Where are you located?
409 Copper Canyon Rd., Argyle, TX 76226 Use the directions below rather than Googlefoo as we have been told it is sometimes misleading.
We are on the north side of the DFW metroplex, just south of Denton. The drive to DCSA is less than 1 hour for most in the DFW metroplex. Many of our students are from nearby Argyle, Lantana, Flower Mound, Highland Village, Lewisville, Frisco, Grapevine, Corinth, Bartonville, Roanoke, and Denton.
Our location can be easily recognizable from a distance as the office/classroom/range structures are just west of a 150' tall Verizon cell tower.
If driving north from FM407 on Copper Canyon Road, continue through the curve until you get to the left hand turn lane to our entrance driveway. (see photo above), then circle back through the parking lot and park in front of the "Open House" sign.
Click on map below to enlarge for details. Do not be surprised if it shows "Fireworks Stands", but understand stands may be on site only part time.
Google Maps
409 Copper Canyon Rd., Argyle, TX 76226 Use the directions below rather than Googlefoo as we have been told it is sometimes misleading.
We are on the north side of the DFW metroplex, just south of Denton. The drive to DCSA is less than 1 hour for most in the DFW metroplex. Many of our students are from nearby Argyle, Lantana, Flower Mound, Highland Village, Lewisville, Frisco, Grapevine, Corinth, Bartonville, Roanoke, and Denton.
Our location can be easily recognizable from a distance as the office/classroom/range structures are just west of a 150' tall Verizon cell tower.
If driving north from FM407 on Copper Canyon Road, continue through the curve until you get to the left hand turn lane to our entrance driveway. (see photo above), then circle back through the parking lot and park in front of the "Open House" sign.
Click on map below to enlarge for details. Do not be surprised if it shows "Fireworks Stands", but understand stands may be on site only part time.
Google Maps
What are your hours and fees?
The gun range office does not have any "standard office hours" whatsoever. We have an "Open House" periodically where newcomers are welcome to come see the place, schedule private classes or shooting skills tuneups. Our "Open House" times are listed at the bottom of the "Home" page here. Appointments are possible for private consultations, individualized training, etc. at $80 per hour. The same rate applies for Independent Practice Sessions (description on another page here). At least partial payment (via card) in advance may be required for some reservations. Students may want to bring some cash or a check for gun rentals and/or ammo as such can sometimes vary from initial anticipations once the actual shooting sessions begin.
What size is the gun range?
The range is indoors only with 2 shooting lanes, five lighted target positions and electric target carriers out to 50 feet. We have a lighted "skills trail" for use in simulated scenarios in hunter education classes, but no actual shooting is allowed outdoors.
Do you offer private classes?
Yes, in fact, since the Kungflu Panicdemic arrived (in conjunction with primary instructor's semi-retirement), private classes only. Each class can often be customized to fit individual or group needs. Contact Lonnie at dcsa1996@yahoo.com to discuss circumstances and schedule.
What calibers and ammo can be shot in Independent Practice Sessions?
We are set up primarily for common "self defense/concealed carry" handguns up through .45 caliber.
Maximum power level revolvers: .45 Long Colt/.44 Magnum. NO FMJ or TMJ in 5.7 X 28. NO .454, .460 or .50. NO 44Auto Mag or 50AE.
Acceptable "Pistol Caliber" carbines include .357, 9mm, 10MM, .40, .45ACP. NO .223/5.56.
300 Blackout is acceptable in handguns or rifles with soft points or hollow points only. NO FMJ or TMJ ammo in 300 AAC Blackout.
.22 RIMFIRE rifles (including AR-15s with 22LR conversion kits) are also OK. NO .223/5.56 except as in next sentence below.
Centerfire rifles are allowed only in private sessions arranged in advance with instructor. No FMJ ammo; soft point or hollowpoint only.
Shotguns with BUCKSHOT ONLY. (NO birdshot or slugs.)
Suppressors are allowed (and encouraged).
Not permissible are full auto firearms, frangible, pre-fragmented or incendiary ammo, birdshot or exploding targets.
Is reloaded ammo allowed?
Students should bring factory ammo only for classes, tuneups and qualifications. Reloaded ammunition is permissible (at your own risk) for private shooting sessions. Contact Lonnie at dcsa1996@yahoo.com to discuss your circumstances.
