DCSA “Freedom Plan” Rules & Procedures
These pages, as well as the "Membership" page, should be considered required reading" for all new and renewing Freedom Plan members. Hard copies of these pages are kept in a literature holder on the west wall for use by existing members who may forget how something operates.
Safety. Completion of initial membership safety orientation/checklist, written “proof of training” (acceptable class) and a current (within the past 12 months) 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. Freedom Plan shooting is on a " drop-in" basis 7 days a week. "Recreational shooter" members’ hours are from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. Certified peace officers and Freedom Plan members with a TEXAS CHL on file can shoot 24/7. Before coming out, Freedom Plan members can check the "Range Reservations" page on this web site to see if one or both lanes may be occupied by scheduled classes or local police department training/qualifications.
Freedom Plan Members receive a card (or multiple cards) to individually denote visits (minimum 1 “position hour” per range session) on “the honor system”. Families may save money by sharing “position hours”. “Freedom Plan” pricing (including 6.25% sales tax and self defense insurance as described elsewhere).
Members who use up all of their hours before their year is up can purchase a new block of hours for another year based upon the annual pricing in effect at the time.
Arrival/Parking. Upon arrival, Freedom Plan Members are welcome to angle park on the gravel or drop the chain gate and drive inside to park next to range door.
Note: Just because there are several vehicles in the parking lot, it does not necessarily mean the range is occupied; the shooting portion of many classes is takes only a fraction of the total hours.
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 to enter or for any pre-registered student to hang out in the classroom alone. Simply direct them to the DCSA web site, with emphasis on a return visit during a scheduled "Open House" period as noted on the home page of web site.
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.
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.
Shooter Log Clipboard. A clipboard for sign-in/sign-out (on the honor system) is kept on the counter in the foyer. Freedom Plan members are asked to use only their first name and member number.
Fire Extinguisher/First Aid Kit/Telephone. A fire extinguisher is located about 6’ high on a shelf on your left as you face south in the foyer. A first aid kit, including “pressure pads” and a tourniquet are kept in a blue box on floor just east of steel entry door. A box of Band-Aids is commonly kept on foyer counter. All members are encouraged to have a cell phone on their person while shooting. In the event of an emergency, there is also a TracPhone in the (Blue Box) First Aid Kit in the foyer. To turn it on, hold down on the power button (in red letters) on the right side. Once powered up, enter 911, then hit "send" (in green letters on the left). The DCSA address is 409 Copper Canyon Road (with ambulance likely dispatched from fire station approx. 1 mile north of us).
Inside Door Lock. Freedom Plan shooters, once inside the firing room, are encouraged to lock the wood door behind them. Locking the door is accomplished by turning the center button to a vertical position. If you or the last person in the range manages to be locked out, a small “emergency key” is kept hanging on a nail just north of the fire extinguisher. If unable to locate key during this “walk-thru“, ask range officer.
Gun Handling/Storage Area. Per prior checklist, all guns should remain concealed in some type of carrier until on the firing line. Specifically, do not remove your gun from a holster, range bag, etc. until inside the “hot box” (on carpet of shooting stalls). Range bags, targets, ammo, clothing, etc. may be placed on the shelves in the back of the firing room, but exposed guns are not to be manipulated in the back of the firing room. Dangerous Example: When finished shooting target ammo, carrying a semi-auto pistol from a firing position back to range bag on rear shelf to load with defensive ammo before departure. If you may be forgetful in this regard, do not even use rear storage area; just carry all your stuff to a shooting stall!
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. Very sporadically, the exhaust fan sometimes comes on running backwards. If this happens, turn it off, wait a minute and turn it back on. If the problem persists, leave it off and just use the fan on the evaporative cooler (described below). (And subsequently please send e-mail about the problem to dcsa1996@yahoo.com.)
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.
Sometimes 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 (and unplug it upon daparture).
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.
