Instructor Barry Donadio (Former U.S. Secret Service) is holding private sessions for pistol, rifle and shotgun training .
We are a self defense school that incorporates the 16 hour training
required for the Maryland Wear and Carry license. Beware of trainers that sit you in a classroom for 14 hours then only have you shoot the minimum 25 shoot course.
SET YOUR STANDARDS HIGH
Our students shoot hundreds of bullets to gain proficiency and excellence for self defense of themselves, their family and the United States
We offer one on one private pistol, rifle and shotgun instruction outside of the scheduled training dates.
We can come to you for your group of shooters
Sessions are a 2 hour minimum at a rate of $125 per hour. Students are responsible for buying all bullets and paying for range times for instructor.
Go to the MAKE A PAYMENT page to reserve a session. If you do not see the time you are wanting for a session call us at 855-589-2267
Handgun Qualification License Classes
HQL Classes for 2025
Did you buy a shotgun and have never shot it?
Ladies, do you need some experience with your shotgun for self defense?
Do you know what a shotgun can do and why they are considered one of the best weapons for home defense?
You need to take this training if a shotgun is part of your self defense or home defense plan.
Are you a Security Officer and need to do a qualification course in order for you to carry a shotgun on duty?
YOU MUST READ THE ENTIRE SET OF THESE INSTRUCTIONS TO BE PREPARED TO TAKE THIS TRAINING THAT INCLUDES USING LIVE BULLETS WITH A REAL FIREARM. FAILING TO READ THE ENTIRE INSTRUCTIONS MAY LEAD TO EMBARRASSMENT AND NOT BEING PREPARED TO MEET THE REQUIREMENT FOR THE CLASS WHEN YOU ARRIVE.
THERE ARE NO REFUNDS ONCE YOU PAY.
YOU DO NOT NEED TO BRING A FIREARM
YOU CAN USE OURS, BUT IF YOU WANT TO TRAINING WITH YOUR FIREARM, BRING IT AT LEST 300 BULLET S PER 2 HOUR TRAINING SESSION
DO NOT DRINK ALCOHOL 8 HOURS PRIOR TO THIS TRAINING OR DURING THIS TRAINING
ANY STUDENT WITH THE SMELL OF ALCOHOL ON THEIR PERSON WILL BE TOLD TO LEAVE. NO REFUND WILL BE GRANTED.
IF YOU ARE TAKING ANY MEDICATIONS THAT PREVENTS YOU FROM OPERATING MACHINERY, DO NOT SIGN UP FOR THE CLASS UNTIL YOU ARE NO LONGER TAKING THE PRESCRIPTION.
YOU CAN NOT TAKE CODEINE, PERCOCET, COUGH MEDICINE WITH CODEINE OR ANY OTHER NARCOTIC BASED MEDICINE 8 HOURS PRIOR OR DURING THE CLASS AND SHOOTING PORTION. IF YOU APPEAR TO BE UNDER ANY INFLUENCE OF A DRUG OR NARCOTIC, YOU WILL BE TOLD TO LEAVE. NO REFUND WILL BE GRANTED.
IF YOU ARE A CONVICTED FELON, SEX OFFENDER OR SOMEONE WHO IS BARRED FROM POSSESSING OR USING A FIREARM LEGALLY, YOU ARE NOT LEGALLY PERMITTED TO ATTEND RECEIVE OUR TRAINING USING A FIREARM
PLEASE DO NOT SIGN UP FOR IT. YOU WILL NOT BE REFUNDED.
IF YOU ARE USER OF MARIJUANA OR HAVE A MEDICAL MARIJUANA CARD WE CAN NOT TRAIN
WE CAN NOT TRAIN YOU UNITL YOU ARE NO ONGER IN POSSESSION OF THE MEDICAL CARD AND NO LONGER A USER OF THE DRUG. IF YOU HAVE A SMELL OF MARIJUANA ON YOU AT training YOU WILL BE TOLD TO LEAVE. NO REFUND WILL BE GRANTED.
