Firearms Training Near Baltimore, MD
Apex Pistol Training serves firearms owners throughout the Baltimore, MD area with NRA-certified HQL, Maryland Wear and Carry (CCW), and multi-state concealed carry training. Our training center is based in Laurel, MD — about 26 miles, roughly 30 to 35 minutes south of downtown Baltimore via I-95 — and we regularly train students who make that drive for weekend and weekday-evening classes. Whether you need the state-required HQL before your first handgun purchase or want to complete your concealed carry permit training, Baltimore-area residents are welcome at our Laurel facility.
Our Services Near Baltimore, MD
Maryland HQL Training (Handgun Qualification License)
Maryland has required a Handgun Qualification License before purchasing, renting, or receiving a handgun since October 1, 2013. Our standard HQL class is a state-approved 4-hour course covering Maryland firearm law, safe storage and handling, and basic handgun operation — held most Saturdays from 8:30 AM to 12:30 PM for $125. The required safety training certificate is valid for 3 years and must be completed before you submit your HQL application to the Maryland State Police. For students who also want hands-on live-fire fundamentals, we offer a combined Maryland HQL and NRA Basic Pistol Class, a full-day Saturday session (8:30 AM–4 PM) for $199 that satisfies the HQL requirement and adds range time.
Maryland Wear and Carry (CCW) Permit Course
Following the 2022 Bruen decision, Maryland is now a shall-issue state for concealed carry, and the old "good and substantial reason" requirement no longer applies. Our Maryland Wear and Carry course is a two-day weekend class (Saturday & Sunday, 8:30 AM–4 PM, $299) combining classroom instruction on self-defense law and situational awareness with a live-fire qualification on the range. The course satisfies the Maryland State Police training requirement for a Wear and Carry Permit application, which typically takes about 90 days to process.
DC Concealed Carry Permit Course
Washington, DC issues its own Concealed Carry Pistol License (CCPL) through a process separate from Maryland's — a Maryland HQL or Wear and Carry permit does not automatically qualify you to carry in DC. Our DC Concealed Carry Course is a dedicated weekend class (Saturday & Sunday, 8:30 AM–4 PM, $299) built to satisfy DC's training requirement, and it's a popular option for anyone who lives, works, or spends significant time in both Maryland and DC.
Multi-State Concealed Carry Training (Utah, Virginia, Florida & New York)
If you travel frequently or want carry reciprocity beyond Maryland and DC, we offer non-resident permit classes for several of the most widely recognized states. Our Utah / Virginia Concealed Carry Course runs Saturday mornings (8:30 AM–12:30 PM, $175) and is one of the broadest reciprocity options available. We also teach a Florida Concealed Carry class on weekday evenings (5:30–9:30 PM, $199) and a New York Concealed Carry Permit course on Saturdays (8:30 AM–4 PM, $299) for students who need that state's certification specifically.
Maryland & DC Concealed Carry Renewal
Maryland Wear and Carry permits are valid for 2 years on first issuance and renew in 3-year terms after that, and the Maryland State Police require an 8-hour refresher course for renewal. Our Maryland / DC Concealed Carry Renewal class ($149) is offered as a Saturday session (8:30 AM–4 PM) or a weekday evening class (5 PM start), so current permit holders can recertify without losing a full weekend.
Rifle & Shotgun Training
Beyond handgun licensing, we run weekday-evening Basic Rifle and Advanced Rifle courses (5:30–8:30 PM, $199 each) covering safe handling, marksmanship fundamentals, and — at the advanced level — competition-ready technique. Our Basic Shotgun Course (5:30–8:30 PM, $199) covers the same safety-first approach for shotgun owners and hunters who want structured, certified instruction rather than learning on their own.
Advanced Pistol Class
For students who've completed their HQL or CCW training and want to sharpen their skills further, our Advanced Pistol Class (weekdays, 5:00–8:00 PM, $199) builds on the fundamentals with more demanding drills, faster target transitions, and defensive-shooting scenarios under the same NRA-certified instruction.
Home Security System Installation
We also help students think beyond the range: our Home Security System Installation service pairs practical home-defense planning with professional system installation, scheduled by appointment. Call to get a quote and set up an installation date.
Whether it's a bachelor/bachelorette party, a corporate team outing, or a private group of friends who want to train together, we can build a custom Group Event around any of our standard courses. Contact us to schedule and get a quote for your group.
Group Events & Private Training
Not sure which class is the right fit for someone? An Apex Pistol Training gift card lets the recipient choose their own course — HQL, CCW, rifle, shotgun, or anything else in our catalog.
Gift Cards
Why Choose Apex Pistol Training for Firearms Training Near Baltimore, MD?
Apex Pistol Training is led by an NRA-certified instructor who takes a genuinely personal approach — every class is built around the student's existing skill level and goals rather than a one-size-fits-all script. All firearms and ammunition needed for training are provided at no extra cost, so you don't need to own a handgun before you start. Our support doesn't end when class does either: students can reach out afterward with questions or for guidance as they continue building confidence with their firearm. Classes run on a predictable weekly schedule — Saturday and weekend sessions for the longer permit courses, weekday evenings for rifle, shotgun, and advanced classes — so you can plan around work and family commitments.
Serving Baltimore, MD and Surrounding Areas
We train students from Baltimore City and Baltimore County, as well as surrounding communities like Catonsville, Towson, Glen Burnie, and Columbia. Many Baltimore-area students combine the drive down I-95 with a full-day Saturday class, so a single trip covers the entire HQL, CCW, or renewal course.
Firearms Training Location Near Baltimore, M
D
Apex Pistol Training does not have a physical location in Baltimore. All classes are held at our training center in Laurel, MD, which is easily reachable from Baltimore via I-95.
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Training center address: 8500 Bovelder Dr., Laurel, MD 20708
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Distance from Baltimore: approximately 26 miles
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Typical drive time: 30–35 minutes via I-95 South (traffic-dependent)
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Phone: (301) 904-5569
How to Get Started
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Choose your course — HQL, Wear and Carry, DC Concealed Carry, a multi-state permit, renewal, or rifle/shotgun training.
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Check the calendar for the next available class date and time that fits your schedule.
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Register and pay online through the course page, or call (301) 904-5569 to book by phone.
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Attend your class at our Laurel, MD training center — all firearms and ammunition are provided.
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Complete your training certificate and, where applicable, submit your permit application to the Maryland State Police or DC Metropolitan Police.
Benefits of Choosing Apex Pistol Training Near Baltimore, MD
Training in a single, dedicated location in Laurel means consistent instruction, the same range-qualified equipment every session, and a facility set up specifically for firearms safety courses — rather than a rotating pop-up classroom. For Baltimore students, weekend classes (Saturday and Sunday, 8:30 AM–4 PM) are structured so the full HQL, Wear and Carry, or DC CCW course is completed in one trip rather than multiple visits.
Have Questions About Classes Near Baltimore, MD?
Didn't find what you need above? Send us a message and we'll get back to you with class dates, pricing, or anything else you need to know before registering.
Frequently Asked Questions About Firearm
Other Areas We Serve
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Firearms Training in Laurel, MD
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DC Concealed Carry & Firearms Training
Get Started With Firearms Training Near Baltimore, MD
Looking for firearms training near Baltimore, MD? Contact Apex Pistol Training at (301) 904-5569 or info@ApexPistolTraining.com to find a class date that works with the drive down from Baltimore.