First Call Firearms Training

First Call Firearms Training operates out of 2608 Mountain Road in Pasadena, MD—about 10 minutes from owner Ed's home. He's a USCCA Concealed Carry and Home Defense Certified Instructor and Maryland State Police Qualified Handgun Instructor, plus a lifelong NRA member.

The philosophy here is straightforward: Ed takes his time explaining material in full detail instead of rushing students through. He makes himself available after class ends and via email if students have follow-up questions. Unlike instructors who hustle the next class in before the previous one ends, First Call doesn't operate on that assembly-line model.

• •Cost: Price varies by offering
• •Registration: Closes 12 hours before class start

Required as of October 1, 2013 to rent, receive, or purchase any handgun in Maryland. Topics covered:

• •Application process and Maryland State Firearm Law
• •Handgun action and operation
• •Selecting your first firearm
• •Home firearm safety, maintenance, and storage
• •Student demonstration of operation, handling, and shooting

Every HQL graduate receives a multi-caliber handgun cleaning kit. Students also get a 30-minute firearms range simulator time slot at no extra charge.

Additional costs not covered by class: - Maryland State Police HQL application fee: $50 - Digital fingerprints (cost varies by location)

• •Cost: $150 per day
• •Live fire: 25 rounds at 3, 5, 7, and 15 yards on B-27 target (70% pass required)

• •State firearms laws
• •Handgun safety fundamentals
• •Proper stance, grip, sight alignment
• •Handgun mechanism and operation

Morning: Live fire qualification at local range (students provide own transportation) Afternoon: Return to classroom after range

• •Handgun ammunition types
• •Home firearm safety
• •Handgun gear and gadgets
• •Use of lethal force and legal aftermath
• •Firearms range simulator with 100+ real-life shoot/no-shoot scenarios
• •Drawing from holster practice

• •You don't need an HQL to take this class. After approval and receiving your permit, you can apply for Pennsylvania ($25, online) and Florida ($55, in-person pickup) non-resident concealed carry permits without additional training.

Cost: $80 What's included: - Simulation handgun - Firearm range simulator - Live fire at gun range available for additional cost

This is an introduction to handguns and handgun safety—it does NOT qualify you for Maryland HQL or Wear and Carry Permit applications.

Topics: - General safety rules for firearms handling - Different types of firearms and their actions - Ammunition types - Loading and unloading - Malfunctions and clearing them - Maintenance and safe storage - Transporting a firearm

First Call operates an in-house laser firearms range simulator featuring over 100 real-life shoot/no-shoot video scenarios. Used during permit training but also available for separate booking.

Students learn to interact with realistic situations—not just paper targets. The simulator covers decision-making under stress, which no static range can replicate.

Registration closes 24 hours in advance. For late registration (less than 24 hours), email directly.

• •Ages 18-21 may only carry if required for employment
• •No felony or misdemeanor conviction with sentence over 1 year
• •No controlled dangerous substance convictions
• •Not an alcoholic, addict, or habitual user of controlled substances (unless medical)
• •No propensity for violence or instability
• •As of October 1, 2013: Must complete Maryland State Police approved firearms training within 2 years prior to application

Approval takes a minimum of 90 days from submission.