IF YOU HAVE BEEN DIAGNOSED WITH A MENTAL DISORDER SUCH AS PTSD OR ANY OTHER MENTAL DISFUNCTION / DISORDER,
YOU ARE NOT ABLE TO ATTEND THIS TRAINING UNLESS THE MARYLAND STATE POLICE AUTHORIZES IT. PLEASE DO NOT SIGN UP FOR THE CLASS. IF YOU HAVE ATTEMPTED TO COMMIT SUICIDE OR HAVE HAD RECENT THOUGHTS OF SUICIDE PLEASE CALL FOR HELP BY EITHER CONTACTING THE POLICE BY DIALING 911 OR SEEKING A MENTAL HEALTH PROFESSIONAL.
IF YOU HAVE CLAUSTROPHOBIA
YOU MAY CONSIDER NOT TAKING THIS CLASS. THE SHOOTING RANGE REQUIRES BOTH SHOOTER AND INSTRUCTOR TO SHOOT FROM A SMALL CONFINED SPACE FIRING LANE. IT CAN BE HOT, CRAMPED, LOUD AND UNCOMFORTABLE DURING THE SHOOTING PORTION OF THIS CLASS.
IF YOU HAVE A SIGNIFICANT FEAR OF FIREARMS
OR YOU HAVE ENCOUNTERED A TRAUMATIC EVENT WITH FIREARMS, THIS CLASS MAY NOT BE FOR YOU. AT A MINIMUM, YOU MUST TELL US SO WE CAN HEL WORK THROUGH YOUR FEAR.
ANY UNSAFE ACTS, JOKING OR INABILITY TO FOLLOW INSTRUCTIONS WITH A FIREARM
ON THE SHOOTING RANGE MAY LEAD TO BEING TOLD THAT YOU MUST LEAVE. YOUR FINGER MUST REMAIN OFF THE TRIGGER OF A FIREARM UNTIL INSTRUCTED TO SHOOT. PICKING UP A PISTOL AS IF IS A HAIRDRYER MAY ALSO GET YOU EJECTED FROM THE CLASS. ALWAYS POINT THE FIREARM IN A SAFE DIRECTION, FINGER OFF TRIGGER AT ALL TIMES AND WITH A FIRM GRIP. NEVER LOOSE YOUR GRIP OR LET GO OF A PISTOL WHEN SHOOTING. NO REFUND WILL BE GRANTED IF YOU ARE TOLD TO LEAVE.
PERSONS WHO REPEAT SIGNING UP FOR CLASSES AND DO NOT ATTEND MAY BE BARRED FROM TAKING OUR TRAINING IN THE FUTURE.
PERSONS THAT HAVE NERVE DAMAGE IN THEIR FINGERS, HANDS OR LEGS AND HAVE GREAT DIFFICULTY FIRMLY GRIPPING A PISTOL
OR PULLING THE TRIGGER WITH A RESISTANCE OF 5 POUNDS MAY NOT BE BEST SUITED FOR THIS TRAINING UNTIL THEIR CONDITION IS CORRECTED. CONSIDER THE DANGER TO YOU AND OUR STAFF.
PERSONS HAVING PROBLEMS WITH BALANCE OR THAT USE A CANE
MAY CONSIDER NOT TAKING THIS CLASS UNLESS THEIR CONDITION IS CORRECTED BECAUSE THE SHOOTING PORTION OF THIS TRAINING IS DONE IN THE STANDING POSITION. PLEASE DO NOT PLACE OUR STAFF IN THE UNCOMFORTABLE POSITION OF TRYING TO TRAIN YOU WHEN YOU ARE IN A TEMPORARY POSITION OF REDUCED MOBILITY. PLEASE DO NOT SHOW UP FOR THIS TRAINING ON CRUTCHES. WAIT TO TAKE THE CLASS FOR A LATER DATE WHEN HEALED. WE CAN CATER TO THOSE IN A WHEEL CHAIR ,BUT WE MUST MAKE OPRIOR ARRANGEMENTS TO MEET YOUR
WE DO NOT CONSENT TO BEING AUDIO OR VIDEO RECORDED AT ANY TIME DURING THE CLASS OR ON THE SHOOTING RANGE. THIS TRAINING IS NOT A PHOTO OPPORTUNITY. YOU NEED TO RESPECT THE PRIVACY OF OUR STAFF, STUDENTS AND OTHERS ON THE RANGE WHO MAY NOT WANT TO BE IN YOUR PHOTOS. ALL PEOPLE ON THE RANGE NEED TO BE PAYING ATTENTION TO SAFETY AND THEIR SURROUNDINGS AND NOT TAKING PICTURES. THE STAFF AND OTHER STUDENTS DO NOT WANT TO PAUSE SO YOU CAN TAKE A PICTURE OR ACCIDENTALLY APPEAR IN YOUR PHOTOS. ANYONE NOT RESPECTING THIS RULE MAY LEAD TO BEING TOLD TO LEAVE WITHOUT REFUND.