Targets. Most “Freedom Plan” people bring their own targets, commonly paper plates. Many even bring their own “cardboard backers” (and/or extras to donate: sometimes the backers in the firing room are often highly perforated and may actually need to be thrown away). Pushpins (thumbtacks) are generally kept under AC vent. Try to bring your own tape or use 2 pushpins (stored near AC vent) to hold small targets on cardboard backers. Per range rules posted in foyer, be sure you understand proper positioning of small targets on the target carriers (if not, feel free to ask).
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!
Small targets and ammo boxes can be placed in trash containers in the firing room or foyer. However, please dispose of well-used cardboard backers and/or large targets in the trash receptacle generally positioned around back near the porta-pottie. In general, the targets stored inside the foyer counter shelf are for classes and/or instructor use only. Various 8/12” X 14” targets are often kept hanging in the foyer and are generally available 5 for $1.00 on the “honor” system. 11” X 17” “S-1” silhouette targets are stored horizontally in foyer on a shelf above door and are priced at 2 for $1.00. “S-2” silhouette targets are also stored horizontally on the same shelf and are priced 5 for $1.00.
“Honor system” payments for targets should be placed in an envelope with your name written on outside and placed in “drop slot” in wall above foyer counter.
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) and laying flat on the table just outside the range door. They are priced (per honor system mentioned above) at $1.00 each. Any other similar sized target in the overhead box is also priced at $1.00 each. Large color "bad guy" targets, if present in the black box in shooting stall #1, are $1.50 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 large 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 via dcsa1996@yahoo.com or 940-241-2376 (but, please, not late at night!).
Effective May 2012, as opposed to increasing overall pricing for everyone to cover extraordinary maintenance labor and materials, anyone who seriously damages components with an errant shot should plan report themselves to Lonnie at dcsa1996@yahoo.com and be prepared to pay for the damages. Examples: Shooting target carrier string: $75.00. Shooting and breaking target carrier steel cable: $175.00. Note to self: Avoid head shots with buckshot!
Chairs/Sandbags/Bench Adjustments. Two folding chairs are normally stored in foyer for use as needed in firing room. Feel free to use them and sandbags stored on north wall. Both benches are commonly kept at about thigh level most of the time. Particularly in position #2, it is ok to remove the bench as needed for such things as .22 rimfire rifle shooting from the sitting position or for handgun draw and fire practice. Just be sure to not be walking downrange for any reason and return the benches to the standard position before leaving.
Housekeeping. All parties are expected to pick up their own brass and, if not wanting to keep, place in one of two containers normally kept in firing room. (A broom and dust pan are stored near door on north wall.) Freedom Plan members who want to keep their own brass are welcome to do so - if it falls where it can be safely retrieved. Brass on the bench and floor anywhere from the shooting partition to the rear door are yours to keep. However, brass that falls downrange (beyond the red painted floor) should be left alone as special procedures are required for periodic cleanups downrange. Unwanted misfired cartridges should not be placed in waste baskets. Use small green container on the north wall.
Personal Hygiene / Lead Exposure / Gun Cleaning. Shooters should avoid eating, drinking, or smoking (prohibited inside) until after washing their hands to remove any small lead particles. The porta-potty around back has soap and running water except during the freezing months. Members who shoot frequently and/or reload should educate themselves on potential lead hazards and take steps to minimize exposure. Such precautions for some individuals may include wearing a mask and shooting lead-free ammunition. In no event, even in the winter, should the louvers be closed on the intake ventilation for the firing room. While minor firearm adjustments and disassembly, if necessary, are OK, Freedom Plan members should NOT plan on doing routine cleaning inside or outside of the firing room. Even at home, shooters should remember that many solvents are highly combustible and can cause spontaneous combustion in rags or patches hours after their use.
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. 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.)
Suggestions. If you eventually have comments or suggestions for potential improvements to these Freedom Plan Procedures, please discuss with range officer, use the drop box in the foyer or send e-mail to dcsa1996@yahoo.com.
