DFW Gun Range and Academy is a veteran-owned, locally owned indoor range at 1607 W Mockingbird Lane in Dallas where the rental counter goes well past the usual Glock wall. Submachine guns (Uzi, Sterling, M1928A1 Thompson, M3A1 Grease Gun) and suppressed guns (Walther P22, Colt M4, Uzi, HK45, AR-15) are on the list, and so is a themed Texas Ranger Experience where first-timers shoot through an 1881 storyline on AccuShoot lanes. The facility was recently renovated with fresh-air ventilation, a front lobby and two themed briefing rooms.

What makes it stand out

The range combines four things under one roof: a public indoor range, a training academy, a retail firearms store and an events venue. The site describes itself as "Veteran Owned. Safety Driven."

  • Range Safety Officers are on the range with guests at all times, and closed-circuit security cameras are monitored and recorded.
  • The Texas Ranger Experience starts in an Old West saloon briefing room, then moves to live fire on three AccuShoot lanes.
  • The Jungle Ranger Experience has its own briefing room.
  • Legally owned select-fire and full-auto guns may be used on the range.
  • The 2012 Dallas Observer "Best of Dallas" issue named it "The Best Place To Have A Bachelorette Party in Dallas."

The ranges and equipment

The indoor range has 17 electronic shooting lanes certified by the Department of Public Safety, with distances from 3 to 20 yards. It is environmentally controlled and accepts most caliber weapons, including rifles. Handguns, shotguns and rifles are allowed. Bring your own firearm (no black powder) or rent one.

Rental options:

  • Basic handguns, $15: 9mm, .45, .380, .40, 5.7 and .22 from makers including Glock, Sig, Smith & Wesson, H&K, Canik, Beretta, Springfield and CZ. The FN 5.7 and Taurus TX .22 are on the list.
  • Premium handguns, $25: H&K (P7, P30, USP and HK45 models), Sig, Ruger, Springfield, Walther, Para and 1911s, plus revolvers such as the Ruger SP101 and Vaquero.
  • Submachine guns: Uzi, Sterling, M1928A1 Thompson and M3A1 Grease Gun.
  • Suppressed guns: Walther P22, Colt M4, Uzi, HK45 and AR-15.
  • Eye and ear protection: available to rent and required for anyone in the range. The price is not published.

Rental guns stay on the range and only the range's ammunition may be used in them. The retail area sells guns, accessories, tactical gear and ammunition, including Cor-Bon, Speer Gold Dot, Federal, Hornady and Winchester in select calibers. In-house cleaning and light gunsmithing are available, with an outside gunsmith on site for advanced work.

Training and classes

The Academy has a 2,000 square foot training gymnasium and four classrooms with TVs, video players, white boards and large LCD televisions.

  • Intro Training: introductory courses. Prices are on the range's website.
  • Pro Training: advanced courses. Prices are on the range's website.
  • CHL and self-defense classes: taught on weeknights and weekends. Check the class calendar for pricing.
  • Texas Ranger Experience: instruction with a pistol and lever-action rifle, then live fire through Chapter 1: Deputy Training and Chapter 2: Trouble in Town. Extra chapters (Bank Robbery, Stagecoach Rescue, Ambush at Devil's Pass, The Bridge, The Final Showdown) are $10 per person, per chapter. Base pricing is by contact.
  • Ranger Experience (private VIP): for first-time shooters and anyone nervous around firearms, with one instructor beside you throughout and black-light zombie targets. Contact the range for pricing.

Pricing and memberships

  • Non-member range fee: $30 per shooter
  • Basic member range fee: 50% off
  • Premium member range fee: free
  • Basic handgun rental: $15. Premium handgun rental: $25. Range ammo is required with rentals.
  • Inbound FFL transfer: $55 per firearm

Two annual memberships are offered:

  • Basic, $360 per year: 50% off the range fee, 3 guest passes ($90 value), 15 free targets ($45 value, 3 max per visit), additional guests $130, and a discount on annual renewal.
  • Premium, $720 per year: free range fee, 5 guest passes ($150 value), 30 free targets ($90 value, 3 max per visit), additional guests $240, and a discount on annual renewal.

Certified law enforcement and active-duty military receive a discount on range time. Group events and the Ranger Experiences are quoted individually.

Who it's for

  • First-time shooters: no permit or license is needed, and the Ranger Experience and Intro Training are built for beginners.
  • Rental-curious shooters: the handgun, submachine gun and suppressed lists give a way to try guns before buying.
  • CCW and self-defense students: CHL and self-defense classes run on weeknights and weekends.
  • Groups: bachelor and bachelorette parties, birthdays, corporate events and team building, including a Carnival Experience for corporate groups, with private briefing rooms. Email events@dfwgun.com for a quote.
  • International visitors: Visa Waiver Program travelers may shoot and rent firearms.
  • Buyers: the store handles special orders and inbound FFL transfers.

Plan your visit

DFW Gun Range and Academy is at 1607 W Mockingbird Lane, Dallas, TX 75235. Call (214) 630-4866 or see the range's website. Walk-ins are taken and no reservation is needed.

  • Hours: Monday through Friday 1pm to 8pm, Saturday and Sunday 11am to 8pm. Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year's and July 4th.
  • Age: must be 18 or older, or accompanied by a parent or guardian who is at least 21. Children 6 and older are welcome with a parent or legal guardian. Anyone under 18 must be supervised at all times. Handgun ammo is restricted to those 21 or older.
  • ID: everyone 18 or older needs government-issued photo ID to go on the range. International visitors need a valid passport and proof of Visa Waiver Program participation (or a valid Non-Immigrant Visa and hunting permit).
  • Ammo: armor-piercing, tracer and incendiary rounds are prohibited. Lead .177 pellets are allowed, but steel pellets and BBs are not. Personal targets must be at least 24" x 45".
  • Range conduct: shooting two guns at once is not allowed. Drawing from a holster must be done safely and in a controlled manner. One-handed shooting is allowed if controlled. Photography is limited to your own party and display firearms.
  • FFL transfers: call before shipping. The recipient must be of legal age with a Texas driver's license or ID showing a current address, and must pass a background check.

Full details, hours and membership terms are on the DFW Gun Range and Academy listing page.