IDPA, IPSC AND PPC???

[Sniper338]

Im trying to find info on the handgun competitions... I want to get into them on the side.

I try searching for ppc but it comes back as idpa... cant figure out whats what...

Need some help!

 

[perry42]

In IDPA you use a "carry gun", in IPSC usually a "race gun", revolvers or pistols. PPC relates to Practical Pistol Competition sometimes called action pistol.

perry42

 

[Jdne5b]

Official PPC is (used to be) for LEO only. Police Pistol Combat. Some clubs allowed non leo to participate, but nationals was an LEO only event.

http://ppc.nra.org/ppc.aspx

Action Pistol, or NRA Action Pistol is also known as Bianchi. Its typically shot stationary, without much action. Kind of confusing.

http://competitions.nra.org/action-pistol/nra-action-pistol-competition.aspx

Some people refer to uspsa/idpa type shooting as action pistol, because you're running around with guns and have lots of action.

The best forum for pistols (like this site is for rifle) is Brian Enos forums.

Www.brianenos.com/forums

It is mainly USPSA, but IDPA, NRA action pistol and PPC have some subsections also.

 

[Sniper338]

Well im thinking about starting up PPC... but it seems like idpa is the same thing just a different name from the reading ive done..

 

[MarkS]

Im trying to find info on the handgun competitions... I want to get into them on the side.

I try searching for ppc but it comes back as idpa... cant figure out whats what...

Need some help!

IDPA is Carry guns with concealment, with classes for the type gun you are using. IPSC / USPSA run from Production class ( 10 round limit in mags) to full race gun with high cap mags. both are action type shooting that are shot for time and points, with movement, reloading when needed, with every stage being different. As close to real life as a match can be. LIke you are sitting in your house, and someone breaks.

PPC is a set course for fire, with timed stages. the only movement is going prone from standing. It is mostly the same anywhere it is shot. NRA action is like PPC, but faster time limits.

I have shot all of them, I like USPSA the best, but I can't shoot it much anymore due to bad knees, and hand problems.

Mark Schronce

 

[Jdne5b]

PPC is not even close to IDPA.

PPC is closer to bullseye than IDPA.

 

[DE-F-Open]

In IDPA you use a "carry gun", in IPSC usually a "race gun", revolvers or pistols. PPC relates to Practical Pistol Competition sometimes called action pistol.

perry42

Actually, NRA PPC is now open to civilian competition and has been open to civilians for several years. Unfortunately civilian competitions (matches/tournaments) must be registered/sanctioned through the Competitions Division ( Pistol) rather than the Law Enforcement Activities Division. Clubs wishing to host a PPC match for both Law Enforcement and civilians will have to register the match twice - once for LE with the Law Enforcement Activities Division for the cops, and once with the Competitions Division (Pistol) for the civilians - two separate registration requirements.

There are a lot of changes taking place within the General Operations Division. I believe that this issue of double registration is being addressed.

The Rules for NRA PPC competition can be found on line by going to the Competitions Division web site and are available for download at no cost. If you have questions you may want to call Glen Hoyer at the LE Division - 703-267-1631 or Dennis Willing of the Competitions Division at 703-267-1460.

Hope this helps,

John

 

[shoot4fun]

Having competed in all three of these venues at one time to another I can most assuredly say PPC is NOTHING like either of the other two. The PPC game has pretty much always been reserved for members of the LE community and, since being taken over by NRA, has become even more so.
IDPA, sometimes referred to by USPSA shooters as "I Don't Practice Anymore" was started to bring scenarios to the range that were shot with "regular" firearms, had fewer rules (a joke) and also usually less movement but more use of cover than USPSA. Also, stages were designed to fire far fewer shots per stage than USPSA. In the days I was trying it there was never more than ten rounds in a stage.
USPSA, which I still shoot on occasion, was for many years my "passion". It is true running and gunning where competitors are charged with shooting fast and accurate, often times while moving from one target view to another. Stages usually can require any where between six and thirty-two rounds to complete. While generally the true "race-gun" is much more expensive USPSA matches have been won with everything from $6,000 racers with electronic sight to stock Glocks with factory ammo. USPSA also offers 3-Gun (now called Multi-Gun) where you will have the need and talents for shotgun and AR style rifle as well as the pistol.
NONE of these three styles of match is designed to train your mind and body to fight (as early IDPA was marketed) due to the fact there is a timer and score sheet and no one is shooting back. They are all, in there own way, entertaining and a place to forge friendships that will last forever.

