Range profile
Texas Defensive Shooting Academy
The short version
Premier defensive shooting range in Ferris with tactical bays, realistic training scenarios, and professional instruction
The hits
- Exceptional tactical training environment with bays that support drawing from holster, rapid fire, and multiple target engagement
- Unique facilities including a shoot house and 100+ yard range with realistic training scenarios rarely available at public ranges
- Highly responsive and friendly staff who actively engage with students and provide personalized tours of the facility
- Competitive pricing with no artificial time limits, allowing shooters to spend as much time as needed for training
- Regular monthly 3-gun and 2-gun competitions with professional course design and instruction from experienced owner Len Baxley
The misses
- Some facility areas marked as off-limits during certain hours, which can limit access to premium ranges like the 50 and 100-yard rifle ranges
- Outdoor facility that becomes muddy after rain, requiring shooters to bring extra footwear for comfortable access
About Texas Defensive Shooting Academy
Texas Defensive Shooting Academy stands out as one of the most uniquely designed shooting facilities in the country. Located in Ferris, just outside the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex, TDSA combines competitive pricing with professional-grade training environments that cater to serious shooters and law enforcement personnel alike.
The facility excels at providing what most public ranges cannot: realistic training scenarios that prepare shooters for defensive applications. The tactical bays specifically accommodate drawing from a holster, executing rapid-fire sequences, and engaging multiple targets simultaneously. These capabilities address a critical gap in the shooting sports market, where most ranges restrict shooters to traditional bench shooting or static target engagement. Reviewers consistently highlighted this as a major differentiator, with experienced shooters noting they ran complex drills and training routines impossible at standard ranges.
What truly sets TDSA apart is the caliber of instruction and the owner’s personal commitment to the shooting community. Owner Len Baxley actively facilitates training and monthly competitions, hosting both 3-gun and 2-gun matches that are reportedly well-designed and professionally managed. Staff members like Lynn, Len, and Keith receive consistent praise for being genuinely knowledgeable, approachable, and willing to spend time with students. The personal touch is evident in staff members following up with visitors after their range sessions and providing comprehensive facility tours to new shooters.
The pricing structure reflects genuine value. At competitive rates with no artificial time limits, shooters can spend as long as needed to run their training routines. Unlike facilities that charge per-gun or restrict session length, TDSA encourages extended training blocks. This approach attracts serious competitors and those committed to skill development rather than casual shooters looking for a quick range session.
The facility’s unique infrastructure includes a functional shoot house for force-on-force scenarios and tower positions, extending well beyond 100 yards for long-range rifle work. These specialized facilities are virtually nonexistent at most public ranges and represent a significant investment by the business toward serious training applications.
The primary limitation is that certain bays and ranges operate under reservation or access restrictions during specific times. While this is likely necessary for managing competition schedules and ensuring safety, some shooters expressed frustration with limited access during peak hours. Additionally, as an outdoor facility, weather conditions affect usability, with mud accumulation after rain requiring additional footwear.
Overall, Texas Defensive Shooting Academy delivers a professional training environment with pricing that makes advanced facilities accessible. The combination of specialized equipment, knowledgeable staff, competitive opportunities, and the owner’s personal involvement makes it an excellent choice for shooters serious about improvement.