These pages, as well as the "Membership" page, should be considered required reading" for all new and renewing Freedom Plan members. Hard copies of these pages are kept in a literature holder on the west wall for use by existing members who may forget how something operates.
Safety. Completion of initial membership safety orientation/checklist, written “proof of training” (acceptable class) and a current (within the past 12 months) 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. Freedom Plan shooting is on a " drop-in" basis 7 days a week. "Recreational shooter" members’ hours are from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. Certified peace officers and Freedom Plan members with a TEXAS CHL on file can shoot 24/7. Before coming out, Freedom Plan members can check the "Range Reservations" page on this web site to see if one or both lanes may be occupied by scheduled classes or local police department training/qualifications.
Freedom Plan Members receive a card (or multiple cards) to individually denote visits (minimum 1 “position hour” per range session) on “the honor system”. Families may save money by sharing “position hours”. “Freedom Plan” pricing (including 6.25% sales tax and self defense insurance as described elsewhere).
Members who use up all of their hours before their year is up can purchase a new block of hours for another year based upon the annual pricing in effect at the time.
Arrival/Parking. Upon arrival, Freedom Plan Members are welcome to angle park on the gravel or drop the chain gate and drive inside to park next to range door.
Note: Just because there are several vehicles in the parking lot, it does not necessarily mean the range is occupied; the shooting portion of many classes is takes only a fraction of the total hours.
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 to enter or for any pre-registered student to hang out in the classroom alone. Simply direct them to the DCSA web site, with emphasis on a return visit during a scheduled "Open House" period as noted on the home page of web site.
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.
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.
Shooter Log Clipboard. A clipboard for sign-in/sign-out (on the honor system) is kept on the counter in the foyer. Freedom Plan members are asked to use only their first name and member number.
Fire Extinguisher/First Aid Kit/Telephone. A fire extinguisher is located about 6’ high on a shelf on your left as you face south in the foyer. A first aid kit, including “pressure pads” and a tourniquet are kept in a blue box on floor just east of steel entry door. A box of Band-Aids is commonly kept on foyer counter. All members are encouraged to have a cell phone on their person while shooting. In the event of an emergency, there is also a TracPhone in the (Blue Box) First Aid Kit in the foyer. To turn it on, hold down on the power button (in red letters) on the right side. Once powered up, enter 911, then hit "send" (in green letters on the left). The DCSA address is 409 Copper Canyon Road (with ambulance likely dispatched from fire station approx. 1 mile north of us).
Inside Door Lock. Freedom Plan shooters, once inside the firing room, are encouraged to lock the wood door behind them. Locking the door is accomplished by turning the center button to a vertical position. If you or the last person in the range manages to be locked out, a small “emergency key” is kept hanging on a nail just north of the fire extinguisher. If unable to locate key during this “walk-thru“, ask range officer.
Gun Handling/Storage Area. Per prior checklist, all guns should remain concealed in some type of carrier until on the firing line. Specifically, do not remove your gun from a holster, range bag, etc. until inside the “hot box” (on carpet of shooting stalls). Range bags, targets, ammo, clothing, etc. may be placed on the shelves in the back of the firing room, but exposed guns are not to be manipulated in the back of the firing room. Dangerous Example: When finished shooting target ammo, carrying a semi-auto pistol from a firing position back to range bag on rear shelf to load with defensive ammo before departure. If you may be forgetful in this regard, do not even use rear storage area; just carry all your stuff to a shooting stall!
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. Very sporadically, the exhaust fan sometimes comes on running backwards. If this happens, turn it off, wait a minute and turn it back on. If the problem persists, leave it off and just use the fan on the evaporative cooler (described below). (And subsequently please send e-mail about the problem to dcsa1996@yahoo.com.)
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.
Sometimes 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 (and unplug it upon daparture).
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.
