My wife and I took this course together, and it was an awesome experience. Mark brought great energy, made the class fun, and kept everyone engaged the entire time. He's very knowledgeable but explains everything in a way that's easy to understand, no matter your experience level. You can tell he cares about people actually learning--not just getting through the class. We both walked away feeling confident and well-informed. Highly recommend read more

Mr. Briley and His Team epitomize excellence through every step of the process on line registration all the way to event followup. Even if you are not sure (like myself) about Firearms ownership, permits, lessons, and your rights as a Citizen of Virginia, Maryland, District of Columbia or the USA I still strongly recommend you sign up for one of his courses. He is hands down the Best Instructor I have ever listened to, an encyclopedia of knowledge, but humble with a terrific humorous teaching style. No one in the Class wanted to leave when it was completed. Will be enjoying other opportunities from CDI in the very near future. read more

Just finished up my DC renewal for CCW. Mark at Capital Defense is a total professional both classroom teaching and firing range instruction. Anybody needing a firearms class whether for concealed carry or just firearms knowledge should contact Capital Defense for any instruction or practical application to better develop your skills. Finally, on a more personal note Mark is a good man with a keen desire to educate and help his students become better knowledgeable and safe regarding all aspects of firearms usage or training. Trust Capital Defense for any and all firearms training. read more

Very professional and straight forward. Happy to have found them and will take classes in the future.

If I could give Mark 10 stars, I would. He provides so much help and guidance, and of course information on the subject of gun carry and ownership and yes, use. He just really takes care of his audience, to educate them, to help them, and to further their goals. Really amazing and educational experience. read more

Capital Defense Instruction LLC, under the instruction of Mark Briley, was one of the best defense educational courses I have taken in my life. The added service update from USCCA was beneficial as well. Keep up the most excellent work and I will refer a lot of people. David read more

I took the 1-day "Renewal Course for DC Concealed Pistol License and/or Maryland Wear and Carry" in July 2026. I took the full 2- day course for the initial permits 2 years prior. My comments apply to both. Mark Briley (Capital Defense Instruction LLC) and George Lyon (DC Learn to Shoot) did an outstanding job with their tag-team style of instruction. From the beginning, the Capital Defense website for course registration was easy to navigate, and the various classes are offered regularly, making the entire sign-up process a breeze. The classroom instruction was excellent, with both instructors able to offer insights and tips based on their vast personal knowledge and experience. Both were able to deliver a common sense approach to self-defense, going beyond just the required curricula and legal aspects and explain in plain language how to think about various self-defense scenarios. The live-fire range test was equally satisfying, with a flexible scheduling process and Mark providing helpful insights, tips, and encouragement during the actual live fire. I plan to return for my required renewal training in the future. read more

I had a great experience with Mark! He was patient with me, made me feel very comfortable, and was able to give me immediate feedback that translated quickly into results. When I didn't quite understand something, he took time to explain it differently to make sure I was learning (we found a few analogies that really made sense to me.) It was great that he gave me advice and suggestions on drills to do on my own time so I can keep building on what I learned. I would recommend Mark and Capital Defense Instruction to any shooters looking to get more comfortable with their firearms and training. read more

Outstanding class. Thorough, well taught, and it was evident our instructor was knowledgeable. Best instructor led class in a long time. Highly recommend. He covers it all and while not an attorney, he educates you on the law. There is no room for ignorance leaving this class. You were informed! read more

We had a private concealed carry class for our family, and it was an excellent experience. Mark was extremely knowledgeable, thorough, and professional. There was a lot of information covered, but he presented everything in a real-world, practical way that was easy to understand and apply. He took the time to answer all of our questions and made sure everyone felt comfortable and informed throughout the class. You could tell he genuinely cared about safety, responsibility, and making sure we understood not just the laws, but how things work in real-life situations. We all really enjoyed the class and would highly recommend him to anyone looking for quality firearms training. read more

I took the combined DC/MD class over a weekend and Mark and George made the 16 hour course interesting and engaging. Both instructors were very knowledgeable and answered all of our questions. Would highly recommend this course for anyone looking for firearms training... to satisfy carry permit requirements as well as practical shooting training at the range. read more

Mark is a great experienced instructor! Highly Recommend the course. Good knowledge and humor.

