Safety First!

The Handgun Qualification License Course, following the NRA model of total Participant Involvement, is designed to provide a hands-on introduction to the safe handling and proper orientation of pistols for classes of no more than 15 students. This course is at least four hours long and includes classroom instruction and range time learning to shoot a pistol or revolver. Students will learn the rules for safe gun handling, parts and operation; ammunition,shooting fundamentals, cleaning the pistol; and continued opportunities for skill development. Additionally, students will discuss.  Added to the curriculum is additional study  that satisfies the requirements for the Maryland Handgun Qualification License including discussion of Maryland gun law, purchasing and transfer procedures, legal transport, gun roster, and Wear & Carry process.  The course will be offered to the first 10 participants who sign up.  Included in the cost is the use of classroom, eye protection, ear protection, targets, range time, gun rental and 1 box of ammo. A minimum of 4 students is necessary to hold class. This course qualifies participants to apply for a HQL license, necessary to purchase handguns and regulated firearms in Maryland.

Course fee is $150

This is not a beginner course   

 Wear and Carry provides hands on learning opportunities in the following areas: Safe firearm handling, 3 rules, grip, stance, sight alignment, trigger squeeze, Range commands.   The course will quickly progress to:  fundamentals of defensive marksmanship, defensive accuracy, center of mass, natural point of aim, Administrative and tactical reloads, malfunctions and stoppages , movement while shooting, reloading, seeking cover, etc. (discussion only) focus on the target, quick acquisition of the target, muscle memory, strategies for Wear and Carry outside the home, discussion of Maryland gun law, purchasing and transfer procedures, point shoulder shooting at close range, accelerated shots, trigger reset, assessing the area for additional threats, (breaking tunnel vision) and the Standard Course of Fire for Qualification.  Shooting on the range will be chosen from the following: shooting static targets shooting targets as they move at shooter shooting timed drills, point of aim movement drills, timed and untimed. accelerated shooting (controlled pairs).  Required Materials: Handgun : .38, 9mm or larger caliber handgun, minimum 3 magazines or speed loaders, concealment holster, mag pouches or speed load pouches, 200 rounds of ammo, hearing protection, eye protection, long pants, closed toed shoes  Prerequisites : Students must be experienced shooters or have completed  NRA Basic Pistol, NRA FIRST Steps, or equivalent.  A minimum of four students is necessary to hold class.

Course fee is $325 .

• Safety
• Mental Preparation
• Strategies for Home & Personal Safety
• Developing Defensive Shooting Skills
• Firearms, Self Defense and the Law
• Selecting Firearms, ammunition & Accessories
• Defensive Shooting Safety
• Firearms Storage
• Awareness
• Defensive Mindset
• Center of Exposed Mass
• Defensive Accuracy
• Shooting Positions
• Flash Sight Picture
• Point Shooting
• Multiple Shots
• Breaking Tunnel Vision, & Auditory Exclusion
• Multiple Assailants
• Cover vs. Concealment
• Movement
• Reloads
• Malfunctions
• Dry Fire Practice
• Making Yourself Safer
• Making Your Home Safer
• Safe Room
• Confronting an Intruder
• Aftermath of a Shooting
• Selecting a Firearm for Personal Protection
• Selecting Ammunition for Personal Protection
• Purchase, Transfer & Possession of Firearms
• Use of Deadly Force
• Potential Criminal Liability & Civil Actions

Teaches the basic knowledge, skills, and attitude essential to the safe and efficient use of a handgun for protection of self and family, and to provide information on the law-abiding individual's right to self-defense.

This is an eight-hour course. Students should expect to shoot approximately 100 rounds of ammunition. Students will learn basic defensive shooting skills, strategies for home safety and responding to a violent confrontation, firearms and the law, how to choose a handgun for self-defense, and continued opportunities for skill development. Students will receive the NRA Guide to the Basics of Personal Protection In The Home handbook, NRA Gun Safety Rules brochure, the Winchester/NRA Marksmanship Qualification booklet, and course completion certificate.

Course fee is $200