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USPSA vs IDPA

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pt3d:
So, I've been wondering... what is the real difference between these two?  I've looked them both up, but they seem like they're the same to me.

I do not have a handgun yet but was looking into getting one for both recreational shooting and  future-CCW.  Which of these would be good for a complete noob and would the XDM 3,8 compact do ok for the recreational shooting?

Also, by participating in one of these, how much ammo should I expect to use at an event?

Thanks in advance.

SemperFiGuy:
USPSA allows a wider range of handguns in competition.   Which means that shooters can use so-called "tricked out" race guns, which end up being very expensive to build and shoot.   And the competition is always ramping up, along with the cost.

IDPA sticks w/basic factory models, which are less expensive to buy and shoot.  Sort of a Poor Man's USPSA.   You can shoot your 9mm XD in the Stock Service Pistol class and (maybe) local Backup gun (BUG) competition.   Start with the Qualifiers.   Check out the videos on YouTube for some good examples of qualifier shooting.

The courses of fire in both USPSA and IDPA will help shooters to become more proficient at gun handling and self-defense.

Go Shoot 'Em Both.   (Many Folks Do.)   Great Shooters and Great People in Both Camps.   And you'll be a better handgunner for all that.

Number of rounds varies with each course of fire setup.    Mostly, it will be less than 50 rounds.   But--arrive early and leave late.   Shoot before and after at fixed targets in preparation for the main course of fire.

sfg

OnTheFly:
I only have experience with USPSA, so I can give some limited information. 

In USPSA it is true that there are divisions where you can shoot high dollar "race guns", and there are quite a few who do.  However, there is a "Production" division, among others, which is significantly limited on what pistols you can shoot AND what modifications you can make to it.  This means that the average shooter without a big budget can still be competitive.

Regarding the number of rounds....In USPSA, there are typically around 30 rounds per stage (if you shot it PERFECTLY and didn't need any extra) and normally 5-7 stages.  So that comes out to 150-210 rounds per match.  I always bring a bunch extra to make sure I don't run short.

For more information, check out the rules at the www.USPSA.org website.

Fly

pt3d:

--- Quote from: SemperFiGuy on December 20, 2012, 09:30:00 PM ---
The courses of fire in both USPSA and IDPA will help shooters to become more proficient at gun handling and self-defense.

Go Shoot 'Em Both.   (Many Folks Do.)   Great Shooters and Great People in Both Camps.   And you'll be a better handgunner for all that.
--- End quote ---


Thanks SemperFiGuy.  I was considering doing both to get experience in the gun handling department and for self-defense.

Fly, with that many rounds each time going out, do people usually reload their own ammo?
With ammo prices for .40 sw (caliber planning to get for self defense) around $18/50, it's going to cost around $100 per match.

I've been trying to get to one of the matches but my schedule hasn't really worked out yet.  Maybe with the opening of BigShots in Lincoln and them having these competitions, it might be easier.

NENick:
It seems like half and half with reloading. The guys with the race guns reload along with a few who shoot production. I shoot a beretta 92 and reload for it.

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