Mark Briley was my instructor and on a Tuesday morning, we were a total of 4. He made the class interesting and worthwhile. I thought 4 hours would be a bit ling but the time flew. He instructs but then also provides relevant stories that bring the important points home. I left with a certificate required for both Virginia and Utah, the latter provides a license to carry in 30 states. read more

Once again my fifth time coming all the way from NJ great class great information. Always look forward to training with Mark. He always gives a added bonus with his training. read more

Great Class. Very informative. Mark has great integrity and we loved the class engagement. Expect a full morning of instruction. Mark offers services for the application process. We would recommend this class. read more

Recently took the DC/MD concealed permit class with Mark. I've completed my Virgina/Utah twice with him, along with my wife and won't use anyone else. These classes are a bargain due to the high level of instruction Mark provides. Can't recommend Capital Defense Instruction enough. read more

Capital Defense (Mark Briley) provides excellent instruction for concealed carry and self-defense. I recently took the 16-hour DC/MD CC course after previously taking the Utah/VA course. Mark is entertaining and engaging and I was never board. For the DC/MD course he has a co-instructor, George, who is an attorney in DC and has argued many second amendment rights cases in DC and has helped to change policy. The combination of skills and legal insight is important and gives you the knowledge and confidence needed to carry a firearm. I highly recommend Mark both in the class room and on the range. read more

This is the team to start training or recertification with. Mark and George lean into the self defense mindset from a perspective that keeps you safe, accountable and prepared. Range time is also great, with coaching that can help you work on targeting and presentation while addressing issues. read more

My wife and I attended Marks training and learned a great deal. I have attended many firearm training courses but Marks training far exceeded them all. He is passionate about the training provided and patient with students new to firearm. All around a great and informative experience. Highly recommend! read more

Excellent, quality and thorough instruction... I can't imagine any could be better. Mark is a fine instructor, both friendly and firm. There is a lot to learn in this 4 hour course, but when it's over you feel much more knowledgeable. I am following up with their shooting lessons and would suggest everyone do the same. Quality instruction is invaluable. read more

Mark is an exceptional instructor and a highly skilled marksman. As one of my first instructors during my firearms training, he provided invaluable knowledge and practical guidance that significantly improved my abilities as a gun owner. Mark's humility and commitment to continuous learning make him stand out. I wholeheartedly recommend Capital Defense Instruction for both elective and mandatory firearms education. Safe and accurate shooting is a skill that requires regular practice, and Mark delivers outstanding instruction to help you maintain and enhance that proficiency. read more

Absolutely amazing and informative course. Capital Defense goes over everything you have ever wondered or were curious about. Whether you're new to firearms and have never fired a gun before or have been shooting your whole life and just need the course for CCW application, you're guaranteed to walk away much more informed than before this class. 100% recommend and I can't wait to use Capital Defense for my future training needs! read more

I just went thru my second DC renewal course and range qualification with Mark. The coursework was much more than a refresher and Mark used the range qualification as an opportunity not just to test my shooting accuracy but to refresh my defensive skills. After three excellent experiences, I wouldn't consider going to anyone but Mark. read more

Always a great experience with Mark Briley on the range and in the classroom for concealed carry classes. Mark is a veteran firearms instructor and he can help shooters of all levels improve their shooting. I was a beginning shooter and was very fortunate to take my first firearms training class with him. He taught me how to handle firearms safely, how to stay safe on the range and inspired me to continue to train and develop my confidence and skills. His hands on approach is excellent and great for beginners, advanced shooters and anyone in-between. He teaches concealed carry classes for VA, MD, DC and Utah and I highly recommend Mark and his company, Capital Defense Instruction. read more

