DCF Guns Range report

[TheGrey]

I'd like to report on my experience with the indoor range at DCF Guns in Castle Rock.

I booked a lane a few days in advance. I explained that the lane would be used by myself and another person, and our Firearms Instructor would be there as well. I explained that we were taking our concealed carry class, and we would be using rifle, shotgun and pistol, but the instructor would be giving us one-on-one time with each firearm, so we would only require one lane. Although their booking program only allows them to reserve lanes two days out, they wrote my information down and told me they would make sure there was a lane available.

Today we all went to DCF Guns for our range time, after four hours of classroom instruction. The place was pretty busy, but the atmosphere was professional and friendly. There were families in the store.

The range had my lane all ready, although I was told that I should have informed the owner that I was having a Firearm Instructor there, so they could have made arrangements. They followed that up by letting me know it wasn't a problem, so if anyone else is planning on using DCF Guns for their range time in conjunction with their firearms class, be sure to let the owner know. They welcomed us and checked us in.

They provide hearing and eye protection if you don't have any. I also overheard that they will be offering gun rentals soon.

Despite it being busy, both customers and workers were polite and friendly. The range itself is terrific; there are cameras that keep an eye on everyone that you can watch by the range counter so you can see available lanes. You are able to use rifles, shotguns and handguns, with a few restrictions. There is a Range Master in the range at all times, and I saw him help several people during the time I was there. He also kept the area behind the line swept clean of brass. The temperature was very comfortable.

In the lanes on either side of me, there were families teaching their children gun safety. There were two older gentlemen that were taking a concealed carry class offered through DCF. There was another family (Grandma, parents, and kids) all sharing a lane and cheering each other on as they practiced on a deer-zombie target.

My .357 wasn't working right, for some reason. That could have been a disaster...but all I did was walk it out of the range and into the store, where the on-site gunsmith had it fixed within ten minutes.

How about that?I was back to shooting in 15 minutes, tops.

This is a terrific indoor range. I am so very glad to have a membership here! If you haven't had a chance to check this range out, I suggest you do so. I don't think you'll regret it.

[TheGrey]

Remember my review from the beginning of February? Well, forget it.

I’m actually pretty upset. It was MY word that brought in three additional clients that became members at DCF guns, based on my enthusiastic report. All of the people I brought in were work colleagues and friends. Now I’m the one with egg on my face, because they took me at my word that this place was solid.

In the past two months, I have gone into DCF guns no less than five times and been completely ignored. I don’t mean, “Hi! We’ll be with you as soon as we can, but you can see we’re pretty busy.” I mean, the workers won’t even make eye contact. I wish I had not given a good review in the beginning of February. I take it all back.

I brought my boss in during lunch hour at the end of February. For once, it wasn’t very busy - there were six people in the entire store. We stood there for 45 minutes, watching three people behind the counter have nice long chats about the merits of this gun over that gun with customers and each other, before one of them deigned to say to us, “We’ll be with you in a minute.” By that time, lunch hour was done and we had no more time to stand around.

I went there last month with one of my other friends. I was excited to show him the nice indoor range, but the blond guy working behind the range counter had such a snotty attitude that my enthusiasm was tempered by my friends’ humiliation. It was an unpleasant transaction all around. We left after about twenty minutes because we were both so angry that it was no longer fun.

My other friend had emailed DCF guns a couple of times in the hopes of finding out more information about gun classes than what was on the website. There was no response to her emails. She, too, tried to go into DCF to speak with someone in person about gun classes and benefits to her membership (members are supposed to receive a tshirt, membership card, and other perks. We haven’t received a thing.) After not being even acknowledged on three separate occasions, she left in disgust. She wrote a letter and mailed it to them, requesting to cancel her membership. She received a very snotty email back, declaring that it is DCF’s policy to have good customer service and that she should contact them when incidents like that occur. Apparently, because it is DCF’s policy, those incidents never occurred.

This email actually scolded her for stating her dissatisfaction, and made it seem as though it were her fault. To add insult to injury, the email went on to declare that she signed a yearly contract, and that they were going to hold her to it. She gets to pay over $1000 for this treatment. I was very embarrassed, because I'd encouraged her to join this gun club.

There was no apology in this email, no “what can we do to make this better,” nothing acknowledging her complaint, NO CUSTOMER SERVICE AT ALL. This email had all the charm of an eighth-grader justifying how they were right and she was wrong. Nice, huh?

My friends and I aren't looking for special treatment - we're just looking for basic customer service. You know, the kind that recognizes you as a customer.

