He started his Firearms career over 30 years ago as a Military Police Sniper…after leaving the U.S. Army he became a Maryland State Trooper. During his time as a Trooper he became a firearms instructor teaching revolver, pistol, shotgun and patrol rifles. He also completed Beretta and Glock armorer courses. Following his 22 years as a Maryland Trooper he retired and became the range master for a small police dept.
About our Instructor
Richard Hardy
Maryland Handgun Qualification License (HQL)
Who Should Apply?
A person may not purchase, rent, or receive a handgun after October 1, 2013 unless they possess a valid Handgun Qualification License (HQL) issued by the Maryland State Police or qualify for exemption status.
Exceptions to possession of the HQL License
- A Licensed Firearms Manufacturer.
- Active law enforcement officer or a person retired in good standing from a law enforcement agency of the United States (Federal Law Enforcement), the State, or a local law enforcement agency of the State.
- Active or retired member of the United States Armed Forces or National Guard and possesses a valid military identification card.
- A person purchasing, renting or receiving an antique, curio or relic as defined in federal law.
- Maryland licensed firearms dealers. (Sole Proprietors)
Required to have the HQL, but exempt from the training component
- Someone who completed a firearms safety training course approved by the Secretary of the Department of Maryland State Police.
- Has completed a course of instruction in the competency and safety of firearms as prescribed under Natural Resources Article, §10-301.1, Annotated Code of Maryland. Application for the Maryland Department of Natural Resources Hunter Safety Course Certificate can be obtained from here and may be used in lieu of Qualified Handgun Instruction.
- Is currently a qualified handgun instructor.
- Is an honorably discharged member of the armed forces of the United States or National Guard.
- Is an employee of an armored car company who has a handgun permit issued by MSP.
- Lawfully owns a regulated firearm, you do not have to complete the training to apply for the Handgun Qualification License.
Classes Offered
Click for Details
Currently Waitlisted (see below)
Cost: $50 per person
Course Length: 4 hours
Course Topics:
- Pistol knowledge and operation
- Pistol action types
- Rules for safe gun handling and use
- Ammunition knowledge
- Fundamentals of pistol shooting
- Intro to MD firearms laws
- Selecting your first pistol
- Maintenance and storage
- Application process.
- Live fire session
Next class: TBA – Currently Waitlisted. Call or Email to inquire about scheduling.
Training is valid for 3 years and must be completed prior to submitting an application for a Handgun Qualification License.
How to Apply
The Handgun Qualification License is accessible online through MyLicense. For access, please click HERE.
REQUIRED: Application must be accompanied by the receipt from the Fingerprinting service, dated by less than 30 days prior to submission. Fingerprinting is done electronically, follow this website to find the nearest location. https://www.dpscs.state.md.us/publicservs/fingerprint.shtml
Currently Waitlisted (see below)
Course Overview: Students who qualify under Maryland’s Good and Substantial Reason will be able to obtain a permit to carry a handgun. Students will leave with an understanding of carry procedures, legal issues and use of force.
Course Cost: $300 initial permit. $140 renewal permit
Course Length: 16 hours initial (Saturday and Sunday), or 8 hours renewal.
Course Topics:
Classroom Instruction
- Application requirements
- Introduce and Review Safe Gun Handling Rules
- Pistol Parts and Operation
- Ammunition knowledge and selection
- Cleaning and Maintenance
- Holster selection
- Maryland Firearms Laws
- Use of Deadly Force
- Mindset
- Interactions with law enforcement
Live fire session
- Demonstrate Safety principals
- Demonstrate Marksmanship Skills
Shoot a qualification course of fire. 70% rating to qualify.
Next class: TBA – Currently Waitlisted. Call or Email to inquire about scheduling.
How to Apply:
Link for more info & to Application: Maryland.Gov.Wear and Carry
Currently Accepting New Students
Course Cost: $140 for permit renewal
Course Length: 8 hours for permit renewal
Next class: TBA – Call or Email to inquire about scheduling.
Currently Accepting New Students
Course Overview: Private Instruction on a one on one basis is also available by our instructor, and we can tailor a program to your specific needs and skill sets. Let us know what we can do to get you where you need to be. We want you to learn in a non-intimidating environment. We want you to feel as comfortable as possible in all aspects of training.
Cost: $100 (4 hrs)
Call or Email to inquire about scheduling.