Do you sell ammunition and/or firearms?
While we do stock a small amount of ammo for student purchase if necessary for classes. DCSA is NOT geared for retail sale of firearms, ammunition or accessories.
The gun range office does not have any "standard office hours" whatsoever. We have an "Open House" periodically where newcomers are welcome to come see the place, schedule private classes or shooting skills tuneups. Our "Open House" times are listed at the bottom of the "Home" page here. Appointments are possible for private consultations, individualized training, etc. at $80 per hour. The same rate applies for Independent Practice Sessions (description on another page here). At least partial payment (via card) in advance may be required for some reservations. Students may want to bring some cash or a check for gun rentals and/or ammo as such can sometimes vary from initial anticipations once the actual shooting sessions begin.
What size is the gun range?
The range is indoors only with 2 shooting lanes, five lighted target positions and electric target carriers out to 50 feet. We have a lighted "skills trail" for use in simulated scenarios in hunter education classes, but no actual shooting is allowed outdoors.
Do you offer private classes?
Yes, in fact, since the Kungflu Panicdemic arrived (in conjunction with primary instructor's semi-retirement), private classes only. Each class can often be customized to fit individual or group needs. Contact Lonnie at dcsa1996@yahoo.com to discuss circumstances and schedule.
What calibers and ammo can be shot in Independent Practice Sessions?
We are set up primarily for common "self defense/concealed carry" handguns up through .45 caliber.
Maximum power level revolvers: .45 Long Colt/.44 Magnum. NO FMJ or TMJ in 5.7 X 28. NO .454, .460 or .50. NO 44Auto Mag or 50AE.
Acceptable "Pistol Caliber" carbines include .357, 9mm, 10MM, .40, .45ACP. NO .223/5.56.
300 Blackout is acceptable in handguns or rifles with soft points or hollow points only. NO FMJ or TMJ ammo in 300 AAC Blackout.
.22 RIMFIRE rifles (including AR-15s with 22LR conversion kits) are also OK. NO .223/5.56 except as in next sentence below.
Centerfire rifles are allowed only in private sessions arranged in advance with instructor. No FMJ ammo; soft point or hollowpoint only.
Shotguns with BUCKSHOT ONLY. (NO birdshot or slugs.)
Suppressors are allowed (and encouraged).
Not permissible are full auto firearms, frangible, pre-fragmented or incendiary ammo, birdshot or exploding targets.
Is reloaded ammo allowed?
Students should bring factory ammo only for classes, tuneups and qualifications. Reloaded ammunition is permissible (at your own risk) for private shooting sessions. Contact Lonnie at dcsa1996@yahoo.com to discuss your circumstances.
Do you sell ammunition and/or firearms?
While we do stock a small amount of ammo for student purchase if necessary for classes. DCSA is NOT geared for retail sale of firearms, ammunition or accessories.
What is required for the License to Carry Shooting Test?
The Texas DPS "Demonstration of Proficiency" consists of 20 rounds fired from 3 yards, 20 rounds from 7 yards and 10 rounds from 15 yards on a standard B-27 target (see slide show on home page). In general (for practice purposes in advance), anyone who can safely manipulate their handgun and place 7 out of 10 rounds on an 8 1/2" X 11" sheet of typing paper at 7 yards should have no problem getting the minimum 70% score required for a "pass" on the CHL shooting test.
DCSA Procedures: Until instructed otherwise, leave your handgun and ammunition wherever it is. When your assigned time comes to shoot, take your handgun and ammunition directly to one of the 2 shooting stalls. Unless so instructed otherwise, keep all gun manipulations in the shooting stall; never in the classroom or in the back of the firing room. Unpack and re-pack your shooting equipment only when and where instructed to do so. When your time to shoot, only the following 5 or 6 items should be laid out on the shooting bench:
1. Handgun with magazine out and slide locked back (or if a revolver, cylinder empty and open).
2. 1 Unloaded Magazine (plus loading tool if needed)
3. 50 rounds of factory ammo (preferably in a box; if not, laid down in 10 rows of 5 rounds per row)
4. Eye Protection (available if needed: hanging on south wall of firing room)
5. Hearing Protection (available if needed: hanging on south wall of firing room)
The loading and firing sequence will be explained in detail each time just before it is to happen, generally 5 rounds at a time. There is no time limit for loading. Upon the command “Rack and Ready”, chamber a round (or close cylinder on revolver) and assume the “Low Ready” position (stance, grip, muzzle at a 45 degree angle toward floor) and BREATHE. Then listen for specific instruction on how many rounds are to be fired and how much time is allotted for the upcoming drill. (The greater the distance, the more time allowed.)
