Maryland Wear & Carry Permit Training & Defensive Courses
Chesapeake Gunslingers offers Maryland Wear & Carry permit training and advanced firearms instruction, including defensive pistol training, designed for responsible citizens who want more than the bare minimum required to obtain a permit.
Our Wear & Carry course exceeds the training requirements for the Maryland Handgun Qualification License (HQL).
Students who complete the Wear & Carry course will also be eligible to apply for the Maryland HQL, eliminating the need to take a separate HQL class.
This is not a 16-hour “check-the-box” class designed solely to receive a permit.
Our training focuses on real-world knowledge, safe handling, legal responsibility, and practical defensive skills.
What Our Wear & Carry Course Covers
Our training goes well beyond basic instruction and is structured to ensure students leave knowledgeable, confident, and competent.
What Our Wear & Carry Course Covers
Classroom instruction is conducted throughout both training days and is integrated with hands-on and live-fire components to reinforce learning in real time.
This portion of the course meets and exceeds Maryland State Police training requirements and provides students with a thorough understanding of both legal responsibility and practical firearm use.
Maryland-Required Legal Instruction
In accordance with Maryland law, classroom instruction includes an in-depth review of state and federal firearm laws, including but not limited to:
- Self-defense, defense of others, and defense of property
- Use of force and legal responsibilities
- Safe storage of firearms
- Circumstances that prohibit firearm possession under state and federal law
- Protective orders, extreme risk protective orders, and firearm surrender requirements
- Lawful options for surrendering, transferring, or disposing of firearms when prohibited
- Firearm loss or theft reporting requirements
- Firearms and accessories prohibited under state and federal law
- Firearms requiring special permits or registration
- Laws prohibiting straw purchases
- Armed trespass laws
- Locations where firearms are prohibited, regardless of permit status
- Legal transportation of handguns and firearms
These topics are presented clearly and practically, with real-world examples and discussion to ensure students understand not just the law, but how it applies in everyday situations.
Practical Firearm Knowledge & Safety
Beyond legal instruction, students receive hands-on education covering:
- Home firearm safety and responsible ownership
- Handgun mechanisms and operation
- Types of firearms and actions
- Safe handling and range safety procedures
- Field stripping, cleaning, and maintenance
Students are encouraged to ask questions and participate actively in discussions to ensure comprehension and confidence.
Defensive Skills & Responsible Carry Concepts
Our course goes beyond statutory requirements by incorporating:
- Proper grip, stance, sight alignment, and trigger control
- Drawing from concealment techniques
- Defensive mindset and situational awareness
- Conflict de-escalation and resolution strategies
- Anger management and emotional awareness
- Suicide prevention and awareness
These topics are taught with an emphasis on responsible carry, avoidance, and sound judgment, reinforcing that carrying a firearm carries serious responsibility.
Laser-Based & Hands-On Training
Students will participate in laser-based and dry-fire training, allowing instructors to:
- Evaluate firearm handling
- Correct technique in real time
- Reinforce safety habits
- Prepare students for live-fire training
This ensures each student is ready before progressing to the live-fire portion of the course.
Live Fire Training & Maryland Qualification (Day Two)
Day Two of the Maryland Wear & Carry course consists of live-fire training followed by state-required qualification under the Maryland State Police Basic Practical Handgun Course (BPHC).
Our program is structured to ensure students are comfortable, proficient, and safe before attempting qualification.
Live-Fire Training Requirement
Students are required to bring a minimum of 200–300 rounds of ammunition for Day Two.
This allows time for:
- Skill reinforcement
- Instructor coaching and correction
- Confidence-building repetitions
- Ensuring safe, consistent firearm handling
We do not simply arrive at the range to qualify.
Live-fire training is conducted first so each student is prepared before the official qualification course of fire.
Ammunition is not included in the course fee.
Ammunition may be available for purchase, subject to availability.
Maryland Basic Practical Handgun Course (BPHC) – Qualification Overview
Once a student is deemed ready, qualification is conducted using the Maryland State Police–approved BPHC, which includes:
- Total rounds fired: 25
- Target: B-27 silhouette
- Shooting position: Two-handed, point shoulder
- Magazine loading: Magazines are loaded with 5 rounds regardless of capacity
Shooting Distances & Round Count
Qualification is conducted from the following distances:
- 3 yards: 5 rounds
- 5 yards: 10 rounds
- 7 yards: 5 rounds
- 15 yards: 5 rounds
Time Standards
Shots are fired under timed conditions ranging from:
- 3 seconds for single-shot engagements
- 5 seconds for multiple-shot strings
- 6 seconds at extended distance
All shooting begins from a low-ready position and is conducted on command under instructor supervision.
Scoring & Passing Standard
- Scoring:
- Any round inside or touching the black silhouette = 5 points
- Any round outside the silhouette = 0 points
- Maximum possible score: 125 points
- Minimum passing score: 90 points (equivalent to at least 18 of 25 rounds on target)
Students must also demonstrate:
- Safe firearm handling
- Proper loading and unloading
- Muzzle and trigger discipline
- Compliance with all range commands
Our Approach to Qualification
Our instructors take a measured, professional, and supportive approach to live-fire qualification.
Before qualification begins, we:
- Review safety fundamentals
- Confirm grip, stance, sight alignment, and trigger control
- Address individual questions and concerns
- Ensure students are confident on the firing line
Our goal is not just to meet the state minimum, but to ensure students leave the range capable, confident, and responsible firearm owners.
Completion & Documentation
Upon successful completion of the course:
- Students will receive the required training documentation to apply for the Maryland Wear & Carry Permit
- Students will also be eligible to apply for the Maryland Handgun Qualification License (HQL)
Who This Course Is For
- First-time permit applicants
- Individuals seeking higher-quality training
- Those wanting practical defensive pistol instruction
- Applicants who want to satisfy both Wear & Carry and HQL training requirements
- Responsible firearm owners who value education over shortcuts
Why Train With Chesapeake Gunslingers
- Professional, hands-on instruction
- Small class sizes for personalized attention
- Real-world defensive focus
- Interactive classroom environment
- Emphasis on safety, confidence, and competence