MD HQL Training

1.2 mi

A fine orator once boldly proclaimed, "And I keep a baby glock, I ain't fightin' with no random…read more Period!" Ok, ok. It's just a City Girl lyric. And no, I don't plan to walk around with a gun in my purse (Maryland state gun laws prohibit that anyway), but I have been wanting to learn how to properly use a gun and to get my handgun license. I had only been to the gun range once and I remember not being fully prepared to handle the recoil. I found Prolific Operations through Instagram and realized it is a Black-owned business, led by two men with more than a decade each of firearms experience. I emailed a few questions that I had about what the class covers and COVID-related safety protocols and received really prompt (and reassuring!) responses. Registration was very simple and the class started promptly the day of. There were several bottles of hand sanitizer, everyone stayed spaced out, and the instructional guns were disinfected between students. The class was super informative and safety rules were constantly reinforced. We all drove to a gun range about 15 minutes away where we were able to use the knowledge we obtained in the classroom. Even as a petite woman with long acrylic nails, I was confident in holding and firing the gun because of how well we were taught to hold the gun. I highly recommend Prolific Operations if you want to obtain your HQL and familiarize yourself with how to properly operate a firearm. They are professional, great instructors, and still manage to be safe during this pandemic. Besides, the world is crazy and it's important to be able to protect yourself and know what you're doing!

Great class! Very proffessional and detailed training. The instructors all knew key details the…read morestudents had about hand guns (laws, use and transporation of weapons). The time at the gun range was very helpful and gave me experience with guns.

Pro Ops' Instagram Page..Check us out!

The Pro Ops Team

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Berwyn Rod & Gun Club

4.5

(2 reviews)

2.6 mi

One of the few private gun clubs in the anti-gun state of Maryland. Berwyn is a wonderful place to…read morego and practice marksmanship. They have a lot of members from all walks of life, from hunters to law enforcement, casual target shooters to dedicated competitors. Despite recent pressures from Maryland legislation, Berwyn's membership remains strong and may even be growing larger as one of the few venues people can use for their hobby or career. The range itself is set in the woods of rural Bowie. Admittedly, it looks more like a Boy Scouts camp than a major high-tech range, but that's part of its charm. They have three "no sky" ranges, meaning there are baffles set to block any stray bullets that do not head down the range. A 50 foot, a 50 yard, and a 100 yard allow people to use whatever they need for their chosen firearms. As an outdoor range, you can expect to deal with weather and climate as well as insect life. I always check the forecast before deciding to head out there. As a private range, this is not accessible to the general public. To gain access you must send an e-mail asking about membership. Within a month, you will know if you are approved to join (I've never known anyone to be turned down). After that, you have access to the range, but must remember to follow all range rules, including proper safety, avoiding damage to the range, and cleaning up after yourself. If you're into firearms, for anything from hunting to marksmanship, and looking for a good range in the Prince George's and Arundel area, then I recommend looking into this place. Go to their website and check them out!

Friendly Club with a nicely updated Clubhouse - Ranges include; 100 Yard, 50 Yard, and 50 Foot, as…read morewell as archery and fishing trips too - A safe Jr's program for kids, DNR Hunter Safety, a special ladies event called Tea & Targets, et al - For info about the Club call and leave a message or check the website - I've never met a nicer bunch of folks.

100-yard range

40-yard archery range

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BGRC sign

The Training Point

4.6

(10 reviews)

10.4 mi

An excellent school with a very professional staff and good prices to match. I'm glad I found this…read moreschool to continue my education in armed security.

Brian is an amazing instructor!!! Will definitely recommend to anyone or any company!read more

BATON, HANDCUFFING, OC PRAY. SECURITY PERSONNEL

Security officer trainees taking the MEB (Monadnock Expandable Baton) course.

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UPCOMING HQL CLASSES

Legally Protected Safety & Firearms Training

1.3 mi

Instructor K and the entire staff are the most professional, courteous, caring and supportive…read morepeople that I've encountered thus far in the industry! She took my doubts and fears right away and now I feel safer, like I can protect my family properly and legally! I can't wait for my next chapters increasing my self defense skills and bringing my family along too!