I will certainly make sure that all of my friends and fellow gun enthusiasts know what to expect from DCF.

[sroz]

Sorry to hear about your experiences. Have you looked into the Firing Line in Aurora? Single membership is $125/year with some small admin fee the first year only. Family membership is not much more. No monthly maintenance fee, but you do have to pay $7 +tax per visit with no time limit. Handgun & .22 rifle only. I'm sure it's not as nice a DCF, but at least the cost of abuse is much less. I'm always abused when I walk in, but I deserve it. Sneakerd works there and can provide more info.

[TheGrey]

Some of our friends have used Firing Line. I didn't know that there was no monthly maintenance fee- that's really nice! It's a shame that it's just handgun and .22 rifle only, but I'm also realizing that a modicum of customer service holds a lot of weight. We could probably limp along within those parameters.

I'll add Firing Line to the ranges for consideration. We are DEFINITELY leaving DCF Guns.

Thank you for the suggestion! I appreciate it.

[ray1970]

I'll stick to my private ranges. Don't have to deal with anyone or reserve anything, and can shoot any day or time I want. Doesn't even break my budget paying the $65 a year for membership. Sure, I have to drive a bit to get there but it's a small price to pay.

[Webphisher]

I had similar treatment at Firing Line. Bought a pistol there, then when I informed the guy I had never shot a pistol and asked what I needed to know, all he would say is "the range is back there" and point behind him. I went twice and felt like I had black lung every time I left. And a gun store that doesnt allow conceal carry with permit doesnt make much sense to me. Id suggest checking out BluCore Shooting Center. Its a drive for me but worth it. $350 for a membership gets me reservations and NO lane fees. Along with some other perks listed on their website. You can shoot most things there. Pistols, shotguns, rifles up to .50 BMG. 100yard indoor rifle range.

[sneakerd]

I'm gonna call BS on this one. NOBODY working there now would do that. When people come in and say stuff like that- we're not likely to direct you to the range, because you're not safe. We're immediately going to suggest that you take a class. Unfortunately we don't have instructors who are there simply to instruct. If we're not busy, most us are ability-qualified to teach, but may not have the shingle. There are huge liability issues at a pistol range when an employee takes on the responsibility of "teaching". ALSO- concealed carry is absolutely fine as long as you don't display it (keep it concealed) or want to show it to us or another customer. There's a sign on the FRONT DOOR explaining our policy. Pull a loaded gun in a gunshop and you're likely to have one pulled on you. People who are carrying regularly want to pull their pistol to show it to you or try on another holster. So we are extremely strict about that. Another perk over BlueCore, FL's member discount on stuff is 20%, at Bluecore it's 5%. FL has a Ladies DAY. Bluecore has Ladies NIGHT. Beyond any of that no one should simply buy a pistol when they have never shot one. Not overly........ intelligent. Don't buy a car before you learn to drive..... right?

[sroz]

Yep. I CC at the FL all the time. Btw, I've recommended BC to several friends for rifle. Not into knocking anyone down. Just suggesting options.

[sneakerd]

Bluecore has the only indoor 100 yard rifle-range around that I know of. The owner is a true stud. They have a fantastic state-of-the-art filtration system. Good for them. Everyplace has it's niche.

[spleify]

Wow, sorry to hear you had such a bad experience at DCF Guns TheGrey, I was only in there once and it seemed "OK" but that was back in November or December(Cant remember exactly when).

Please let me know if your friends are still looking to get some firearms training or if they would like to take our CCW class and we will take very good care of them I assure you of that.

[wyome]

I've never had an experience like that at DCF, but I'm not there 24x7. Service seemed a lil better before they got so big. Their lanes are great to shoot at, and we never have a problem getting in as non-members.

[TheGrey]

Spleify, I'll be sure to pass that along to my friends. Thank you!

I will definitely be checking out the Firing Line; I've been hearing pretty good things about them. The perks sound good. Unfortunately, we have a few months yet to go on our %%$$#$ contract with DCF.

Ray1970, it sounds like you've got something good.

Many of my friends are down south and some are from east Denver, so I think we'll end up giving Blu Core a pass. We really don't get up north very much.

I've heard there's an outdoor range in Kiowa, but I haven't followed up on anything else as far as what it's called or the cost. Anyone know what I'm talking about?

[sroz]

TheGrey, I think you're referring to Ben Lomond over by Kiowa. A few friends of mine conducted a class down there last weekend? You can google it for info.