The target will start in the dark. When the light above the target is turned on, that means “fire”. When the light goes off, it means “cease fire, time is up”. If you have any questions or need to make any adjustments before the light comes on, keep the gun pointed down range and raise your weak hand and we can deal with whatever. Once the light comes on, there are no alibis if all of the specified shots cannot be completed within the specified time frame; any unfired rounds cost 5 points each. (175 points out of a possible 250 is required for "pass".)
Students should discuss with instructor in advance their comfort level with malfunction clearances. Those who can safely do so before time expires are welcome to do so. Otherwise, keep the gun pointed down range, raise weak hand, wait for other shooter (if any) to finish and the instructor will step into your shooting stall to assist with clearing the malfunction.
Upon completion of firing the 50 round "proficiency demonstration", the targets will be scored pass/fail, generally while still hanging. Thereafter, students will be instructed to re-pack their handgun and other equipment in the shooting stall (NOT in the back of the firing room).
Do you offer NRA classes?
Yes, but generally only on a private basis, especially if someone requires a specific type of certificate. Contact us to discuss your circumstances and schedule.
Do you offer Utah, Florida or Arizona CCW classes?
No, although several of our class certificates (as well as a military veteran's DD-214) are recognized in some other states. We encourage any Texas resident considering any other state's license as a substitute for a Texas CHL to attend an "Open House" for discussion of why such may not be a very good idea.
Who will be my instructor?
Lonnie Ward will be the Instructor / Range Officer for all basic classes described on this web site.
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An avid hunter since childhood, DCSA Range Officer Lonnie Ward has over sixty years experience with various types of shotguns, rifles and handguns. In addition to the certifications below, his training ranges from Israeli Defense Forces concepts to Appleseed rifle clinics, including "the patch". Lonnie, now semi-retired, serves as the primary contact during most "open house" periods, orientations, private classes and HB218 Retired LEO Annual Shooting Qualifications.
National Rifle Association Instructor Certifications:
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State Instructor Certifications:
Lonnie Ward was among the first group of instructors certified in 1995 by Texas' Department of Public Safety to conduct the CHL/LTC training. He has certified over 8,000 students in scheduled and private courses. Lonnie utilizes a broad range of firearms in classes at DCSA and, when applicable, at other locations.
How do I contact you?
Please read through this web site before emailing or calling with questions. This web site (including photos in the slide show on the home page) has the answers to at least 95% of questions. At the bottom of the Home page is typically a listing of scheduled Open House periods for talking face to face.
***As of May 2021, Lonnie Ward is semi-retired so there may not be any Open House periods listed on the Home page. If interest in a private class, send e-mail detailing your selection and circumstances to dcsa1996@yahoo.com. Or Cell: 972-849-0075
- Texas Department of Public Safety - Concealed Handgun License/License to Carry
- Texas Department of Public Safety - School Safety Certification
- Texas Parks and Wildlife - Hunter Education "Hall of Fame" 2002
Lonnie Ward was among the first group of instructors certified in 1995 by Texas' Department of Public Safety to conduct the CHL/LTC training. He has certified over 8,000 students in scheduled and private courses. Lonnie utilizes a broad range of firearms in classes at DCSA and, when applicable, at other locations.
How do I contact you?
Please read through this web site before emailing or calling with questions. This web site (including photos in the slide show on the home page) has the answers to at least 95% of questions. At the bottom of the Home page is typically a listing of scheduled Open House periods for talking face to face.
***As of May 2021, Lonnie Ward is semi-retired so there may not be any Open House periods listed on the Home page. If interest in a private class, send e-mail detailing your selection and circumstances to dcsa1996@yahoo.com. Or Cell: 972-849-0075