I'm active duty and these guys are 100% LEGIT you'll learn exclusive things that nobody else will…read moreteach you 1000% recommend!

Let me start by pointing out that I'm in Gaithersburg, which is in Montgomery County…read more I had been meaning to get my HQL for several months but I wanted to do the appropriate research beforehand. I noticed that there were many programs in my vicinity but the prices varied and it seemed as though they were just doing the HQL course as a side hustle. When I came across John's site and his videos, I just got a great vibe that he was a stand up guy and is truly in it to instruct and focus on the important thing: SAFETY! I had reached out to a local company and it took them over a week to get back in touch with me. I was very impressed with the quick response I received from Susan at Fortress Training. I was also somewhat overwhelmed knowing that there were multiple "stops" to make to finally apply for the permit. It really put my mind at ease knowing that everything I needed to do could be taken care of at one place and all at the same time. I took a 9am Saturday morning course in Ellicott City at a local establishment. It was about a 45 minute drive but it was absolutely worth the drive. The course was a lot of fun and everyone I interacted with from Fortress Training had a great sense of humor, so it calmed my nerves (having never fired a handgun before). John introduced himself at the beginning and stuck around for the first half but Dean was our "official" instructor. Both of them had a wealth of knowledge and offered up advice if anyone asked. I really liked that they gave an in depth explanation of MD gun laws, so we left with some excellent and practical information. They were very patient with each student that had questions and their honesty was appreciated. It was also nice to know that they weren't trying to sell me anything. They had several options for things they offered ie small fee for filling out the HQL permit for us, fingerprinting on site (which has to be done before applying for the permit regardless) but you could tell that they didn't NEED our money. I just wish everybody conducted their business this way. Susan was extremely organized and was sharp as a tack with all the forms and paperwork. It was a totally streamlined process and I'm glad I didn't have to run around town putting together everything needed just to be able to apply for the permit. I look forward to taking another course in the future. These guys are the way to go, especially since they're locals and have been around for a while.

An excellent school with a very professional staff and good prices to match. I'm glad I found this…read moreschool to continue my education in armed security.

Brian is an amazing instructor!!! Will definitely recommend to anyone or any company!read more

I paid MDT $150 via Zelle in May 2025 for a firearms cleaning and safety training session before…read moredeploying overseas. The trainer canceled the morning of the appointment due to a family emergency and promised to reschedule. He never contacted me again, and the office also stopped responding. I reached out multiple times to set a new date or request a refund--no reply, no service, and no refund. I have since reported this to the BBB, Zelle, and my military chain. Very unprofessional and disappointing. I have all receipts and documentation.

I took the class, and needed to do the shooting over again as I did not meet the qualifications per…read moreNRA Rules and however that's not the requirement in MD... IT'S that you have to had discharged a firearm and which I did. I reached out to his office about this and crickets. Waste of my time and money

I was a beginner, never handling a firearm. Tim was not only very knowledgeable & excellent…read moreinstructor as well. His patience especially impressed me. I highly recommend his classes. You will not be disappointed.

Excellent course, the instructors were great as well. They really care about the knowledge and…read moreshowed us the proper ways to handle fire arms.

Very informative, educational, and engaging teaching. I've been in multiple classes that they offer…read moreand each time I've enjoyed myself and learned something. I've been around things that go pew for a few years and still came out learning something and improving. Jon and his team are retired/active law enforcement, so you're getting wisdom from those who use it. I strongly recommend you go to them for your educational needs regarding things that go pew.

Good price good people. Very helpful with every part of buying a gun. Need I say more?read more

This is the friendliest gun shop I have ever been to. And they really know what they are talking…read moreabout. Got a great price on a pistol. I look forward to going back.

I can now takeover the world!! Well, not quite, but i feel so much more confident in my firearm…read moreskills after taking a course here. Reading the instructor bios on the website only gives you a glimpse into how great these guys are. They are passionate, knowledgeable and thorough in their instruction. I walked into the class unsure of what I would learn, but left with able information and actual hands on training to improve my skills. The owners have thought through every step of the training and provide exactly what you need. If you are an experienced shooter or have never seen a gun in real life, you will still walk away with knowledge. The time spent on the range was incredible. They ensure you are comfortable with loading, unloading, handling, and firing your firearm. I would recommend them to everyone!!

If you are looking for somewhere to take a wear & carry course, I highly recommend you visit If…read morePhase Line Defense. The instructors, Parker and Cecilio, were very efficient, informative and made the class enjoyable. Their passion for the topic was shown in each lesson they taught. From the class setting to shooting at the range, Parker also gave you all the information needed to keep you safe enough to handle the weapons.

Extremely pleasant experience! Both co-owners were very kind, approachable, and patient. Really…read moreenjoyed their "no rush" approach and the fact that they were more than happy to share knowledge and chitchat over pushing a sale made for a very comfortable environment. If you're tired of the big box superstores, and appreciate the small neighborhood shop "vibes," you'll definitely love this place...you may just find yourself stopping by to shoot the sh!t on a regular basis! Highly recommend!

Here is the short review: this is an excellent local gun shop and 100% worth your time to check…read moreout. Here is the longer review if the TLDR didn't suffice: Let me start off by saying that i've been a target shooter for close to 17 years and a maryland resident all my life. In college, I have also worked at a local gun shop in maryland before, though those days are behind me. I possess a c&r license and while I primarily collect older firearms I've got plenty of modern rifles and handguns and am getting into competitive shooting. I am writing this review as someone who has 1. Consigned a firearm at this store and had it sold for me there 2. Purchased a firearm at this store 3. Hung out and window shopped several times. My experience at this store has been so overwhelmingly positive that it has likely supplanted several of the other local shops in rockville that are closer to me. The atmosphere of the store is relaxed with seating and a free mini fridge stocked with sodas, water, and a coffee maker all completely free. The store is also clean, organized, and aesthetically pleasing with a social and relaxed atmosphere. The two gentleman that run this store are unbelievably friendly and outgoing which is often not the case in many gun stores. They are both knowledgeable with one specializing in antique / c&r firearms and the other in modern firearms and equipment. I find the two gentleman to be a great balance to each other and enjoy the time that I spend in the store perusing inventory and speaking with them every time i've gone. If I had to offer one critique, it would perhaps be the small size of the store. This is nitpicky though as they have a decent inventory and are seemingly able to order most anything you need if you talk with them AND one very cool thing they offer is a look for list where they will take your information down and contact you if that special piece shows up at the store (I'm currently looking for a world war one era German Luger). I would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to both Rick and Alex for raising the bar of local gun shops. -Simmons