THERE ARE NO REFUNDS ONCE YOU PAY FOR THIS CLASS.
WE ARE UNABLE TO CHANGE THE DATE SO MAKE SURE YOU DO NOT HAVE TO WORK THAT DAY OR HAVE OTHER OBLIGATIONS. WE CAN NOT ARRANGE FOR YOU TO ATTEND THE CLASS AND THEN COME ANOTHER DAY TO SATISFY THE SHOOTING PORTION OF THE CLASS. ALL MUST BE COMPLETED ON THE DAY OF YOUR SCHEDULED CLASS.
WE DON'T WANT STUDENTS IN A RUSH
THIS TRAINING IS POTENTIALLY DANGEROUS OR LETHAL TRAINING IS A SERIOUS MISTAKE IS MADE. BE SURE TO DEVOTE YOUR ENTIRE DAY TO COMPLETING THIS TRAINING SESSION WITH NO OTHER DISTRACTIONS PLEASE. WE ARE NOT ALWAYS IN CONTROL OF HOW LONG IT MAY TAKE AT THE SHOOTING RANGE. ALSO SOME PARTICIPANTS HAVE MORE QUESTIONS THAN OTHERS THUS MAKING THE TRAINING TIME LONGER. CLASSES MAY RUN LONGER THAN THE SCHEDULED CLASS TIMES. IT IS ALWAYS BEST PRACTICE TO MAKE SURE YOU HAVE NO OTHER PLANS FOR LATER THAT DAY OR HAVE ANY OTHER OBLIGATIONS OR APPOINTMENTS. YOUR FULL ATTENTION IS REQUIRED.
INSTRUCTORS AND OUR STAFF RESERVE THE RIGHT TO DISMISS A STUDENT FOR ANY OF THE REASONS ABOVE WITHOUT REFUND. STUDENTS AGREE THAT THIS CLASS IS BEING TAKEN AT THEIR OWN RISK AND HEREBY RELEASE, INDEMNIFY, AND HOLD HARMLESS ALL PUBLIC SECURITY LLC STAFF, EMPLOYEES AND INSTRUCTORS FROM ANY AND ALL CLAIMS, CAUSES OF ACTIONS AND LIABILITY ARISING FROM OR IN ANY WAY CONNECTED WITH ANY FIREARMS, SECURITY OR TACTICAL INSTRUCTION. THIS IS TO INCLUDE THE STAFF, PROPERTY OWNERS AND ANY PRIVATE LOCATION OF ANY SHOOTING RANGE AND OWNERS OF SUCH. THE ENTIRE SCHOOL AND SHOOTING PORTION IS BEING CONDUCTED AT YOUR OWN RISK.
WE SHOOT AT:
SCHRADER'S OUTDOORS
16090 OAKLAND ROAD
HENDERSON, MARYLAND 21640
READ BELOW
Wear & Carry Live Fire Information
Please make every effort to be on time. Please don't inconvenience other students. Time is extremely limited. We will not have an opportunity to make up time lost. We will meet inside the clubhouse (Schrader's Outdoors, Henderson, Maryland.410-758-1824)
Make sure to bring more WATER than you think you will need. Gatorade and flavored drinks are not sufficient by themselves to correctly hydrate in the extreme heat on the range. Bring snacks (lots). Fully charge your cell phones. Remember to bring all of your ammo with you also.
There is no pistol ammo to buy at this range. Better to bring too much ammo than too little. The more you bring the more we will shoot. Bring at least 300 rounds.
