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.

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

The best place to get the hql and other license. So…read moreprofessional, flexible schedule even week day, convenient. Highly recommend this company.

I recently partnered with Michael on a training retreat for myself and a couple of other women…read moreinterested in becoming more proficient with their firearms. I cannot say enough positive things about him! He is HIGHLY knowledgeable, professional, safe and has the most comforting demeanor. I can't wait to work with him again! I feel so blessed and lucky to have found him. If I lived closer I would train with him as often as possible. Highly recommend!

If you're considering firearms training and want something beyond the standard lane-at-the-range…read moreroutine, take a class with Miguel Bosch at Gun Commander. Trust me, you'll walk away sharper, more prepared, and very aware of how little most of us actually know when it comes to handling high-stress situations with a firearm. Miguel's background and credentials are exactly what you should look for in an instructor: deep experience, real-world credentials, and technical mastery. But let's be honest: that doesn't always mean someone can teach. Fortunately, Miguel isn't just knowledgeable, he's passionate about passing it on and actually cares that you're walking away with real, applicable skills (and a few extra reps to make it stick). I recently took his class focused on "shooting under stress", designed for civilians who may need to use a firearm in a defensive situation. We started by getting dialed in on "precision" shooting (shoot the correct number from close distance), getting "warmed up," as Miguel put it. From there, things got interesting: elevated heart rates, movement-based drills, and stress-inducing scenarios (as safe as one can get when bullets are involved) all came into play. It was eye-opening and incredibly well-structured. What stood out most was Miguel's ability to keep the session laser-focused on safety without watering down the challenge. He met every student where they were, novices walked away feeling empowered, and more experienced folks were clearly pushed to improve. By the end, we were mentally worn out but excited to come back for more. Personally, the class revealed some big gaps in my training. I had never practiced shooting from cover, or thought deeply about how to stay safe in a dynamic situation (outside of the paper-target-on-a-bench setup). These aren't just "nice to know" skills, they're the kind that could matter most if the unthinkable ever happens. Bottom line: if you have a firearm and a permit, taking a class like this is not optional, it's responsible. Miguel makes it accessible, challenging, and (yes) even a bit fun along the way. You'll laugh a little, learn a lot, and leave better prepared than you walked in. Highly recommend.

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!

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

Very nice atmosphere very clean and helpful to where you don't feel not sure of what you're looking…read morefor,ask them they will be happy to accommodate you. Stephen

Amazing company and training staff, they are professional, experienced, and have a true passion for…read moresecurity. They deliver high quality and exceptional training. I highly recommend for your security training needs.

Sadly, I am unable to leave a review with 0 stars…read more I attended the 3-night security training course with Security Training Academy and the experience was extremely unprofessional. Within the first portion of the class, the instructor clearly stated that taking pictures of the slides was allowed (no video or audio recording). That guidance directly contradicted what happened on the second night, when an individual who later claimed to be the owner abruptly interrupted the class and aggressively singled me out by name, threatening to remove me for doing exactly what we had been told was permitted. There was no attempt to clarify policy, no professionalism, and no respect shown. The situation escalated unnecessarily and created a hostile learning environment. I deescalated and continued the course, but the damage to the overall experience was already done. To make matters worse, once that individual left, the instructor admitted that we had, in fact, been told photos were allowed and apologized. That inconsistency and lack of leadership speaks volumes. As someone who coordinates trainings for a large security company and was actively evaluating potential providers, I can say this experience alone disqualified this organization from consideration. Consistency, professionalism, and clear communication are basic expectations for any training environment, and this fell short on all three. I would not recommend.

I had the pleasure of taking a class at Trusty Solutions on this past Saturday and I was thoroughly…read moreimpressed! I have been wanting to get licensed to own a gun for a while now but never signed up for a class. I was hesitant about taking a class with mostly men because I am new to this. Trusty training has an all female class called "Pistols and Pearls" this class provides an opportunity for females who are looking for a comfortable atmosphere to thrive and learn. An added bonus to this class is his wife who assist him and is the hostess.. She was extremely warm and hospitable. The class entails in class training, hands on gun handling and ends at the gun range. Once the class is complete he equips you with everything you need to complete the process for owning a gun. Donell is the owner and his passion for helping others be prepared to defend themselves and others is top notch. You will not be disappointed

Incredible staff and informative class... My cohort was…read moresomewhere between 10 - 15 students. Each of us had varying experience with firearms training, knowledge of related laws, and jurisdictional implications. Mr. Trusty and his staff ensure that we all attained a common level of understanding, as well as a common level or proficiency with gun safety, use/handling, and relevant guiding principles and practices. The instruction received was detailed, professional, and delivered in a way that ensured we students retained the learning and could apply it in a practical and deliberate manner. Thank you again Mr. Trusty and staff for your personable, professional, and expert firearms instruction. I will definitely be back for next-level trainings.

class was very quick,informative and fun same day turn around, she communicates very well and…read moreanswered any questions or concerns!!! highly recommend

Great instructor fun wonderful Nd fast easy class very convenient …read more She had everything prepared and ready for action she was very professional and very sweet employees people full time and part time as well