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Foyer 3-Ring Binder: Effective June 2007, six specific pages (including this one) on DCSA web site are being made "required reading" for new and renewing Freedom Plan members. Hard copies of all of these pages are kept in a 3-ring binder stored on the counter in the foyer. This 3-ring binder is to remain in the foyer for use with new member "walk throughs" - and for existing members who may forget how something operates!

Safety.  Completion of initial membership safety orientation/checklist, written “proof of training” (acceptable class) and liability release are required prior to being eligible for this independent “Freedom Plan” practice option. Once these items are completed, individuals desiring a “Freedom Plan” should, while carrying this page, complete an initial “walk through” read all of the printed labels on the walls and ceiling of the firing room and foyer. If you do not understand any portion of the DCSA’s specific range rules (posted on foyer bulletin board), do not hesitate to ask questions. During and after the “walk through” no one is permitted downrange for any reason without specific authorization.  Friends or family “guests” are possible only if they are already a DCSA member: that is, they have previously completed items in the first sentence of this paragraph.

Cost/Hours.  Citizen members’ "normal hours"s are from 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. 7 days a week. Certified peace officers can shoot 24/7. 

Visitor Inquiries.  In the event you are approached by a stranger wanting to come inside to look around, tell them you are not authorized to let them enter beyond the parking lot. Do not give permission for any non-member or pre-registered student to hang out in the classroom alone. Simply direct them to the “public information” literature boxes in the driveway. This literature contains our web site address (www.dentoncountysports.com) and 24/7 information line (972-949-4180) where they can obtain more information, especially on appropriate “Open House” periods.

Entry.  Effective in the summer of 2008, a combination lock has been added to a new door/gate near the range door of the newly-enclosed classroom.  The lock has the same combination as the lock on the range door. (Combination is written on membership cards.) The purpose of the arrangement is so that Freedom Plan members can continue to come and go independently whether the west door is locked or not - and minimize disruption to any training that may be in progress in the classroom. 

So as not to be startled the first time it happens, Freedom Plan members are advised here, that with the 2008 "classroom remodel", some new motion-sensor lights and "chirp alerts" are in place at and near the entrances. Some other "security devices" may also be active in the classroom/office area. But, so long as Freedom Plan members stay in the specified areas and do not mess with any doors, latches, electronics, etc.  beyond the scope of directions here, everyone should be OK.

Once the proper numbers are in line, push in (bounce) on the lock and it should pop open. So as not to misplace it, try to make it a habit of always hanging the locks on the "loops" adjacent to the outside of the door(s). 

During very hot weather, you may need to use rubber mallet to open bolt next to door knob on the range door. As you enter the foyer, there should be a small amount of light from a single-bulb lamp over the counter that is left on continuously. The switch for the overhead light in the foyer is on your left as you enter. This same switch is also connected to the center overhead light switch in the firing room. If ever necessary, this switch can be used as a “silent doorbell“ (“blink code” is on labels near switch and center light fixture). Be aware, however, that for “blinking“ to be noticed by someone inside alone, you may need to use the “peephole” in door to catch them when they are not forward in a firing position and focusing only on what is in front of them. Also be aware that if a shooter is on the line inside, you may need to wear hearing protection, even in the foyer. Except for very brief periods, both doors to the range should be kept closed when shooting is imminent.

Ventilation/Heating/AC.  There is a on/off switch about 12'" above the top of the counter on the far west wall of foyer. Upon arrival, it should be flipped up to turn on the exhaust fan over the bullet trap. The switch that controls the evaporative air conditioner is a knob on the north wall in firing room. The “4 o’clock position” causes the pads only to turn as air is drawn through them by the exhaust fan. The “10 o’clock position” activates both the cooling pads and the AC fan for maximum air flow. The “10 o’clock position” is typically desired only during very hot weather or when a large amount of smoke is being created by continuous rapid fire. Try not linger with the AC control knob on any position except 10 or 4 o’clock positions as it can trip a breaker (in office). If you do trip the breaker, please send e-mail to dcsa1996@yahoo.com so it can be re-set as soon as practical. 

The only heat in the firing room may that of two infrared bulbs in the ceiling, one behind each firing position. (When switched on, tall folks learn not to stand directly under the heat lamps - as do ordinary-height men who have a “bald spot”.) If there is an electric heater in the firing room, you are welcome to use it - just be sure it stays well away from anything combustible.

