All about DVC Vancouver Gun Range

Facilities and Ranges:

DVC Vancouver Gun Range offers well-equipped indoor facilities designed for a safe and comfortable shooting experience. Key features include:   

• Shooting Lanes: The facility boasts 19 shooting lanes, divided into two main areas: a 13-lane public range and a 6-lane training range.
• Distance: All lanes offer a shooting distance of 17 yards (approximately 15.5 meters) from the firing line to their customized bullet trap.
• Target Retrieval System: They utilize a motorized target return system for convenience and efficiency.   
• Environmental Control: Each range is equipped with its own state-of-the-art HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) air system, ensuring a comfortable environment regardless of the weather.   
• Ammunition Sales: Ammunition is available for purchase on-site, and they stock a wide variety of calibers.
• Rental Firearms: DVC offers an extensive selection of rental firearms, including handguns (from .22LR up to .50AE Desert Eagle), revolvers (from .38 Special to .500 S&W), rifles (Nato 5.56mm/.223 and Soviet 7.62x39mm), and 12-gauge shotguns (birdshot, buckshot, and slugs). This wide selection allows visitors to try various firearm types.  

Services:

DVC Vancouver Gun Range provides a comprehensive range of services catering to both first-time shooters and experienced enthusiasts:   

• Public Access for Unlicensed Shooters: A significant service is allowing individuals without a Canadian Firearms License (PAL/RPAL) to shoot. This is done under strict supervision, with a Range Officer accompanying and guiding all public shooters. A minimum of two people is generally required for public groups, although exceptions may be made for law enforcement, military personnel, or members with valid licenses.   
• "First-Timer" Experience: For those new to shooting, DVC offers a structured five-step process:   
  1. Booking/Walk-in: Individuals or small groups can walk in, while larger groups are encouraged to make reservations.
  2. Signing In: All customers, including minors, must present valid government-issued ID and sign a waiver. Minors (under 19) must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian with proper legal documentation.   
  3. Gun and Target Selection: Staff assist customers in choosing appropriate firearms and targets based on comfort and experience levels.   
  4. Safety Briefing: An assigned instructor provides a thorough safety briefing, covering range rules and firearm operation.
  5. Shooting: Under direct supervision, customers can begin shooting, with the instructor providing guidance, tips, and ensuring safety protocols are followed.   
• Firearm Rentals: A wide array of handguns, rifles, and shotguns are available for rent, making it accessible for those who don't own firearms.   
• Ammunition and Safety Gear: Ammunition is purchased on-site, and essential safety gear like eye and ear protection is provided.
• Memberships: DVC offers various membership tiers for regular shooters:   
  • Full Membership: Provides club membership, access to member-only hours, free access during public hours, ammunition price discounts, and access to all rental firearms.   
  • Member Hours Membership: Grants club membership, access to member-only hours, ammunition price discounts, and access to rental firearms, but daily admission fees apply during public hours.
  • ATT Membership: A basic club membership that does not include range access, ammunition discounts, or access to rental firearms. This is typically for those seeking club affiliation for their own Authorization to Transport (ATT).
  • Add-ons for spouses/partners and children are available for most memberships.
• Training and Courses: DVC provides practical training in their classrooms and specialized range time. They are certified to teach the PAL (Possession and Acquisition License) course, which is essential for obtaining a firearms license in Canada. They also offer basic to advanced tactical training, use of force courses, and even movie training and prop rentals for the film industry.   
• Corporate and Group Events: They accommodate group bookings and corporate events, offering a unique activity for team building or social gatherings.   

Rules and Regulations:

DVC emphasizes strict safety protocols:

• Firearm Transportation: All firearms must be in a secure, unloaded case when entering and exiting the building and declared to staff upon sign-in.   
• Muzzle Direction: Muzzle must always be pointed downrange at the shooter's target within their lane.   
• Loaded Firearms: Loaded firearms are not allowed on benches; if resting, firearms must be unloaded with the action locked open.   
• Target Placement: Targets must be stapled halfway down the cardboard backer, not hung by clips. Minimum target distance is 5 yards.
• Lane Changes: Shooters cannot change lanes without staff authorization.   
• Cleanliness: Shooters are expected to clean their shooting bench and stall, sweep brass forward, and dispose of garbage.  
• Reporting Damage: Any damage to range property must be reported immediately.
• Holstering: Holstering firearms is not permitted.
• Zero Tolerance: A strict zero-tolerance policy for drugs and alcohol is enforced.   
• Rifle Caliber Restrictions: Only 5.56mm/.223 and 7.62x39mm rifle calibers are authorized, and these are for members bringing their own firearms; other rifle calibers require staff approval. Non-members using DVC firearms can shoot these rifle calibers.
• Ammunition Restrictions: Centerfire rifle cartridges (with some exceptions for members), steel shotgun ammunition, and steel-core/military ammunition are generally not permitted. FMJ (Full Metal Jacket) cartridges are allowed if they do not contain steel.   
• Age Requirements: Minimum age is 10 years old, always accompanied by a parent or legal guardian with proper identification.   
• Time Limits: During busy periods, staff may enforce a 1-hour time limit on lanes.   

DVC Vancouver Gun Range aims to provide a safe, educational, and exciting shooting experience for a diverse clientele, from first-timers to experienced licensed shooters.