Defense Initiative is a professional training company based in Quarryville, PA that specializes in NRA-certified firearms instruction. They train military, first responders, and civilian students across a range of courses—from basic safety to advanced defensive skills.
If you're getting your concealed carry permit, Defense Initiative covers all three Mid-Atlantic states:
| Course | Hours | Cost | Notes |
|---|
| Delaware CCDW | 8 | $145 | Required by Delaware AG |
| Delaware Permit to Purchase | 8 | $135 | Required for handgun purchases |
| Maryland HQL | 8 | $135 | Required by MD State Police |
| Maryland HGP | 16 | $200 | Full wear and carry permit |
| New Jersey CCP | 16 | $200 | Comprehensive NJ course |
| Combo: DE CCDW + MD HGP | 2 days | $300 | Both states, one trip |
All permit renewals through Defense Initiative cost $85. They schedule training on an as-needed basis—email or call to pick dates that work for you.
These instructor-led courses cover fundamentals for pistol, rifle, and shotgun:
- •NRA Basic Pistol Shooting: 1 day, $135 (deposit $35). Covers revolver and semi-auto operation, safety rules, ammunition selection, shooting fundamentals, live fire, and qualification. Students get the NRA Basics of Pistol Shooting handbook and exam.
- •NRA Basic Rifle Shooting: 8+ hours, $135 (deposit $35). Classroom and range time teaching rifle parts, safe handling, shooting positions (bench, prone, sitting, standing, kneeling), and skill development.
- •NRA Basic Shotgun Shooting: 10+ hours, $145 (deposit $35). Shotgun operation, shell components, moving target shooting, and maintenance.
Multi-student discounts available on all courses. They accept cash, checks, and credit cards (Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover).
- •NRA Basic Personal Protection In The Home: 8 hours, $175 (deposit $35). Covers defensive shooting skills, home safety strategies, handgun selection, and legal concepts. Students shoot approximately 100 rounds.
- •NRA Basics of Personal Protection Outside The Home: Two levels available. Level One is 9 hours (~100 rounds); Level Two adds 5 hours and 115 rounds for advanced skills. Cost: $225 (deposit $40).
- •NRA Defensive Pistol Course: Focuses on concealment principles, drawing from holster, mental awareness, clearing stoppages, and mindset development. Cost: $145 (deposit $35).
- •NRA CCW Course: Instructor-led course covering firearm safety, pistol nomenclature, defensive pistol skills, drawing, stoppage remediation, mindset, and carry modes. Length and cost vary by state requirements. Base cost: $200 (deposit $40).
- •NRA Home Firearm Safety: 4-hour classroom course (non-shooting). Covers the three rules for safe handling, firearm parts, unloading, ammunition components, cleaning, care, and home storage. Cost: $125 (deposit $25).
- •NRA FIRST Steps Pistol Orientation: For new firearm purchasers who need an introduction to firearms responsibility and safety.
- •NRA Refuse To Be A Victim Seminar: 1-hour personal safety program teaching awareness and techniques to avoid dangerous situations. Cost: $30.
- •NRA Basic Range Safety Officer: 9 hours, $125 (deposit $25). Classroom and facility training that develops NRA-certified RSOs with knowledge of range operations, SOPs, inspection, rules, briefings, emergency procedures, and malfunction handling.
Defense Initiative runs regular weekend classes in Quarryville. Recent/upcoming scheduled courses include:
- •NRA Basic Range Safety Officer (January 24, 2026, 9 AM)
- •NRA Home Firearm Safety (February 7, 2026, 8:30 AM)
- •NRA Refuse To Be A Victim (February 7, 2026, 1 PM)
- •NRA Basic Pistol Shooting (February 14, 2026, 8 AM)
- •NRA Basic Rifle Shooting (February 14, 2026, 9 AM)
- •NRA Basic Personal Protection In The Home (April 18, 2026, 9 AM)
- •NRA Basics of Personal Protection Outside The Home (May 2, 2026, 8 AM)
- •NRA Defensive Pistol Course (July 2026, 9 AM)
- •NRA Basic Shotgun Shooting (August 2026, 8 AM)
They also exhibit at the Southern Lancaster County Farmer's and Sportsman Association Gun Show (March 14-15, 2026, at SLCFSA Sportsman's Club, New Providence, PA). Admission $5.
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 410-734-0505
Payment options include cash, check, and credit cards. Non-refundable deposits are required to hold your spot, with the remaining balance due on class day.