Maryland Firearms Training
The Spartan Firearms Training Group, LLC (SFTG) was founded in 2016 with the mission of providing Maryland citizens with opportunities to exercise their 2nd Amendment rights safely and legally. We have been true to that mission. We take pride is the trainings that we provide like our Maryland HQL Class. We provide certified Maryland firearms training for:
- Handgun Qualification License (HQL)
- Maryland, Utah, and Washington, DC wear and carry permits
- Personalized, 1-on-1 firearms training
- Private and customized pistol and carbine training for groups
- Emergency Casualty Care Course (ECCC)
The Maryland Handgun Qualification License (HQL) class is a mandatory training program that gives Maryland residents a license to purchase a handgun.
The Wear and Carry courses prepare citizens to carry a concealed handgun safely and legally.
Our personalized, 1-on-1 firearms training is for new shooters with an emphasis on firearms handling and basic marksmanship for self-defense.
Our custom and private pistol and carbine training for groups focuses on beginner, intermediate, and advanced level defensive shooting.
The ECCC course covers the following topics and includes practical hands-on exercises:
history of tactical combat care; causes of field mortality; zones of care; survival mindset; trauma assessment; terminal ballistics; hemorrhage control with an emphasis on tourniquet use; basic airway management; patient evacuation; transferring care to Police/EMS; creating an individual first aid kit (IFAK). Students receive a pre-packaged IFAK as part of their tuition.
All of the firearms training courses educate individuals on safe handgun usage, laws, and regulations related to firearms in the state of Maryland, Utah, and Washington, DC. The training is designed to comply with state and federal firearms laws, firearms safety, and self-defense.
The HQL course requires four hours of instruction. The Wear and Carry course requires 16 hours of instruction that includes a full day of live-fire training. Both courses provide training about the legal implications associated with firearm ownership, as well as the moral obligations related to carrying a concealed handgun.
Our Instructors
Our instructors are experienced veterans of the Army Green Berets, Army Rangers, Joint Special Operations Command, Naval Special Warfare, police SWAT officers, active-duty police officers, and retired Maryland State Police officers. We also have non-veteran instructors who have demonstrated superior firearms knowledge and marksmanship skills.
Firearms Training Curriculum
Our firearms training curricula are approved by the Maryland State Police, the Washington, DC Metropolitan Police Department, and Utah’s Bureau of Criminal Identification (BCI). The training topics include:
Firearm Safety Rules: An essential part of the HQL and the Wear and Carry courses is learning the fundamental rules of firearm safety, including safety rules for handling and storing a firearm.
State and Federal Firearm Laws: Understanding state and federal firearm laws is crucial for any prospective gun owner, especially those who legally carry a concealed handgun.
Use of Force: There are legal and moral limits to how much and what kind of force can be used for self-defense. Our courses include a unit of instruction on the use of force.
De-Escalation: Understanding that people have a legal obligation to withdraw from potentially life-threatening situations is an important part of Maryland and Washington, DC firearms laws. Withdrawal can take the form of walking or running away, or verbally de-escalating a tense situation. Either way, citizens are advised to focus on their physical safety and to be prepared to defend their lives is withdrawing is not feasible.
Handgun Mechanics and Operation: Our courses include instruction on handgun components, basic operation, loading and unloading procedures, and proper maintenance to ensure the safe and effective use of the firearm.
Safe Storage and Handling: Participants are educated on the best practices for safely storing and handling firearms at home to reduce the risk of accidents and unauthorized access to firearms.
Suicide Prevention: We teach our students about the need to keep firearms out of the hands of individuals who are at-risk for harming themselves.
Live-Fire Exercises: In compliance with Maryland State Police regulations, the HQL course requires students to fire one shot with a handgun. Our Wear and Carry course requires a full day of live-fire exercises at a shooting range under the supervision of qualified instructors.
Requirements for Obtaining the HQL or Wear and Carry Permit
To apply for a Maryland Handgun Qualification License or Wear and Carry permit applicants must meet specific criteria and follow a step-by-step process:
Age Requirement: Applicants must be 21 years old.
Criminal Background Check: Before obtaining the HQL or Wear and Carry permit, applicants must undergo a background check conducted by the Maryland State Police to determine eligibility. Certain criminal convictions or mental health issues may disqualify an individual from receiving the license or permit.
Completion of Required Training: Prospective handgun owners must successfully complete the Maryland HQL or Wear and Carry courses, as described earlier. This training is a mandatory requirement, and the lead instructor must sign-off on the training. Citizens seeking a carry permit must pass a qualifying course of fire at the end of the live-fire training day.
Application Submission: Upon completing the required training, applicants can submit their applications on-line to the Maryland State Police. The Maryland State Police licensing website page has relevant information about how to do that and a list of relevant application fees.
Expiration Timelines: The HQL is good for 10 years. It can be renewed on-line for a small fee and without additional training. The initial wear and carry permit is good for two years. Renewal requires additional 8 hours of training along with additional fees. Subsequent renewals happen every three years, also with additional training and fees.