Lighting.  Upon entering firing room, there is a switch (on left) adjacent to the AC control knob that controls the 4 perimeter light fixtures. In each firing position, there are 5 labeled switches that control the lights downrange. On the north wall, there are 3 switches that are primarily for instructors’ use during CHL testing, (although Freedom Plan members are welcome to use for simulations if desired). From approximately April thru November, the fixtures for heat lamp bulbs may have 15-40 watt bulbs in place instead for “low light” shooting (virtually all other lights turned off) by individuals who want to do so. The 15-40 watt bulbs and heat lamps, if needed, are typically kept near the fan switch (on south wall). If ever needed for replacement directly over a firing position, 75 watt bulbs are typically kept in the same area. (Be advised that sometimes the perimeter light fixtures will sporadically shut themselves off - to cool off - when the bulbs are actually OK.)

Draw and Fire Practice.  Recommended by DPS for CHL people (who have completely mastered NRA Rule #2). Acceptable at DCSA with live ammunition only after individuals have completed at least 3000 repetitions of drawing from a specific carry rig and “dry firing”, either at home or in privacy of the DCSA firing room. (Any time that additional time remains on someone‘s “position hour“ at DCSA, “draw and dry-fire” practice is highly encouraged to develop "unconscious competence” for a safe, fluid motion.) In general, “live fire” beginning from the holster should be done with the consent of others in firing room.

Particularly with some silhouette targets (such as the CHL B-27) they need to be folded at the top and raised higher than normal if to be shot center of mass at close distances (generally inside of 7 yards). Otherwise the bullets hit the floor! Do whatever it takes positioning-wise so that shots go directly into the bullet trap - without using the ricochet method!

A most popular target seems to be the Texas CHL B-27. These are stored in an overhead box in the northeast quadrant of the classroom (between the door/gate and the range door). They are priced (per honor system mentioned above) at $1.00 each.  

Two other popular targets are often kept hanging on clips on the north wall of the range room. These (a reduced B-27 and reduced "FBI Q" target) and are priced at 2 for $1.00.

Also on the north wall, we try to keep at least one black marker in the "misfire box. The markers can be used to check off holes in all types of targets to often get more use out of each one.

Targets Carriers.  In general, we try to leave the “single clip” target holders in place most of the time. “Double clip” target holders are stored on the north wall of firing room and may be used for larger silhouette targets. There are also black metal clips hanging on the wall that may be attached to the bottom of the larger targets to reduce ventilation-induced movement, especially when large targets are positioned at the 3 yard line. If you do need to change out a target holders, position it so the cotter pin can be removed. The target carriers should never be positioned with the flat side (where clip is) facing the firing line (duh!). Since you may need to reach out beyond the partition, be sure that anyone in the adjacent stall has ceased firing and has their action open and has stepped out of the “hot box” while you do so. Do not climb or sit on shooting bench to change out a target carrier. The benches are removable (via pegboard hooks) if necessary by shorter people. When operating the electric target carrier switches, do not let the target carrier run full speed into the stops at either end: sudden stops can throw the backers and targets off. If a target does fall off downrange, leave it alone and start over with another one. When you have a target positioned in the "optimum lighting", it is at the distance stated on label next to applicable light switch. Minor adjustments in distance are best made by manually pulling the overhead strings. If, for some reason the target carriers do not move when you use the switch, check the power switch on north wall and/or push the orange “re-set” button on the bottom of the target carrier motor housing.  If the trolley cable breaks or if a string gets broken, do not attempt to repair it yourself. Simply use other shooting position and contact range officer (but, please, not late at night!).

Reservations.  With most people shooting on a "drop-in" basis with very few delays, the black notebook previously kept in the foyer and is being retired in July 2008 in favor of e-mail reservations, if at all. A new "Range Reservations" page is being added to this web site so that Freedom Plan members can check before coming out to see if any shooting positions have been reserved by instructors, police departments or other members.

Departure.  Shutting down the range before leaving is an important step. Try to leave it at least as good as you found it. Backers or targets should not be left on the carriers. Large trash items should be placed in big container around back (except on some Wednesdays/Thursdays when it may not be there). Ammo boxes and small targets can be placed in inside trash receptacles. 

All lights should be turned off except the single lamp above the counter in the foyer. Be sure that BOTH fans (AC, if used, and switch in foyer) are turned off. Note there is a “peep hole” in exterior door if you want to look out before stepping out. To relock our specific type of combination lock it is often necessary to seat the hasp in the hole, hold the lock perpendicular to the door, push in, then “scramble” the numbers on the bottom while the hasp is firmly seated. (Unless you have had one of these specific combination locks before, it is recommended that you try a “dry run” of unlocking and relocking door during your current orientation.)

When inside and ready to exit the classroom, look for a wire about 18" up the left post/door jamb. Pull it straight out to disengage the exterior latch. Whether coming or going, when you close the new gate/door, be sure the lower latch engages.