My boyfriend found instructor K on Instagram. We were looking for a good conceal carry class in…read moreMaryland. K and her team were amazing taking us step by step providing information about laws and proper use of a gun. She made me feel very comfortable . Highly recommend taking the class with her!

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Prince George's County Trap & Skeet Center

4.5

(79 reviews)

5.3 mi

Had a really great time at the range today! We did the safety class before we started with the…read moregoat, and he was very informative! I would highly recommend this place for anyone looking into shoot trap!

Had a group lesson with Rick, and he was phenomenal. Great, knowledgeable and fun teacher, highly…read morerecommend!

Almost always a fire burning in the clubhouse in the winter. Nice!!

We took home 1st place (4 out of 5 years) in the Union Sportsmen's Alliance skeet shoot competition.

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A cone on top of the house indicates that the field is closed.

Apex Pistol Training

8.2 mi

Went in for my HQL and it was super convenient and a breeze! Francisco was very personable and made…read moreit a fun experience.

I was here for my 8 hour ccw renewal training. Francisco was…read morevery informative. Great learning experience.

We love meeting awesome people and fellow gun owners

Concealed Carry class

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NRA BASIC CCW COURSE

MDTTactics Training Group

4.2

(15 reviews)

7.1 mi

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

Stop the bleeding training. This course is combine with our AVERT course

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Green Firearm Training

6.5 mi

I agree. I used Andrew's services over 5 years ago and he was fantastic! Very professional,…read moreeducational and personable. Will utilize his services soon.

Amazing teacher & team. Very professional & friendly. Left the class with a lot more knowledge that…read morebefore.

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Any Means Defense And Training

(2 reviews)

9.0 mi

This was my first class. James created a safe interactive environment…read more I was scared after my first shot however, he made it fun and engaging. I felt like a kid in a candy store.

Great class. Very informative and detailed. Mr. C made sure to be detailed and illustrative with…read morehis presentation and demonstrations. He also takes the time to answer every question.

First time

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MD Arsenal

(4 reviews)

65.9 mi

Walked in and was greeted by the awesome staff. It's a fun range with some awesome rentals that are…read moregoing to make you want to spend a lot of money. Huge shout out to the staff behind the counter that clarified the trusts for me. Gotta get some more lanes in there though if yall are going to stay this great!!!

Excellent service friendly professional staff, excellent indoor shooting range…read moreGood inventory

MD Arsenal Logo

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Children Of America Bowie

3.5

(41 reviews)

1.0 mi

In response to the owner's reply: it seems this company always has an excuse for the way COA…read moreChildcare is run. The director was fully aware of what was happening--that's the most troubling part. Even with cameras in place, it's clear the higher-ups aren't reviewing them, or else they would have seen multiple incidents: a teacher left alone with seven infants, and even a school-age child placed in the infant classroom. These are not minor mistakes--these are serious violations. It's no surprise that parents are withdrawing their children for reasons just like this. I personally know several parents who are urgently looking for new childcare to get their children out of this center. How this place continues to operate while violating so many rules is beyond me. Parents, please be aware--this company shows a disturbing lack of accountability. Their response is nothing more than excuses piled on top of excuses, as if we don't have the ability to screen-record or screenshot proof directly from the cameras.