Be mentally and physically ready to be able to do the following on your own during the live fire sessions. You will be doing these tasks all day by your self.
(A) Safely Load and unload your pistol. Loading magazines.
(B) Lock the side of the pistol open.
(C) Cycling of the slide in order to load or unload your pistol
(D) Follow directions of the Instructor and remain focused.
(E) Safely handle your pistol and always keeping the pistol pointed down range in a safe direction.
Things to remember and comply with :
1. We shoot in the rain or other poor weather. (We need training to be ready in all weather environments) We also shoot in extreme cold or heat. It will be very cold on the range. Begin hydrating with water well before the training. Yes, you can dehydrate in cold weather also.
2. You should buy a holster for your pistol. A hardshell one for outside the hip with a finger release locks suggested. Training with a pistol by picking it from a table is not really training you to your full potential. We highly recommend that you obtain a Blackhawk Serpa CQD holster and Safariland 3 magazine ammo pouch. We recommend holsters that will be good to use under a business suit or jeans with cover shirt. We will not be drawing from an in the belt holster during this training because of the high risk of accidental discharge is probably not the best thing for this training. Its ok if you don't have a holster or ammo pouch. We will simply work from the table. Just keep in mind to one day get one. We have a holster and mag pouch for Glock you can borrow if needed. PLEASE WEAR JEANS OR SHORTS WITH BELT LOOPS AND YOUR STRONGEST BELT (FOR HOLDING A GUN AND AMMO ON YOUR BODY)
3.You are required to pay for the cost of the use of the range which is $15 per hour. We understand this can all be expensive but consider this an investment in yourself and all of you are certainly worth the time, effort and money we will be spending.
4. You need to bring at least 300 NEW rounds of ammo for your gun. We will be doing a lot of shooting. Do not buy reloaded ammo, we will not put it in our guns. You may have an increase jam of your weapon probability with poor or reloaded ammo. You are welcome to use it in your guns if you like. They do not sell pistol ammo at the range YOU NEED TO BUY IT PRIOR TO THE SHOOTING SESSIONS. SEEK AMMO AT YOUR LOCAL GUN SHOP
5. We have ear and eye protection for you if you don't have it.
6. Please remember that time is extremely precious . Please make certain that if we are going to meet, please do not cancel. Cancelling creates a HUGE inconvenience. Prioritize this training. We are prioritizing you, so please prioritize us. There is very limited range time. We are hearing that there will be approximately 800,000 applications getting put in for wear and carry licenses. The longer we wait to get this done, the more applications will be in front of yours thus making the process potentially a year long (who knows). UPDATE: Oct 2023 It is simply a miracle that they have getting people their license in about a month. Hats off to the Maryland State Police Licensing Div.
7. Bring lots of food, water, and whatever you need to remain focused in the shooting range for 6 hours.
8. Please respond to this posting and rsvp times that you plan to attend live fire sessions. We will mark you to confirm the dates.
9. Please bring the best tactical pistol you have. The pistol you would use for self defense. (preferably made or designed in the last decade or so.) There is no need to bring 2 or 3 guns. (it will only confuse things). Best to focus on using the best gun in your inventory for this training. If for some reason you have no pistol, you may use our Glock 17, 9mm or Smith and Wesson 915 9mm. Today's tactical pistols have no safety and no hammer, if your pistol has one or both of these, then it is already obsolete in the world of tactical shooting in 2023 (no offense intended). We highly recommending getting a Glock, S&W Shield, a Springfield XD or a pistol that is right up there with those pistols. Unfortunately, revolvers are no match for our criminal opponents that are now carrying high end pistols with high capacity magazines (17 shots)(see Baltimore City police facebook page for guns they are taking off criminals these days). It's just food for thought. No worries if you come with a revolver. We train with them too. We will get you up to par with a revolver or what ever pistol you have also.
10. We are hearing that appointments for fingerprinting may be needed, so call before you show up at a fingerprinting location. Make an appointment for your prints around the time you will be done with the live fire training. 16 hours. A student recently told us that the QAC Sheriffs office also need to have appointments for fingerprints. I would call before showing up there.
