The Programs
Every course is taught personally by the instructor, classroom first, supervised live fire second, so you leave able to handle and carry a pistol safely.
Wear & Carry
A structured sixteen-hour course of instruction delivered in a classroom setting, with one hour of range time included.
- Tuition
- $250
- Range
- 1 hour range time included
HQL
The Handgun Qualification License course, a four-hour class with one hour of range time included.
- Tuition
- $150
- Range
- 1 hour range time included
NRA Basic Pistol
The NRA Basic Pistol course is offered by the academy. Contact DFTA for current details.
- Tuition
- Contact DFTA
- Range
- Contact DFTA for current details.
Contact DFTA for current schedules and availability.
What to Bring
Come prepared so you can focus on learning, not logistics.
A valid ID
Government-issued photo ID required for all Maryland courses.
Handgun & ammunition
You may bring your own unloaded firearm and factory ammunition, or ask about rental options before class.
Eye & ear protection
Mandatory on the range. Bring your own or use academy-provided gear.
Closed-toe shoes & layered clothing
Range-ready clothing and comfortable shoes for standing and movement drills.
01
Safe handling
The universal safety rules, loading and unloading, storage, and how to make a pistol safe in any condition.
02
Pistol fundamentals
Grip, stance, sight alignment, trigger control and follow-through, the mechanics that make accurate shooting repeatable.
03
Carry and concealment
Holster selection, safe presentation, re-holstering and carrying responsibly through an ordinary day.
04
Maryland law
The legal framework for owning, carrying and using a firearm in Maryland, and what the law expects of you.
05
Defensive mindset
Awareness, avoidance and decision-making, understanding when a firearm is the answer and when it is not.
06
Live fire
Supervised range time where classroom instruction is applied under the eye of a Range Safety Officer.
Who trains here
- First-time owners who have never handled a pistol
- Applicants preparing for a Maryland HQL or Wear and Carry permit
- Carriers who want to rebuild their fundamentals properly
- Anyone learning to defend themselves and their family responsibly