In my area, there are more USPSA matches than IDPA, so I shoot more USPSA. But also vary the venue with Steel Challenge and 3-Gun. If some of the IDPA matches conflicted less with 3-Gun and USPSA, I'd shoot them all equally.

As noted, USPSA is more free-style where it is up to the competitor to solve the problem, whereas IDPA is more prescriptive on how they want you to shoot the stage.

As to the claim that USPSA has less rules, I'm of the opinion that USPSA actually has more rules because of the free-style nature that govern stage design, what the competitor can and cannot do, penalties, scoring, equipment, match structure, etc. IDPA has less rules overall, but is very specific on how a stage is supposed to be shot.

[B.Reid]

I prefer USPSA, higher round count and you can shoot it the way you want.

[mbopp]

I've tried both but gravitate towards USPSA. It's a higher round count and you learn to analyze how you're going to run each stage, especially with a 1911 in Single Stack using 8-round mags. You don't have the luxury of "spray and pray," and you have to plan your reloads.
Yes, USPSA is more for gamers. IDPA is great if you want some practice with your CC gun.
And I like Steel Challenge also. There's a match next weekend but I don't know if I'll use the 1911 or 22 yet.

[BillD]

I'm driving 2.5 hrs to and from a match regardless.

I'm going to drive to the one that lets me shoot more, which is USPSA.

I typically shoot 3 times as many rounds at a USPSA vs an IDPA match.

[waktasz]

I shoot both. IDPA is easier. USPSA is more fun.

[BillD]

One thing I have noticed around here anyway, is that there are more, better shooters in USPSA vs IDPA.
Seriously, a buddy of mine went to the IDPA state match a few years back and got 27 procedurals for cover, reloads, etc ([pretty much shooting it like a USPSA match) and still won the match in Master class.

[bflying]

I've always wondered about IDPA also. Never tried it because not close by. But a friend took me to a USPSA match years ago, and I was hooked. Although maybe higher round count, none were extreme (except for a 4th of July extraveganza stage). That 4th, we were putting extra mags in pockets, belts, and just about everywhere they would stick for one monster blowout bonus stage. So much fun.

[iGun]

I shoot both, but neither is perfect in my eyes.

I like that USPSA rewards athletic performance, but also like the "practical" aspect of IDPA. My ideal competition would be some combination of the two: USPSA without the silly race guns and arbitrary classifiers or IDPA with more running and without so many picky rules (e.g. reloads).

But those are small complaints. I shoot 2 USPSA matches and one IDPA a month, and both are a ton of fun

[Tenringx2]

Originally Posted by BillD

One thing I have noticed around here anyway, is that there are more, better shooters in USPSA vs IDPA.

Around here also.

[RickB]

I prefer uspsa because it allows shooters to shoot the stage however they wish, defensively

In a defensive situation, the scenario is forced on you; you don't get to choose. USPSA is offense.
I've played both IDPA and USPSA for over ten years, and enjoy both. Just like I enjoy both basketball and volleyball; much in common, but still different.

[SealeTM]

Sure seems to be many more IDPA shooters converting to USPSA than the other way around. When I speak with them the reason is always the same.."Its more fun." YMMV

[SG29736]

I've shot more IDPA but am starting to like USPSA more and more. There is just more subjectivity to some of the calls in IDPA, especially cover calls. A lot of new shooters are attracted to IDPA because it is more based on using your gun for self defense. I like the higher round count in USPSA also. A lot of it could depend on what clubs happen to be around a shooter in a specific area. I shoot ICORE and really like it too. I'd have to say to give them all a try and see what you like best, plus you are at the mercy of what happens to be availble to you depending on where you are located. Mark

[Roy W.]

I shoot uspsa for the higher round count (usually about 150 rounds per match) and find it's just more plain fun. You're apt to find some of your better shooters in uspsa also. At 69 years of age I keep forgetting the IDPA rules about not dropping loaded mags and also having to pick up empty mags in case you have to load them. Give me uspsa and I'll carry as many full mags as I know I need to finish the stage, and leave a trail of dropped mags that still have rounds in them, because I know I need a full mag in the next target array, or if I have a steel array, I know I may need extra rounds.

To each their own.........

[Snoopy47]

generally, it's location and schedule of matches that decide what I compete at

[gunfixer]

I enjoy both allot.. That being said though..
Of the 2, I much prefer USPSA...

[iGun]

I'm off to shoot IDPA today. Beautiful weather, good company, friendly competition. Should be a great day at the range.

[Mick0610]

USPSA for a workout!!!
Yesterday we had 41 shooters at JCSSA. 24 on my squad.
I spent 4 hours ROing my squad but my total time shooting was 55 seconds and change.....! How's that for a workout in the Texas sun?
I wouldnt have missed it.....

[waktasz]

That's the worst thing I've ever heard.

[jualdeaux]

I'm with the majority. Shoot both and figured which you want to shoot. Even if it is both.

[Bigelow]

I started in IDPA and it was a great introduction to action shooting.

Now I shoot only USPSA. I enjoy the athletic component and the high level of competition. Maybe most of all I enjoy the open approach to stages (over the prescribed path of IDPA) - nearly every stage is a puzzle, and if you figure it right it can be a huge competitive edge. Especially in limited capacity divisions like SS and PRO.

If there were more days in the weekend I'd still happily shoot both.