This 4-hour course provides the foundation for all future pistol training and fulfills the training requirements to apply for a Maryland Handgun Qualification License (HQL).

Students will learn:

• Firearm safety and safe gun handling

• Loading, unloading, clearing malfunctions, and basic operation

• Proper grip, stance, and fundamentals of accurate shooting

• Common mistakes and developing a responsible firearm safety mindset

This course expands beyond Maryland’s minimum requirements and covers:

• Selecting the right firearm based on purpose and intended use

• Proper care, cleaning, and maintenance of your firearm

Maryland-required topics include:

• Overview of Maryland firearm laws, purchasing and transfer process, and transportation rules

• Who may possess firearms, carry permit requirements, and use-of-force laws

• Home firearm safety, including safe storage, use of locking devices, and preventing access by minors

• Firearm mechanisms, differences between revolvers and semi-automatic pistols, and safe firearm handling and operation

• On site Live Scan fingerprinting service is included