Targets. Most “Freedom Plan” people bring their own targets, commonly paper plates. Many even bring their own “cardboard backers” (and/or extras to donate: sometimes the backers in the firing room are often highly perforated and may actually need to be thrown away). Pushpins (thumbtacks) are generally kept under AC vent. Try to bring your own tape or use 2 pushpins (stored near AC vent) to hold small targets on cardboard backers. Per range rules posted in foyer, be sure you understand proper positioning of small targets on the target carriers (if not, feel free to ask).
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!
Small targets and ammo boxes can be placed in trash containers in the firing room or foyer. However, please dispose of well-used cardboard backers and/or large targets in the trash receptacle generally positioned around back near the porta-pottie. In general, the targets stored inside the foyer counter shelf are for classes and/or instructor use only. Various 8/12” X 14” targets are often kept hanging in the foyer and are generally available 5 for $1.00 on the “honor” system. 11” X 17” “S-1” silhouette targets are stored horizontally in foyer on a shelf above door and are priced at 2 for $1.00. “S-2” silhouette targets are also stored horizontally on the same shelf and are priced 5 for $1.00.
“Honor system” payments for targets should be placed in an envelope with your name written on outside and placed in “drop slot” in wall above foyer counter.
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) and laying flat on the table just outside the range door. They are priced (per honor system mentioned above) at $1.00 each. Any other similar sized target in the overhead box is also priced at $1.00 each. Large color "bad guy" targets, if present in the black box in shooting stall #1, are $1.50 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 large 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 via dcsa1996@yahoo.com or 940-241-2376 (but, please, not late at night!).
Effective May 2012, as opposed to increasing overall pricing for everyone to cover extraordinary maintenance labor and materials, anyone who seriously damages components with an errant shot should plan report themselves to Lonnie at dcsa1996@yahoo.com and be prepared to pay for the damages. Examples: Shooting target carrier string: $75.00. Shooting and breaking target carrier steel cable: $175.00. Note to self: Avoid head shots with buckshot!
Chairs/Sandbags/Bench Adjustments. Two folding chairs are normally stored in foyer for use as needed in firing room. Feel free to use them and sandbags stored on north wall. Both benches are commonly kept at about thigh level most of the time. Particularly in position #2, it is ok to remove the bench as needed for such things as .22 rimfire rifle shooting from the sitting position or for handgun draw and fire practice. Just be sure to not be walking downrange for any reason and return the benches to the standard position before leaving.
Housekeeping. All parties are expected to pick up their own brass and, if not wanting to keep, place in one of two containers normally kept in firing room. (A broom and dust pan are stored near door on north wall.) Freedom Plan members who want to keep their own brass are welcome to do so - if it falls where it can be safely retrieved. Brass on the bench and floor anywhere from the shooting partition to the rear door are yours to keep. However, brass that falls downrange (beyond the red painted floor) should be left alone as special procedures are required for periodic cleanups downrange. Unwanted misfired cartridges should not be placed in waste baskets. Use small green container on the north wall.
Personal Hygiene / Lead Exposure / Gun Cleaning. Shooters should avoid eating, drinking, or smoking (prohibited inside) until after washing their hands to remove any small lead particles. The porta-potty around back has soap and running water except during the freezing months. Members who shoot frequently and/or reload should educate themselves on potential lead hazards and take steps to minimize exposure. Such precautions for some individuals may include wearing a mask and shooting lead-free ammunition. In no event, even in the winter, should the louvers be closed on the intake ventilation for the firing room. While minor firearm adjustments and disassembly, if necessary, are OK, Freedom Plan members should NOT plan on doing routine cleaning inside or outside of the firing room. Even at home, shooters should remember that many solvents are highly combustible and can cause spontaneous combustion in rags or patches hours after their use.
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. 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.)
Suggestions. If you eventually have comments or suggestions for potential improvements to these Freedom Plan Procedures, please discuss with range officer, use the drop box in the foyer or send e-mail to dcsa1996@yahoo.com.