I've taken courses from Mark 3 times now, and taken a range lesson with him also. What I like about he and George's classes are that in addition to the deep dives into safety, gun components and legalities, course content is supplemented with videos that depict scenarios that underscore the seriousness of the commitment to be a responsible gun owner. Mark and George are not only well experienced and patient teachers but are genuinely interested in their students being able to understand course content. Marks instruction at the range could disarm even the most nervous student. He is calm, steady, patient and consistent - good qualities to have IMO in that environment. Mark is also a stickler for safety for self, others and range etiquette. I'd recommend him to others in a heartbeat. Even the range staff spoke highly of Mark when I returned for practice on my own. read more

Mark is great. I took the Virginia / Utah permit class, and based on my experience, plan to take the Maryland / DC course as well. He's a gifted teacher: funny, intuitive, organized yet flexible. You'll enjoy your time with him and learn a lot. I hope to take the classes he offers at the range as well as his experience and knowledge is extensive. read more

Highly recommended! I am new to the geographic area and to this area of study and Mr. Briley could not have provided a warmer and more competent welcome to both. Thoroughly prepared and professional, clearly an actual seasoned expert, but also a fun and cool guy. I will look forward to taking more classes with Capital Defense. read more

CDIs courses are informative yet sensitive to each individual's learning pursuits. Having taken at least three of their classes (two with Mark, one with Mark and George) it's apparent that they not only appeal to each learner's specific style, but are careful to teach to each learner's level of comfort - given a sometimes controversial or scary topic. I have shared, and will again share, CDI's website and profile to my professional and personal colleagues as they offer a diverse yet objective course of instruction that any pupil can benefit from - whether for information or certification. read more

I took the multi-state CCW on 01/25/25. Mark was the instructor and did a great job - highly recommended. He is very experienced and engaging throughout the class. I've been carrying for many years and still learned a lot. read more

Super fun and professional. It was a joy this class. Mark is the best Quickest 4 hours of my life! read more

Quality training. Mark was very informative and kept the content interesting. I look forward to using capital defense again in the future!

I absolutely recommend Mark and Capital Defense Instruction! I have taken multiple classes that Mark has taught, most recently I took the UT VA MD conceal carry classes, as well as the DC refresher. Mark's classes are superb, on point, and easily relatable. He provides real examples of the various topics using actual cases found in our local and national news, and encourages discussion of the cases, as well as the outcome. read more

I attended Mark's Utah/Virginia CHP class over the weekend and it was a great experience. His extensive background and qualifications are apparent in all aspects of his class, covering legal, moral, and practical elements of being a responsible conceal carrier. I will be considering his other courses in the future to round out my credentials and further my training. read more

I took the 16-hour concealed carry course for DC and Maryland over a weekend in February of 2024. To be honest, I was dreading spending two full weekend days in a hotel conference room so I could fulfill what I consider to be unreasonable requirements imposed by those jurisdictions. But the class was absolutely fantastic. Mark Briley instructed with impeccable judgment and really talked about having a defensive mindset, not a cowboy mindset. His co-instructor, George Lyon, is a giant in the Second Amendment legal community, and also provided excellent training on the law of self-defense. I will definitely be taking more classes from Mark, and I can't recommend this course highly enough. read more

Eight years ago, I learned about Capital Defense Instruction and had the opportunity to meet Mark and take a class. Since then, I have had lessons and recently another class, and his mastery only increases. His knowledge, expertise, and ability to teach are extraordinary. read more

A model class for responsible gun ownership. Mark packs a great deal into 4 hours. Exceeded my already high expectations!

I just finished the Utah CFP/VA CHP concealed carry course and I was very happy that I took it. Mark Briley was a great instructor who put a lot of time in his class. It was very informative and Mark made it easy to understand even though you are getting a lot of information. The small amount of applicants to teacher ratio was great (4to1). He also has other course that I plan on taking in The future. I would recommend this class to anyone who wants to carry and recommend Mark Briley as instructor in any course. read more

Highly recommend - Long time customer and I have never been disappointed with their training and instruction. They are experts at their craft and they excel at teaching that knowledge to others. read more

This is my second time taking this course and I highly recommend taking it with CDI. The instructor is amazing and the course was super informative. read more

Only place to go to get your concealed carry class to meet both Virginia and Utah requirements. I will be taking private lessons in the near future. Great job Mark! read more