Ken Hackathorn: The Origins of IPSC, IDPA & 3 Gun

Published on June 16, 2018
Duration: 29:54

Ken Hackathorn, a pioneer in practical shooting sports, details the origins of IPSC, IDPA, and 3-Gun. He explains how 3-Gun began as the 'Modern Warrior's Match' in 1978 to promote Soldier of Fortune magazine, initially featuring rifle, pistol, and shotgun with a weighted scoring system. Hackathorn discusses the evolution of IPSC under Jeff Cooper, noting its shift towards specialized 'race guns,' and the founding of IDPA in the mid-90s with Bill Wilson to cater to the growing concealed carry market and emphasize practical equipment. He also critically examines 'training scars' that can develop from competition, distinguishing it from real-world defensive scenarios.

Quick Summary

Ken Hackathorn, a pioneer in practical shooting, explains that 3-Gun originated as the 'Modern Warrior's Match' in 1978 to promote Soldier of Fortune magazine. IPSC, founded by Jeff Cooper, initially focused on practical skills but evolved into an equipment race, prompting the creation of IDPA by Hackathorn and Bill Wilson to emphasize practical concealed carry gear.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction: Ken Hackathorn & Practical Shooting
  2. 00:35The Birth of 3-Gun Competition
  3. 02:45Original 3-Gun Format & Shotgun's Role
  4. 03:40The First 3-Gun Match Details
  5. 05:54Early 3-Gun Equipment Rules
  6. 08:523-Gun Evolution and Hackathorn's Regrets
  7. 09:50Founding of IPSC with Jeff Cooper
  8. 11:40IPSC's Equipment Race Problem
  9. 13:40Creation of IDPA for Practical Gear
  10. 16:40IDPA's Prize Philosophy
  11. 18:20Competition vs. Real-World Defense
  12. 21:10Blind Stages and Competitor Tactics

Frequently Asked Questions

How did 3-Gun competition originate?

3-Gun competition began around 1978 when Ken Hackathorn, then with Soldier of Fortune magazine, proposed a 'Modern Warrior's Match' at an NRA show to attract attendees to the SOF convention, featuring rifle, pistol, and shotgun.

What was the initial purpose of IDPA?

IDPA was founded in the mid-1990s by Bill Wilson and Ken Hackathorn to cater to the growing concealed carry movement, emphasizing practical gear and defensive shooting scenarios, contrasting with the specialized equipment often seen in IPSC.

What are 'training scars' in shooting competitions?

'Training scars' are dangerous habits acquired from competition, such as immediately unloading and showing clear after a stage, which are inappropriate and unsafe in a real defensive encounter. Competition should be a tool for stress management, not a direct combat simulation.

What distinguished early IPSC from later practical shooting sports?

Early IPSC, under Jeff Cooper, focused on drawing from holsters and practical shooting. However, it evolved into an 'equipment race' with specialized 'race guns,' leading to the creation of IDPA and a renewed focus on practical, carryable equipment.

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