The reviews for this center are extremely misleading and appear to come largely from friends or…read moreassociates of the staff. My child no longer attends this daycare, and I'm writing not only from my own experience but also on behalf of parents I personally know who are actively searching for new childcare because they are trying to remove their infants from this facility. I genuinely do not understand how this center is still operating. Staff turnover is constant, and it's not hard to see why. Employees are treated poorly, and I have never encountered a daycare that does not allow staff to leave the building at all during their lunch breaks. Expecting employees to remain inside all day without fresh air or a real break is unreasonable and contributes directly to burnout and high turnover. Another major concern is supervision. There have been instances where a school bus driver was watching infants, despite not being a certified classroom teacher. That alone should raise serious red flags for any parent. Illness is also a recurring issue. Children are frequently sick, and it's clear why toys are not properly cleaned. They are simply put away and reused the next day. When concerns are raised, parents are met with nothing but excuses and deflection rather than accountability. This center puts on a polished front when it's time to enroll new families, but once you're in, the reality is very different. The fact that they continue enrolling children despite being severely understaffed speaks volumes. It is evident that profit is being prioritized over safety, staffing, and basic care standards. Let's not mention the treatment of the kids. Being left to cry in their cribs and you can't really blame all of the teachers there are maybe two good ones! But when they are overwhelmed and have way too many infants it's only but so much they can do. The staff to child ratio is never right which is a complete violation! I have also had former employees confide in me about the treatment they experienced while working here, which only further confirmed my concerns. At the end of the day, all I can say is this: don't let the reviews or the director fool you. What you're promised is not what you get. Unfortunately, many parents don't realize this until they've already enrolled. I'm already expecting a response filled with excuses and a complete lack of accountability, because that is the pattern here. This is exactly how concerns are handled nothing ever gets fixed. Parents are met with excuse after excuse, denial, and deflection instead of real solutions or meaningful change! This also appears to be a broader pattern across multiple Children of America locations, not just this one. When the focus becomes how many children can be enrolled rather than staffing appropriately, maintaining safety standards, and having a genuine interest in the well-being of the children, these issues are bound to happen. Unfortunately, that seems to be exactly what's going on here! Everything feels like a front for parents. The director is known for minimizing concerns, downplaying serious issues, and attempting to "smooth things over" to save face rather than actually addressing the root of the problems. Safety concerns are brushed aside, staffing shortages are normalized, and accountability is avoided all in the name of maintaining enrollment numbers.

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Gabina Learning Center

4.3

(24 reviews)

4.7 mi

I am truly grateful for the care and dedication shown by the staff at my son's school. The teachers…read moreand team are attentive, patient, and genuinely invested in the children's well-being and development. As a parent, it gives me great peace of mind knowing my child is in a safe, nurturing, and supportive environment. Communication is always thoughtful, and the staff consistently goes above and beyond to ensure the children feel comfortable and cared for. Thank you for all that you do every day. Your hard work and commitment do not go unnoticed.

This is a great place to bring your kids for care. My twins have been coming here ever since the…read morewere less than 1year, now they are almost 3years old.

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Guidepost Montessori at Gambrills

4.1

(14 reviews)

6.2 mi

We have been *beyond* pleased with Guidepost Montessori! The staff are all loving and welcoming,…read moreand we feel our daughter is safe in their care. On the occasional morning when our toddler decides she does NOT want to go to school that day, I can usually hear her tears turn to laughter before I even leave the building. Separation anxiety is normal in small children, and the guides at Guidepost know what they're doing! We enjoy their frequent, clear communication as well as their hours, campus equipment, and the various specialty activities that they offer such as a yearly Saturday pool party or pajama days. If you're in the market for a daycare or preschool that will teach your child(ren) REAL life skills such as cleaning up after themselves as well as subjects such as math, science, and reading, Guidepost is the school for you.

Being in the military, we have moved around a lot and have experienced many different childcare…read morecenters. Guidepost BY FAR has been the best experience. I had 2 children enrolled for the past 2 years and have been blessed to interact with all the staff in the different programs from Nido to Childrens House. They are all absolutely wonderful, especially the Director Caroline and the Assistant Director Liza. Staff go out of their way to assist with difficult transitions and they even show up to birthday parties when invited! I was a sceptic of the Montessori based curriculum but after seeing my kids make huge progress, love learning and teaching us things they learned, and really THRIVE, I am an avid believer. This place is more than a childcare center, this is an extension of family/friends that I truly trust to care for my children. It has been an amazing experience.

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The Haynes Academy

4.3

(4 reviews)

6.5 mi

My daughter really enjoys going to Haynes Academy. She gets up every day asking am I going to…read moreschool today. I am pleased to know that she enjoys going. She has been going to the daycare as a drop in when she was an infant and started attending daily when she was 1. She is now 3 and knows everyone's name, kids, and teachers. All the children know her name. When I go pick her up, the children say your mommy is here. The daycare is like a little family. The daycare is not just a daycare. The academy helps me continue with teaching my daughter the basics. My daughter knows how to spell her name because the 2 year old class. When we go over letters at home she will say different classmates name that begin with the letters. She sings along with the class and continues when she gets in the car to do home. I'm glad I can trust the daycare team with my toddler.