 

[Jdne5b]

Actually, NRA PPC is now open to civilian competition and has been open to civilians for several years. Unfortunately civilian competitions (matches/tournaments) must be registered/sanctioned through the Competitions Division ( Pistol) rather than the Law Enforcement Activities Division. Clubs wishing to host a PPC match for both Law Enforcement and civilians will have to register the match twice - once for LE with the Law Enforcement Activities Division for the cops, and once with the Competitions Division (Pistol) for the civilians - two separate registration requirements.

There are a lot of changes taking place within the General Operations Division. I believe that this issue of double registration is being addressed.

The Rules for NRA PPC competition can be found on line by going to the Competitions Division web site and are available for download at no cost. If you have questions you may want to call Glen Hoyer at the LE Division - 703-267-1631 or Dennis Willing of the Competitions Division at 703-267-1460.

Hope this helps,

John

I get what you're saying. We hold both matches at my home club and were one of the first clubs to do so, but when are they going to open up Nationals to civilians? If the Nationals is LE only, I don't know how it can truly be considered a sport open to civilians.

"The Championships are open to public and private law enforcement members and select law enforcement members of the U.S. military."

 

[DE-F-Open]

I get what you're saying. We hold both matches at my home club and were one of the first clubs to do so, but when are they going to open up Nationals to civilians? If the Nationals is LE only, I don't know how it can truly be considered a sport open to civilians.

"The Championships are open to public and private law enforcement members and select law enforcement members of the U.S. military."

Good question - and I have no idea. I suggest that as a match director you may want to ask that question directly to NRA - both the LE Division and the Competitions Divisions - sometimes a squeaky wheel from outside the building really does get some action...sometimes......

I suspect that as long as the police and civilians are run out of different Divisions there will be no "nationals" for civilians for PPC. From what I understand there are simply not enough civilians holding PPC classifications (less than 100) to justify a civilian national competition. Hopefully others will read this series of posts and add civilians to their PPC programs so as to add to that number so that there will be an actual need for a civilian national championship.

I know that doesn't really answer your question, but it's all I know... which is admittedly not that much,

John

 

[tommyusetoworkonthedocks]

Practiscore.com

 

[SteveOak]

Bullseye-L Forum

A forum dedicated to the sport of Bullseye shooting

www.bullseyeforum.net

 

[Fuj]

I started PPC back in the early 70's after I left the service, You shot
on the large black humanoid target. There was some open shooting
but in formal competition you were to be involved with, or working
directly for law enforcement. I was able to obtain a special deputy's
commission thru Erie County Search and Rescue. From there, the same
group of guys got together and we started an IPSC club. Did that for
12 years then things started to split. USPSA was formed and was a bit
more formal with race guns everywhere. In my personal opinion, IDPA
was formed out of all this to get back to nature. During all this, I packed
up. retired, and raced ATV's for the next ten years. I miss the original roots
of IPSC but, if doing it again and currently, I would go IDPA, as a more
realistic structure......Somewhere along the line, I got old, and this bench
rest rifle thing happened......Oh well ??

 

[Jeff Porter]

I shot a lot of PPC as a civilian in the early 1990’s. 48 and 60 round courses of fire. B27 man target with 12 shots from the holster with a reload ( 6+6 to make it equal for wheel guns ) in 20 seconds at 7 yards 15 yards , 25 yards was 18 shots- kneeling right barricade , left barricade in 90 seconds, finish with 6 shots from the holster in 12 seconds for the 48 rounds course. Add a 12 shot prone at 50 yards for rhe 60 shot match.

 

[Fuj]

I shot a lot of PPC as a civilian in the early 1990’s. 48 and 60 round courses of fire. B27 man target with 12 shots from the holster with a reload ( 6+6 to make it equal for wheel guns ) in 20 seconds at 7 yards 15 yards , 25 yards was 18 shots- kneeling right barricade , left barricade in 90 seconds, finish with 6 shots from the holster in 12 seconds for the 48 rounds course. Add a 12 shot prone at 50 yards for rhe 60 shot match.

Back in my day, it was all wheel gun. I considered the times allowed were
meant to keep anyone from getting a DNF. Most I shot with would put 5
in the X, stop and have a cigarette then fire that 6th shot. It was the standard
joke. When we set up IPSC. using the A thru D classes, some shot a few
match's then quit. I guess there was a stigma of top cops from PPC not
handling a non preset time per stage. And quite a few were discouraged
about the minor/major power factoring.......Everything evolves.

