I assess indoor gun ranges on a few points:
1.) Ventilation: it's been said that from a ventilation perspective, an indoor range is essentially a walk-in industrial fume hood with the firing line being the "sash". As such, a properly ventilated range will draw combustion related contaminants away from you, keeping your lungs and visibility clear. DA is above average; often you may actually get cold in the long gun range due to the air flow. Wear a hoodie if you're prone to getting cold quickly.
2.) Functionality: I should be able to shoot both long guns and handguns, and DA doesn't disappoint. In fact, they're the closest in the metro Detroit area that has a range over 25yards in length. There are several classes available, and there are adequate staging, waiting, and cleaning areas. They're open later than their nearest competition (Target Sports).
3.) Capacity: Wait times are minimal due to proper number of lanes for average patronage; parking is readily available due to the extra lot space in back. The long gun range will sometimes reach capacity on Fridays and before the hunting season, and you'll have an average wait of 15-20 minutes. If you're only there to shoot pistols, take advantage of their handgun range- it's rarely ever at capacity, and more often than not you'll have the place to yourself.
4.) Staff: All I require from staff is that they are knowledgeable, helpful, courteous and consistent. Unfortunately, DA staff is completely inconsistent- though they always have enough staff on hand, you may have to wait until one acknowledges you, and the flack they receive about their attitudes is warranted.
5.) Value: Range time is consistent with local pricing, and ammo can be brought in. Stock up elsewhere or be prepared to pay through the nose.
People knock this place for the staff rudeness, racism, bigotry, whathaveyou. It's warranted, though about 90% of the time you go there you won't experience it. The easiest way to deal with it is to simply get in and get out- let them inspect your gun & ammo, abide by their rules, enjoy the range, and leave. Sure, it would be great to have a candid conversation with your local range employee and NOT feel like they're about to jump down your throat or say something that makes you cry for humanity; but, when you get right down to it, if you're not here for social hour, you can get in and shoot without having to say more than a few words to the employees.
A female perspective:
I have never been berated or talked down to this range, unlike others in the area. As someone who occasionally gets mistaken for a 12 yr old girl, I find this refreshing and comforting. This is the gun range I bring new female shooters to, and the only one I encouraged my new-shooter mom to go to. read more