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check out YouTube videos to see the differences in the two games:

Steel Challenge - stand there and shoot FAST
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IDPA - move, duck, cover, shoot, reload etc.
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AnthonyTX wrote:You think I should try IDPA before I try the steel match?

I think everyone should try IDPA. It's just fun

Having never shot a "steel match" I"m not sure which is "easier" but there are certainly shots closer than 15 yards in IDPA (as well as some out to 20).

From what I've heard, steel is fun because it's just blasting away - 30-round stages etc. IDPA is fun because of the "scenarios", ducking around corners, engaging multiple targets, moving targets etc. Different beasts. Also IDPA is likely a bit more economical - 5 stages of about 20 round each vs. 30 rounds per ??? stages at steel match? But again, I'm biased as I've only shot IDPA and nothing else yet.

I'm planning to do IDPA at ARC either this Sunday or next Saturday (or both).

I've never shot a steel match, but just finished the IDPA classifier in San Antonio this weekend and 30 of the 90 shots are 15 yards or further (20 yards). The "perfect" score circle on an IDPA target is roughly the size of most pistol steel targets I think. Only advice I can give you is go practice 50-100 rounds at that distance until you can consistently hit the same size target (roughly a 6-inch or 7-inch circle). Practice a smooth, consistent trigger pull and don't rush ANYTHING. Take your time, get the hits, don't jerk the trigger.

Remember these two mantras:

You can't miss shots fast enough to win the match.

Slow is smooth. Smooth is fast.