 

[DirtySteve]

Steel Challenge is a lot of fun. So is USPSA or IPSC. River City Shooters host events.

 

[troupe]

Having competed in all three of these venues at one time to another I can most assuredly say PPC is NOTHING like either of the other two. The PPC game has pretty much always been reserved for members of the LE community and, since being taken over by NRA, has become even more so.
IDPA, sometimes referred to by USPSA shooters as "I Don't Practice Anymore" was started to bring scenarios to the range that were shot with "regular" firearms, had fewer rules (a joke) and also usually less movement but more use of cover than USPSA. Also, stages were designed to fire far fewer shots per stage than USPSA. In the days I was trying it there was never more than ten rounds in a stage.
USPSA, which I still shoot on occasion, was for many years my "passion". It is true running and gunning where competitors are charged with shooting fast and accurate, often times while moving from one target view to another. Stages usually can require any where between six and thirty-two rounds to complete. While generally the true "race-gun" is much more expensive USPSA matches have been won with everything from $6,000 racers with electronic sight to stock Glocks with factory ammo. USPSA also offers 3-Gun (now called Multi-Gun) where you will have the need and talents for shotgun and AR style rifle as well as the pistol.
NONE of these three styles of match is designed to train your mind and body to fight (as early IDPA was marketed) due to the fact there is a timer and score sheet and no one is shooting back. They are all, in there own way, entertaining and a place to forge friendships that will last forever.

Great explanation ! I called IDPA - I Don't Place Anymore . I shot all three as well. Started in PPC with a Model 29 Smith and found out very quickly I was shooting the wrong revolver for that game, finished with the PPC game with a Colt Python shooting the wadcutters.

USPSA was a addiction and I had a ball and it opened the door for me in many ways, back in the day.

Tried the IDPA game and when the RO can say if you are shooting "Tactical" or not did not work for me. I tried to explain that it is a shooting sport, but was talking to deaf ears.

I would say anytime you are shooting under a clock, it is going to be be better. The time restraints will make you a better shooter, just remember it is still a game or sport. Do not get the games mixed up with true tactical situations, not the same in anyway. Cardboard and paper targets don't shoot back !

Pick one and enjoy or shoot all three. Will make you a better pistolero and be safe. "Don't do what you see, but do what you are capable of. There are many good shooters in all 3 sports, enjoy and you will be one of those good shooters in a short time.

 

[shoot4fun]

@troupe I know for a fact that you and Paul and I all put lots of rounds downrange during our USPSA foray.
At one point I RO'd and shot 4 major matches in 4 weeks and then drove to LA to shoot the 3-Gen Nationals the 5th week. I definitely miss some of my fellow shooters from the sport but I really don't miss shooting those matches. It seemed at the end the crowd changed and none of us "old guys" were still around.

 

[troupe]

I do agree the crowds has changed and the new shooters has a different mind set. I don't even shoot our local club USPSA matches anymore. I can't stand the arrogance that I see now days. I hope and don't think we were ever that way. Even the top shooters, like Todd, Robbie, Jerry and Dougie were approachable. Have hung out with them at matches many times.

I do miss the old days, but I don't miss the matches, traveling, motels, etc. I do miss the shooters. Paul and I travelled many miles together and had a ball doing it. Ask Paul about Panama sometime. My big Three Gun was Kyle Lamb's great International Tactical Match back in the day. Being squadded with the late Mike Voigt, Benny Cooley, Jimmy Clark Jr, Frank Garcia, and John Paul of JP. Man those guys could shoot, but we all had a great time, joking and pranking each other.

Sorry, got rambling. The OP can shoot any and all the matches and have a great time. One pistol, with at least 4 mags, holster, belt and mag pouches, eyes and ears and shoot all of the disciplines. If you enjoy it like we all did back in the day, be forewarned. You will be spending money as you progress in your skill levels. Best advise, pick a pistol you like and try and ware it out with all of the ammo you can shoot.

shoot4Fun, if we could have the millions of rounds back, multiple funds spent on the newest, greatest gadgets, entry fee's and travel we could pay for a new home, maybe two. But I would not trade it all for the great friends and memories from the past.

Great times in the shooting sports for sure.

 

[hpshooter]

As above. Great times and great memories!