Most of the workers are really nice and your child will probably be happy here…read more Room for improvement: They have a huge problem with lack of communication. On several occasions they have closed with no/short notice on non-holidays leaving parents scrambling for care & paying twice - once to Haynes and again for emergency care. The only notice they might provide is a small notice on the wall among a lot of other postings. You will have to pay for daycare or lose money when they close on non holidays, which is becoming more frequent. They do have a monthly newsletter (that usually comes out about 10 to 14 days into the month) but other than that, they do not have a real time means of providing timely information to parents. They do not have a website, social media presence or email list for parent information. They will not provide any kind of regular feedback regarding how your child is doing or how your child is progressing, even though parents have requested it. Your child may learn a little when he moves to an older class but he stagnates during the school year because younger children are moved into his class & the class goes back to the material for the younger children instead of taking steps to ensure the older children in the class continue to progress. They seem to be overcrowded. The before and after care and the drop ins seem to take their numbers to more than they can handle. Stop by in the mornings and you will see children of all ages - 2 through school age - mixing together in a chaotic environment with minimal supervision or in the evenings they may be watching TV on a screen the size of a 20 inch computer screen. Some classes share a room separated by a few blocks. It is a lot of children in a small space. The friendliness and kindness of the staff & the way they teach the other children to be friendly towards each other & greet each other warmly mean that your child will enjoy this place but as a parent, the failure to regularly communicate might leave you frustrated, as a general matter & with concerns that your child is not being taught to his potential because of the lack of communication and feedback & the failure/inability to manage the progress of each child as younger children enter the classes.

Come visit us at The Haynes Academy: Largo Park, today!

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Bowie KinderCare

3.8

(6 reviews)

2.3 mi

my son has been going to KinderCare in Bowie for over three years, and it's been great. my son has…read morebeen going there since he was an infant. This one of the few places that would accept him at that early age. The teachers there do it all! Prepare meals, supervise the children in the morning, do minor repairs, drive the bus to pick up / drop off students at local schools, etc. my son had some specific needs and each teacher and Director was more than accommodating. That took a large weight off my shoulders. I really like the photos sent to the private portal everyday. This way I can get an idea of what is happening during the day. We have photos that go back 3 years...love that. I've met just about every teacher there and I have no issues. if I have a question I can ask them in person or email them. emails do not get ignored....they are responded to quickly. The extra activities they have for the children are wonderful too. My son loves his teachers...all of them. Thank you all for doing what you do!

My son has attended KinderCare Bowie for four years and my daughter for two. The director is…read morewonderful - he truly cares about the children and their families. The center has listened to and responded to our feedback over the years. The teaching staff is engaging and our kids have grown and blossomed under their care. The staff feel like family and partners in our kids care.

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MD HQL Training - firearmtraining - Updated August 2026

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MDTTactics Training Group

4.2

(15 reviews)

Boom Boom Firearms Training

4.1

(22 reviews)

Great job! Boom Boom I guess you could say I'm a loyalist. They are efficient, and I learned so…read moremuch! I look forward to taking more glasses and getting better at this new hobby!

I attended an HQL training in February 2026. It was pretty disorganized possibly due to having to…read moremanage extra students after the big snow storm. However, the instructor was just plain irritable and addressed the training group that if anyone had a bad attitude to please leave and that once they went upstairs to set up, they weren't coming back down to let in students who had not arrived from range to the classroom - rather inappropriate to say to paying customers. After arriving at 7am on a Sunday morning to a range that was closed. There was no cohesiveness, no proper introduction, no signage to direct folks where to go. I could go on and on. It accomplished the job of getting a training certification but I can't say the training was the best. Maybe it was a fluke what I experienced, but FYSA.

Barnes 1st Step Firearms Training

Cedric is a professional and has an engaging way of teaching. He made sure that I learned the…read morefundamentals, proper procedures, and, of course, safety. He was patient when I needed help and made sure I got it right. After my desk course training, I felt confident of my shooting at the range. I can't recommend him enough.

Barnes 1st Step is excellent. Having received a fair amount of firearms and marksmanship training…read morein the past, I can say Cedric Barnes ranks in the top for creating training that is both relevant and realistic to those interested in defensive carry. He also provides solid tips and coaching on fundamentals designed to improve overall proficiency. I highly recommend him.

