I'm active duty and these guys are 100% LEGIT you'll learn exclusive things that nobody else will…read moreteach you 1000% recommend!

Let me start by pointing out that I'm in Gaithersburg, which is in Montgomery County…read more I had been meaning to get my HQL for several months but I wanted to do the appropriate research beforehand. I noticed that there were many programs in my vicinity but the prices varied and it seemed as though they were just doing the HQL course as a side hustle. When I came across John's site and his videos, I just got a great vibe that he was a stand up guy and is truly in it to instruct and focus on the important thing: SAFETY! I had reached out to a local company and it took them over a week to get back in touch with me. I was very impressed with the quick response I received from Susan at Fortress Training. I was also somewhat overwhelmed knowing that there were multiple "stops" to make to finally apply for the permit. It really put my mind at ease knowing that everything I needed to do could be taken care of at one place and all at the same time. I took a 9am Saturday morning course in Ellicott City at a local establishment. It was about a 45 minute drive but it was absolutely worth the drive. The course was a lot of fun and everyone I interacted with from Fortress Training had a great sense of humor, so it calmed my nerves (having never fired a handgun before). John introduced himself at the beginning and stuck around for the first half but Dean was our "official" instructor. Both of them had a wealth of knowledge and offered up advice if anyone asked. I really liked that they gave an in depth explanation of MD gun laws, so we left with some excellent and practical information. They were very patient with each student that had questions and their honesty was appreciated. It was also nice to know that they weren't trying to sell me anything. They had several options for things they offered ie small fee for filling out the HQL permit for us, fingerprinting on site (which has to be done before applying for the permit regardless) but you could tell that they didn't NEED our money. I just wish everybody conducted their business this way. Susan was extremely organized and was sharp as a tack with all the forms and paperwork. It was a totally streamlined process and I'm glad I didn't have to run around town putting together everything needed just to be able to apply for the permit. I look forward to taking another course in the future. These guys are the way to go, especially since they're locals and have been around for a while.

Had a great time learning about gun safety here! Highly recommend! John was entertaining and…read moreengaged with us the whole time!

If something makes you uncomfortable or you lack a skill, i believe you should step into it and…read morelearn as much as you can. My husband and I took our HQL certification class with Master Arms & Tactical. It was fun and relatable! Instructors are very informative and take time to answer questions. Plus, they are super patient! The class held a mix of students from every background and skill level, which made it feel super inclusive. They walk you through the MD Gun Laws. They teach you what firearms are and aren't. There is a practical session to just get familiar with holding a gun if you haven't done that before. They instruct you on the mechanics of shooting, with stance, sight, breath and firing. Then you get to shoot a hand gun. It is inside the classroom with a crayon shot...which was nice because it wasn't too loud. They must be pretty good because I hit the target square on my first try!...and I've never fired a handgun before! I would recommend Master Arms & Tactical if you need your HQL class or if you are just trying to understand something you don't have a skill in!

Sends an email to total strangers calling them moron for replying to all without BCC in response to…read morea fake paypal phish who's the moron? the email was: Moron! You didn't even know to use bcc or fake address. Gene Belotserkovsky Maryland Gun Training Center, LLC. Executive Vice President NRA Certified Pistol / Rifle / Shotgun / Personal Protection Inside & Outside Home Instructor Maryland State Licensed Handgun Instructor Voice: (410) 429-0486 Fax: (410) 517-2243 Review us on Yelp https://www.yelp.com/biz/maryland-gun-training-center-marriottsville ----- Original message ----- From: Paypal Billing paypalbilling472929@gmail.com

I recently completed the MD CCW class. I thought the class was well thought out. Mr. Barnes is an…read moreexcellent instructor. He is patient and lead the class on various discussions. The facilities for training are top notch. I would recommend if you take this class to bring lunch and drinks as the location is a bit far from fast food locations. Definitely a great class and instructor. I would highly recommend MD Gun Training Center.

I cannot say enough about Instructor K and her team, Rashard and Smitty. My experience was…read morethoroughly positive! The team was immediately welcoming and extremely accommodating. The team worked cohesively and presented the course content expertly and patiently until understanding was achieved. Legally Protected perfectly balances a fun, energized atmosphere with the very serious business of firearms legal and safety education. I intend to continue my training with K and her team at Legally Protected. I can confidently recommend it to anyone!

Helpful, fun, informative. Made training and process no hassle. I can't recommend them enough.read more

I paid MDT $150 via Zelle in May 2025 for a firearms cleaning and safety training session before…read moredeploying overseas. The trainer canceled the morning of the appointment due to a family emergency and promised to reschedule. He never contacted me again, and the office also stopped responding. I reached out multiple times to set a new date or request a refund--no reply, no service, and no refund. I have since reported this to the BBB, Zelle, and my military chain. Very unprofessional and disappointing. I have all receipts and documentation.

I took the class, and needed to do the shooting over again as I did not meet the qualifications per…read moreNRA Rules and however that's not the requirement in MD... IT'S that you have to had discharged a firearm and which I did. I reached out to his office about this and crickets. Waste of my time and money

I came to Drew with zero experience, a desire to pick up skills as quickly as possible, and a…read moredifficult schedule. He is an absolutely amazing teacher--gun expertise is a given (he has it across the board), but patience and flexibility aren't--and he has those as well, in spades. In a matter of weeks I went from not being able to hold a gun (and being pretty frightened on the range) to developing solid fundamentals and leaving with much greater comfort with both the gun itself and the range. He is the best teacher for beginners (and probably fo more advanced shooters as well); I would highly recommend him to anyone, especially for private instruction!

Let's start by explaining that before going to the range with Drew I had an unnatural fear of guns…read more Drew was so patient and was able to put me at ease. Drew stressed safety and respect for the firearms and the rules of the range. In the end a I was able to shoot a few 9mm and a few rifles. All my fear is conquered and I can't wait to do it again!

I love shooting but it's an extremely expensive hobby. You cannot get around it, and all you can do…read moreis find a place that is well maintained, that makes you feel safe and operates seamlessly! Well, Cindy's Hot Shots is the place! My friend who strives to become more proficient with her Sig .380, scheduled a range date and I was thoroughly impressed with Cindy's. There was a small wait, but just like at restaurants, they took her cell number and texted her when they were ready for us. As far as the indoor ranges go that I've patronized in the past, this one is state of the art. Very easy to change target distances, which made our shooting experience the best it could be. Cindy's sells everthing from firearms to gun oil. Definitely a one stop shop! I look forwad to our next range date as long as it's to Cindy's!!

I purchased a P365 .380 Rose Sig Sauer (girly, but will still put in that work!) two years ago, and…read moresince then, I have fell in love with the gun range. My big bro was my instructor that taught me all about proper fire arm safety and handling. Since I have had my license, I try to frequent the range as much as I can. Cindy's is clean and quite large. The staff are professional and helpful. They sell everything from ammo, various firearms, etc. On the weekends, they can be very busy; however, if you're a member, you can call beforehand and get on the waiting list. Definitely my go-to range and I'll continue patronizing as long as service remains the same!

Great experience. His training focuses not just on conceal carry and protecting yourself. But…read moreunderstanding the consequences of using a firearm to protect yourself. Understanding that the use of deadly force whether justified or not will come with challenges regardless of whether you were right or wrong. Reminding students that you are responsible for where that ammunition lands, ex: inadvertently hitting an innocent person. It's a reminder that the right to carry and the use of deadly force should not be taken lightly. I think this is a key point. I found his class to be through and you can tell he takes his job seriously.