USPSA - (United States Practical Shooting Association)

These generally consist of four stages of handgun shooting in either Open or Limited Class. Each stage consists of from 18 to 32 rounds fired.  Open guns include compensated and optically sighted weapons. Limited guns are those without compensators or optic sights.

IDPA - (International Defensive Pistol Association)

These consist of four stages of shooting with 8 to 20 rounds fired per stage.  Classes consist of Stock Service (all double-action or safe-action autos), Enhanced Service (9mm, .38 Super & 40 S&W, and 10mm) single-action autos), Custom Defensive (45 cal.), and Stock Service Revolver (all wheel guns).

STEEL (Bang & Clang, Shoot & Scoot)

There are four stages of steel targets that average about 15-20 rounds minimum per stage. There is a mixture of stationary steel squares, rectangles and rounds along with poppers, plate racks and trees. Stage descriptions list the required number of hits on stationary targets. All reactive targets must fall to score a hit. Scoring is raw stage time, plus any penalties and minus any bonuses. Penalties are +5 seconds per miss and +5 seconds for any procedural errors.

There are 5 equipment divisions and 6 competitor classes. The equipment divisions are Open Guns, Limited Guns, Limited 10 Guns, Revolvers and Fun Gun(second runs). The Competitor Classes, Master, A, B, C, D and Novice are based on the shooters practical firearms skills.  

For more information and rules visit:

IDPA Official Website

USPSA Official Website