What is IDPA and how does it differ from USPSA Practical Shooting?
Find the authoritative answers to your questions about IDPA on their official website. The International Defensive Pistol Association was created by several founders of USPSA who felt that USPSA Practical Shooting had strayed too far from its original concept of practice or training for defensive handgun use to more of a pure sport or “game” requiring overly specialized equipment and technique. IDPA has classes for different types of handguns, but electronic sights, compensators, and a number of other “racegun” features are specifically banned. Approved carry-type holsters are listed in the IDPA rulebook, “speed-rigs” are not allowed. Match stages (courses of fire) are typically shorter and less complex than you’ll find at a USPSA match and the scenarios are intended to more closely represent “real world” situations. Development of technique is emphasised over competition.
