I recently partnered with Michael on a training retreat for myself and a couple of other women…read moreinterested in becoming more proficient with their firearms. I cannot say enough positive things about him! He is HIGHLY knowledgeable, professional, safe and has the most comforting demeanor. I can't wait to work with him again! I feel so blessed and lucky to have found him. If I lived closer I would train with him as often as possible. Highly recommend!

Fantastic classes from a very knowledgeable instructor. You get what you pay for! Michael ensures…read moreeveryone leaves with the knowledge they need from the course. He has a lot of patience and the ability to explain complex concepts clearly and concisely. I don't think you'll find a better instructor in the area.

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.

I love shooting but it's an extremely expensive hobby. You cannot get around it, and all you can do…read moreis find a place that is well maintained, that makes you feel safe and operates seamlessly! Well, Cindy's Hot Shots is the place! My friend who strives to become more proficient with her Sig .380, scheduled a range date and I was thoroughly impressed with Cindy's. There was a small wait, but just like at restaurants, they took her cell number and texted her when they were ready for us. As far as the indoor ranges go that I've patronized in the past, this one is state of the art. Very easy to change target distances, which made our shooting experience the best it could be. Cindy's sells everthing from firearms to gun oil. Definitely a one stop shop! I look forwad to our next range date as long as it's to Cindy's!!

I purchased a P365 .380 Rose Sig Sauer (girly, but will still put in that work!) two years ago, and…read moresince then, I have fell in love with the gun range. My big bro was my instructor that taught me all about proper fire arm safety and handling. Since I have had my license, I try to frequent the range as much as I can. Cindy's is clean and quite large. The staff are professional and helpful. They sell everything from ammo, various firearms, etc. On the weekends, they can be very busy; however, if you're a member, you can call beforehand and get on the waiting list. Definitely my go-to range and I'll continue patronizing as long as service remains the same!

There's so much to love about an outdoor range! Heads up you do have to be a member of a gun club…read moreto shoot here but there is an open house happening in Oct where onlookers can come to get me info and see what is like to shoot here. There are multiple ranges to shoot from like pistol all the way to the 200 yard range. There's nothing like hearing the ping when you hit steel. It's also gorgeous to be surrounded by the trees and everything else

Excellent for multiple disciplines: Archery to heavy caliber rifle. Including machine gun of all…read morethings!

My experience has always been amazing with Magnum IFT. Mr. Victor is an exceptional instructor. He…read moredoesn't make you feel stupid for asking common sense questions and he takes his time so you never feel rushed. He is an expert when it comes to training and firearms. His service is top tier and he makes sure that all your paperwork is correct, which is a service that not all instructors or agencies offer. That is the reason I initially picked his firm and he has a lifetime customer in me and all family and friends that I refer. The prices are budget friendly as well. When my children are of age, as long as he is still an instructor, I have every intention of having him teach them as well. I highly recommend Magnum IFT !

Amazing company and training staff, they are professional, experienced, and have a true passion for…read moresecurity. They deliver high quality and exceptional training. I highly recommend for your security training needs.

Sadly, I am unable to leave a review with 0 stars…read more I attended the 3-night security training course with Security Training Academy and the experience was extremely unprofessional. Within the first portion of the class, the instructor clearly stated that taking pictures of the slides was allowed (no video or audio recording). That guidance directly contradicted what happened on the second night, when an individual who later claimed to be the owner abruptly interrupted the class and aggressively singled me out by name, threatening to remove me for doing exactly what we had been told was permitted. There was no attempt to clarify policy, no professionalism, and no respect shown. The situation escalated unnecessarily and created a hostile learning environment. I deescalated and continued the course, but the damage to the overall experience was already done. To make matters worse, once that individual left, the instructor admitted that we had, in fact, been told photos were allowed and apologized. That inconsistency and lack of leadership speaks volumes. As someone who coordinates trainings for a large security company and was actively evaluating potential providers, I can say this experience alone disqualified this organization from consideration. Consistency, professionalism, and clear communication are basic expectations for any training environment, and this fell short on all three. I would not recommend.

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.

Small intimate setting for self-defense training by an expert in the field. Highly recommend him…read moreand his staff. Very matter-of-fact with out pretending they can tell you what DA's or lawyers will do, as Vinny will tell you, he is not a lawyer, but has the decades of experience in executive protection and military experience in self-defense to tell you what you should say, have, and do to maximize your safety, responses to threats, and minimize your risks. Just took a class there last night on defending the home. Afterwards he let us see & use the laser room, and Airsoft training room. I watched him and his staff give some quick basic instruction to a few people. Very impressed. Did not take pictures. Wish I had.

Vinny was very informative and knowledgeable. A true expert in the field. His class was very…read moreengaging and he kept things interesting. I would strongly recommend his services to anyone. Thanks Vinny!