[Marine24]

I've been members of both FL and BluCore. I've been pleased with both shops, but distance was always a pain. Ranges were well run and folks behind the counter were very professional and helpful. BluCore has the advantage of the 100 yard rifle range, but you pay for that privilege.

Made my first trip to DCF range on 3 May with a friend. Got there before they opened and no issues and the folks were courteous. I've been there previously when they were busy. If you needed assistance, you had to reach out and touch someone to get it.

I was looking at signing up as a Member, but will make a couple more trips to the range before doing so.

[TheGrey]

Thanks, sroz!

Marine24, I hope you have excellent experiences. Try going to the range when they are busy, and see how their customer service is. It is a nice range, and there are some people working there that are nice. I have no problem reaching out when they're busy- but when they actively avoid looking at you, so they don't even have to acknowledge they hear or see you, I DO have a problem with that. I don't want anyone else to go through the frustrations, embarrasments and insults that I and my friends have gone through there.

[Marine24]

Thanks, sroz!

Marine24, I hope you have excellent experiences. Try going to the range when they are busy, and see how their customer service is. It is a nice range, and there are some people working there that are nice. I have no problem reaching out when they're busy- but when they actively avoid looking at you, so they don't even have to acknowledge they hear or see you, I DO have a problem with that. I don't want anyone else to go through the frustrations, embarrassments and insults that I and my friends have gone through there.

Definitely taking your experiences in to consideration and the reason I'm treading lightly on the membership decision.

[dogbreath650]

FWIW, I've been to DCF several times and and have had good experiences. Of course, if I need anything I'm not bashful about letting the staff know about it...

[DCFGuns]

Customer service is a priority at DCFGuns and issues that arise such as the ones you listed are important to us. I will be sending you a private message with my contact information. I would like the opportunity to address them and ensure any corrections in our staffs actions are corrected immediately. It is not acceptable for our customers to come into our store without be welcomed and acknowledged. It is also not acceptable for our customers to feel as though they are being ignored or provided with less than happy to help you attitudes. We have our membership card maker on site and T-Shirts in stock since we opened in November. They are available for pick up 7 days a week 10-7 and we are always happy to make a new one on the spot for new customers at time of enrollment.

[ChunkyMonkey]

Customer service is a priority at DCFGuns and issues that arise such as the ones you listed are important to us. I will be sending you a private message with my contact information. I would like the opportunity to address them and ensure any corrections in our staffs actions are corrected immediately. It is not acceptable for our customers to come into our store without be welcomed and acknowledged. It is also not acceptable for our customers to feel as though they are being ignored or provided with less than happy to help you attitudes. We have our membership card maker on site and T-Shirts in stock since we opened in November. They are available for pick up 7 days a week 10-7 and we are always happy to make a new one on the spot for new customers at time of enrollment.

I consigned a firearm that was sold at the last tanner. The contract doesn't say anything about 30 days waiting time for a check, but was told by the nice lady, Angela over the phone that it's the waiting time and its in the contract. No big deal, but it'd be nice to know the detail upfront, and perhaps in writing.

Customer service wise, it has been great, I am picking up more mags next time I stop by. Thanks for stopping by the forum!

[sneakerd]

30 days to wait to be paid on a sold consignment? That's crazy.

[DCFGuns]

Sorry for this delay on your consignment, I do believe it had to do with the backlog with background checks. I will check into it for you, usually once ownership has changed hands the person selling the firearm gets paid. Ill make sure to get clarification on this and get back to you with why it took so long.


I consigned a firearm that was sold at the last tanner. The contract doesn't say anything about 30 days waiting time for a check, but was told by the nice lady, Angela over the phone that it's the waiting time and its in the contract. No big deal, but it'd be nice to know the detail upfront, and perhaps in writing.

Customer service wise, it has been great, I am picking up more mags next time I stop by. Thanks for stopping by the forum!

[DCFGuns]

We appreciate the feedback and discussion. Generally payments on consignments are made within two weeks; however, the written contract does state up to 30 days. We have sometimes run into excessive wait times beyond our control for backgrounds or customers who have been placed in delayed status during their background at the show. This then requires them to come down to our store to pick up their firearm once the background is back. With many people attending the show from north Denver it can take them a week or so on top of their delay to make it down to pick up. This is when the time issue normally comes into play which is why we state a maximum of 30 days for payment in our consignment contract. Unfortunately back when backgrounds were taking two weeks this came up more often than not as we do not make payment until the firearm actually transfers. I hope this helps in clarifying any questions as we are consistently looking for ways to improve our service.