National Firearm Safety Agency

(1 review)

recently completed a CCW (Concealed Carry Weapon) class with Mr. White as the instructor, and I…read morecan't recommend it highly enough! From start to finish, the experience was incredibly valuable and exceeded my expectations. Mr. White is an exceptional trainer. He's not only relatable and engaging but also incredibly informative. He has a gift for breaking down complex information into easily digestible pieces, making it simple to grasp even for those new to firearms. I walked away from the class feeling like I'd learned a ton of practical information that will genuinely help me with responsible firearm ownership and personal safety. The range day was particularly impressive. Mr. White went above and beyond to ensure everyone felt comfortable and confident. His guidance and preparation made the actual qualifier test far less stressful than I anticipated. It was clear he genuinely cared about our success and safety. If you're considering a CCW class, do yourself a favor and sign up with Mr. White. You won't be disappointed!

Lead Through The Cross Safety

(16 reviews)

Excellent course, the instructors were great as well. They really care about the knowledge and…read moreshowed us the proper ways to handle fire arms.

Very informative, educational, and engaging teaching. I've been in multiple classes that they offer…read moreand each time I've enjoyed myself and learned something. I've been around things that go pew for a few years and still came out learning something and improving. Jon and his team are retired/active law enforcement, so you're getting wisdom from those who use it. I strongly recommend you go to them for your educational needs regarding things that go pew.

Virginia Gun Safety

4.0

(4 reviews)

•$$

Never, ever do business with this company if you want to purchase a firearm. I waited for over a…read moreyear for a revolver only to find out that they cannot get it for me. Lots of excuses. Currently, I have been waiting for weeks to get my deposit refunded. Each time I ask about it, I get a different 'story' about why my deposit was not returned. First, I heard about Home Depot (?). Then, I heard about PayPal and a check being cut. To date, I have not got my refund back. The next step for me? Small Claims Court. You betcha!

I took a safety class with VGS. It was very affordable since it came with the use of their…read moreequipment and an hour at a range. Because I was a total neophyte, they had an instructor help me one-on-one the whole time and I definitely improved and learned what preferences I have. They take the safety aspect very seriously and admonished me several times for not following the sequence or putting my finger on a trigger when not ready to fire. When you hear about all of these accidents, you realize if you do the steps the way you are supposed to do, it is impossible to have an accident. It takes the fear away and makes you more comfortable in learning this sport.

Elite Investigation & Protection Agency

4.0

(13 reviews)

I don't recommend this establishment to anyone they are totally rip-off and scam . I been as armed…read moresecurity officer since fifteen years and always pass . Never pay them by cash use credit cards payment. Whoever pay as cash or Apple Pay Cash app Zelle they fail them . Instructions are rude and racist & treat you like kid . They pass people who never hold gun in there hand . This place is open for making money even one of the instructor told me we pay too much rent $5000 a month .All this good reviews in google & yelps written by there own staff because all these positive reviews names looks very familiar because I was there in there class . Good Luck

As you see Jacob P review below . Same as me I wouldn't recommend this school to anyone to my worse…read moreenemy. They took almost $900 from me for nothing. If i went to other schools it will worth it & I will successfully completed my all licenses. In my 16 year experience I never have to go back to school because they purposely want me to fail me so they can make more money. I made a mistake paying them by as Apple Pay . Whoever in class students paid by credit card they pass them. Not only that one of the student was fail & they gave him a favor & pass him right front of me .There is so many certified DCJS schools are in springfield or Tyson corner areas with excellent instructor with experience. . Void scam

The Training Point

4.6

(10 reviews)

An excellent school with a very professional staff and good prices to match. I'm glad I found this…read moreschool to continue my education in armed security.

Brian is an amazing instructor!!! Will definitely recommend to anyone or any company!read more

Beltway Driving Academy

3.6

(23 reviews)

If you're looking for a driver instructor who truly cares about his students, I couldn't recommend…read moreMr. Holt enough! He definitely makes driving feel less intimidating and more comfortable behind the wheel. You can genuinely tell he wants his students to succeed. So grateful I got to learn from him. He's an amazing instructor and an even better person!!

Great place to do your driving school the teachers make it incredible easy to participate and…read moreunderstand what you need Mr.Ed Bentley made it incredible fun

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