11. We cannot qualify you with less than 16 hours of training. We are mandated by the Maryland State Police to provide the training and we are legally required to provide the full 16 hours of training and the qualification live fire course. It's the law. Please do not ask us to make an exception.
12. You may be on the range shooting with multiple other shooters also obtaining their wear and carry permit. It is loud, cold, uncomfortable and sometimes hot brass can contact your skin in the course of shooting from other pistols. Like with the hobby of horse ridding, you can fall off the horse, you can also get bumps, cuts, burns and bruises while shooting.
13. No pictures, videos or other recording devices during training. We don't want our picture taken and other students need to have their privacy respected, please no videos or photos, we really appreciate it. We also do not have time to provide a photo shoots during the precious shooting time. We need all focus on safety and listening to the commands of the range official and on shooting.
14.This 16 hour training is NOT a PAY & PASS COURSE. You can fail. Here are a few ways to fail. 1. Not shooting a qualifying course (Although you will get many chances) 2. Not completing the required hours for training. 3. Failure to follow commands and habitually demonstrate unsafe gun handling conditions for yourself, Instructor and other students.
15. DO NOT bring anyone with you that is not a registered student in the wear & carry training. DO NOT bring any pets with you.
SOME ADVICE FROM PAST HQL AND WEAR & CARRY STUDENTS WHO HAVE ALREADY GRADUATED
Our recent Feb. 2023 poll yielded some great advice from former HQL students of ours.
QUESTIONAs a graduate of our pistol training, what advice would you give to new students attending our upcoming pistol classes?
ANSWERS
Stay current on changing laws.
Take notes and listen to a very experienced professional about firearms.
This program is outstanding. The content was very thorough and coached with tremendous competency. Barry’s expertise combines real life examples from an established expert and his teaching style was terrific and constructive. Our class was equally divided between women and men and everybody felt very comfortable with the content, environment and pace. We even got a chance to simulate some tactical drills. Needless to say, I highly recommend this class to anyone interested in expanding their confidence and knowledge.
Do some pre-reading in case you're not familiar with the basics.
Take it seriously. Go slow. And practice in your mind - through visualization and rehearsing of the steps, principles, and scenarios.
Be prepared for hands on tactical type training. This is not your run of the mill rushed over booked class. This is closes thing to one on one personal training.
Do as much research on your firearm prior to the class.
If you own a firearm and think that you know all you need to know about it, you don’t,… pay attention!!
I have a VA drivers license and a home in VA plus a residence in MD and I received a HQL - for future reference and info
Practice often, support 2A advocate groups, always prioritize safety
Take notes and ask questions
Make sure you are fully paying attention and take notes.
Know that you are being trained properly, don't take any corrections personally Barry wants you to be comfortable with your weapon and will take the time to make sure you are! Sure.
I feel more confident in how I handle a handgun and how to protect myself.
Act like a sponge and soak in Barry's knowledge and experience
Need to be true to yourself and understand the undertaking you're embarking on and all it's responsibilities... self defense is fine, but what that really means to you is different for everyone and those responsibilities are also different... be true and aware for self analysis .
If your background is good, take wear and carry due to day one of two is considered your HQL.
This class made me feel competent to use a gun. It also instilled a proper amount of caution about gun safety. I feel safer with a gun in my home and the knowledge on how to use it. Thank you.
Leave your ego at home, bring plenty of ammo. You will come out of training a better shooter. (Wear and Carry Student)
Be responsible
Listen, Pay attention, Ask questions and relax. You'll learn well what you need to know.
Come with an open mind and ready to learn.
Pay attention to the details and allow yourself be taught the right way even if you think otherwise. It’s a lot of class time and they need to find practice time. But, I was not comfortable practicing on my own at first.
Come with an open mind, even if you are experienced with firearms. Always seem to learn something new at each attendance.
Ask that question if you have one, don't be shy.
Listen to Barry because I learned he has been spot on with all his information and training.Practice, practice practice.
Prepare to have an educational and fun experience!
They're in for a very important, valuable training that is real necessary if you want to properly use a firearm.
Pay attention and learn
Make a plan to continue practicing your new shooting skills.
Pay attention to everything!
Get good insurance if you’re going to carry.
Pay attention.