[TheGrey]

I will respond to your PM when I have a copy of that letter that was sent to my friend. I have real concerns about the way that was handled.

[kidicarus13]

Subscribed

[DCFGuns]

Please let us know.

[OctopusHighball]

Since the original title of this thread is "Range Report", I will add my experiences on the range at DCF Guns. I have been there several times, and have been impressed enough to purchase a membership. I am fortunate enough to be able to work from home on occasion, and the shop is very convenient to my home, so I am able to go there during "slow" periods (mid-weekdays, early evenings). My experiences at the range have left a strong positive impression upon me, and I will likely continue my membership in the coming years. I have avoided going there during busy times, so I have not experienced a "stressful" day there to see if attitudes and personalities change.

The range officers I have run into have been helpful, friendly, knowledgeable and chatty (if no one else is there and I am game), asking me about my firearms, discussing the finer points, etc. The lanes are well lit all the way down range, the range is clean and the equipment is top notch. I have not walked out of there feeling like I was covered in residue (despite Blu-core's claim to state-of-the-art filtration system, I run into that there).

During membership sign-up, it was made quite clear that if I were doing a monthly membership, there was no cancellation and that my card would be auto-charged... since no one gets the keys to my kingdom (the ability to auto-draft), I paid upfront for the year and did not sign the auto-draft form, and was informed that was OK because I paid annually.

All-in-all, I give the range high marks due to my positive experiences. I knew about the membership issue up front (since I read the material and asked questions) so I was able to make an informed decision in that regard.

As for the shop itself, as can be expected the facility is brand new and nice. Lots of stock, lots of accessories, lots of floor personnel to help out. For the most part, staff is friendly and helpful. I did run into one guy who made me feel as though I was wasting his time, but maybe it was a bad day for both of us, so I can forgive him for that.

I have purchased a firearm there, but will probably not be looking there to purchase any future firearms there. When I bought my glock there, it came with 2 10-round magazines instead of 15 rounders... Didn't know that until I came in to pick it up after the BGC. Sure, I overpaid for the glock but if it had been 15 rounders would have only been by $50 or so and at the time no one had any around. I was looking at another firearm last week (Colt O1991), and it was $100 over Colt's list. I asked if they would sell for list, it was very clear there would be no movement on price. Racks of Pmags available at $60 WAIT now $45 dollars apiece. Factory Glock mags at $40 apiece. Will be interesting to see what happens as July 1st gets closer.

Look, as a businessman, I get it. Demand right now outstrips supply. You have a nice, new, shiny gun store. If you have no stock, folks on forums would get on the bitch bus and say "that shop never has any stock". Raise prices and keep firearms in stock, you will still sell to panic buyers. I guess I was in that last camp for my Glock, and $50 overage was within my "limit". Once I picked up my Glock, well it might be closer to $100 because of the mag issue. That certainly colored my opinion. Asking if the retailer would sell for MSRP and being made to feel stupid, that colored my opinion as well.

So as a consumer, I will exercise my freedom to not buy there in the near future. Someday, this craziness will end. When it does, I suspect that consumer's memory will be short (unfortunately). Maybe someday I will stumble across a deal I can't say no to at DCF, but it will be awhile before it enters my mind to look.

However, I will shoot there all day long.

[ChunkyMonkey]

We appreciate the feedback and discussion. Generally payments on consignments are made within two weeks; however, the written contract does state up to 30 days. We have sometimes run into excessive wait times beyond our control for backgrounds or customers who have been placed in delayed status during their background at the show. This then requires them to come down to our store to pick up their firearm once the background is back. With many people attending the show from north Denver it can take them a week or so on top of their delay to make it down to pick up. This is when the time issue normally comes into play which is why we state a maximum of 30 days for payment in our consignment contract. Unfortunately back when backgrounds were taking two weeks this came up more often than not as we do not make payment until the firearm actually transfers. I hope this helps in clarifying any questions as we are consistently looking for ways to improve our service.

Thanks for the response.

[sneakerd]

I know a Denver metro gun shop where ALL new factory manufactured firearms are sold BELOW MSRP. Just sayin.... Also- that particular gun shop, to the best of my knowledge, has not rec'd any new firearms yet sent with California mags. Yes that includes Glocks.

[ChunkyMonkey]

No offense to your personally... but supporting universal background check stops me from ever purchasing anything from Firing Line. Your boss needs to rethink his position!

[sneakerd]

No one at FL actually supports the Universal BGCs. It was just a big truck coming down the road and there was no point in standing in front of it.