Research in International Defensive Pistol Association (IDPA) and International Practical

Shooting Confederation (IPSC)

IDPA

The International Defensive Pistol Association (IDPA) was established in 1996 with the
goal of creating a shooting sport focused on defensive pistol techniques. The sport arose in
response to some of the existing shooter contests, which began to shift away from the use of regular
pistols. As they used handcrafted ammunition, highly modified firearms, and speed-draw holsters
that were all unlikely to be used for self-defense, many of these events began to lose touch with
reality. The organization now has over 25,000 members, including individuals from 70 different
countries.

IDPA provides a platform for practical shooters to use real-world equipment, techniques,
and courses of fire. There was no place to compete with regular service pistols before IDPA. There
were no shooting sports in which your concealed carry holster could double serve as your match
holster without causing you any problems.

The IDPA is proud to be a realistic competitive shooting sport that emphasizes defensive
tactics and carry gear.

ISPC

The ISPC, like the IDPA, is primarily concerned with practical shooting. The ISPC, or
International Practical Shooting Confederation, is the world's largest shooting sport organization
and one of the oldest practical shooting organizations. Pistols, shotguns, revolvers, rifles, and
shotguns are used in ISPC tournaments. As previously stated, the IPSC Open Division is
commonly referred to as the "Formula One" of shooting sports.

Typically, contests are separated into categories based on the kind of firearm and
equipment utilized. The ISPC's mission is to promote, preserve, and even improve practical
shooting as a sport. The ISPC runs worldwide tournaments with regions all over the world and has
over 200,000 active members.

The Difference Between IDPA and ISPC Shooting

While the two have many similarities and neither option is better than the other, when it
comes to IDPA shootings, stages are generally short with close targets. Most stages are shot from
concealment and only allow standard carry guns to maintain a “real-life” encounter.

The ISPC, on the other hand, is more focused on the competition. Therefore, there is no
requirement to pull from concealment or use practical equipment designed for concealed carry.
Shooters also have the option to choose Minor or Major caliber ammo.
 What's important to keep in mind is that neither choice is superior than the other. Both
competitive methods have advantages and disadvantages, and none will completely mirror real life
in the end. So, whether you're shooting for training or competition, both IDPA and ISPC have their
advantages.