IDPA vs USPSA Range Commands
2009 June 27
In IDPA the officials running the stage are Safety Officers (SOs), while in USPSA they’re labelled Range Officers (ROs). Both sports also have their subtle differences in range commands. The following table shows a comparison of range commands taken from the 2005 IDPA and 2008 USPSA rulebooks, which are the most current at this time.
| IDPA | USPSA |
|---|---|
| Load and make ready | Make ready |
| Shooter ready? | Are you ready? |
| Standby | Standby |
| *Audible signal* | *Audible or visual signal* |
| Cover | |
| Finger | Finger |
| Muzzle | Muzzle |
| Stop | Stop |
| Unload and show clear | If you are finished unload and show clear |
| Slide forward (or “cylinder closed” for a revolver) Hammer down Holster |
If clear, hammer down and holster |
| Range is safe | Range is clear |
The shaded commands are optionally issued during the course of fire depending on whether the shooter earns them.
