But just like apple versus cherry pie, its really going to come down to personal preference.
But why not take a bite of both?
In this approach, a specific order must be followed.
However, shooters are still able to find small strategic advantages to get an edge on the competition.
These rules apply to all stages regardless of the layout.
Tactical priority (TP) is determined based on where the targets are.
You know, that whole IDPA is like NASCAR theme?
The procedure of this stage is to engage all seven targets with two hits each while being timed.
How hard is that, right?
This is a pretty safe strategy and very similar to the IDPA plan below.
However, you probably want to make a run at save more time by skipping the middle position.
Next, make one long movement from the left wall to the right wall, reloading on the way.
Continue moving around the right corner of the left wall.
Shoot T5, T4 and T3 while moving, as soon as you see them.
This could result in running the gun dry and requiring a slide-lock reload at an unexpected point.
So, what kind of strategist are you?
Well, thats the beauty of USPSA freestyle you get to decide the risk/reward for every single stage.
IDPA Strategies
Lets shoot this as an IDPA stage now.
As an IDPA stage, you have less freedom due to Tactical Priority and cover rules.
Since T2 is the closest of the two, you must engage it first and then engage T1.
No choice, or you get a penalty.
Move forward to the right wall and engage the remaining two targets in Tactical Priority.
If shooting from the left side of wall, engage T6 and then T7.
Your choices are:1.)
An emergency reload (possibly standing) after you shoot your 11th shot, or2.)
More-experienced IDPA competitors dont reload until they have shot to slide lock.
Then, while moving forward, they reload from slide lock.
So, the only two options for IDPA shooters on this stage are: 1.)
shooting the last two targets from either the right or left side of the wall and 2.)
The different rules and slight nuances of IDPA and USPSA give each sport their own vibe.
At the end of the day, both sports are just that: an organized game.
You may enjoy both sports equally, even though theyre not directly comparable on a lot of levels.
Me, I love to shoot, so I compete in both.
On the other hand, I can also personally appreciate the simpler stage setups of IDPA.
Until next time, stay safe and stay on target!
