Best self-defense training on the eastern seaboard. Highly…read morerecommend them for L E, and civilian.

Albeit I have served in the British Army, including with Coalition Forces in Iraq and Afghanistan,…read moreas I have not served in the US military I had to do the requisite Handgun Qualification License Course to qualify to own a handgun in Maryland. I booked myself and my wife on the HQL Course with Annapolis Defense & Security. My wife has very little handgun experience. I served for 22 years as a Sapper, former Commando and Military Diver with extensive handgun experience, including concealed carry; I wondered what I was going to learn. The course was outstanding, Joe is a phenomenally experienced Instructor; I learned a lot and even though a small part of the course, Joe helped me iron out a few habits! Joe easily catered to the different experience levels in the class and no-one was lost throughout the course, as the content was explained and different experience levels were catered for. I will definitely be using ADS again, so my wife and I can progress our handgun experience in a safe and healthy environment, which I trust. I recommend ADS to anyone, irrespective of experience level; they have my strongest recommendation.

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

Today was supposed to be an enjoyable first experience at the shooting range for us. It was my…read morefriend's birthday, and we were all looking forward to having a good time. Up until we reached the Gun Range counter, every staff member we interacted with had been welcoming, respectful, and genuinely pleasant. Unfortunately, that changed the moment we spoke with the employee at the Gun Range counter -- the one with ginger-colored hair. When he asked whether it was our first time shooting, I answered honestly that it was my first time. My husband also mentioned that our friends would be arriving shortly and that one of them, who teaches Senior MilitaryTactical Fire Arm Instructor for 19 years would be helping us. Instead of responding professionally, the employee made an unnecessary and disrespectful comment. He said, first, that it was "freaking awesome," but then immediately followed it with, "people in the military are the worst shooters we've ever encountered." Our friends haven't even arrived yet. That statement alone was aggravating, unprofessional, and completely out of line. He didn't even see or talk to our friend before making that judgment. It was insulting not only to our friend's service but to anyone who has served. His tone and attitude were dismissive and condescending from that point forward. It is completely unacceptable for a man who has risked his life in service to this country to be spoken about or to be belittled in such a manner. He then turned to me and said he was "honestly concerned" that this was my first time shooting -- speaking to me as if I were a child rather than an adult customer. I already struggle with confidence, and his approach was unnecessary, rude, and completely inappropriate for someone working in a customer-facing environment. Instead of making me feel safe, informed, or supported, he made me feel judged and talked down to. When I entered the gun range, the same employee who had already made unnecessary comments about it being my first time shooting continued to behave unprofessionally. He stood there staring at me and making a face that was clearly judgmental and unwelcome. His demeanor made me extremely uncomfortable. I ended up firing only one round before deciding to leave because the environment he created did not feel respectful, supportive, or appropriate for a first‑time shooter. What makes this even more disappointing is that my husband was planning to take classes there and buy his guns. After this interaction, it's clear that this employee needs to be addressed. His attitude, his comments, and the way he speaks to customers are unacceptable. He needs to be reminded of what professionalism looks like and how to treat people with basic respect. I would also like to note our interaction with the second gentleman who approached the counter. He was very polite and spoke to us in a respectful, reassuring manner. When I mentioned that the previous employee's behavior had made me feel nervous, he responded by saying, "Oh yeah, he's a ginger -- he's just like that. He's not as bad as he seems." Although he was kind in his approach, his attempt to excuse the earlier unprofessional behavior was inappropriate and did not address the underlying concern. Since I am aware that your facility has a history of reviewing camera footage to justify an employee's behavior, I want to clarify what was occurring at that moment. After the employee's inappropriate comment, my husband was simply trying to talk to me and lighten the mood because he could see that I was uncomfortable and upset. His intention was to reassure me, not to escalate the situation. He was simply trying to calm me down and reminded me not to let an employee's overinflated ego interfere with my ability to enjoy the experience. I would find any response that deflects accountability for your employees actions is unacceptable and disrespectful to our Men and Women of our Military.

Went for the ladies pistol event. Had a great time, staff is extremely knowledge and friendly,…read moresafety is first in every step. Also took a private lesson, very helpful and understanding. Felt much more comfortable after lesson and event handling pistols!

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!

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!

I had an AMAZING time at Cindy's on my bday and I would totally recommend my firearm instructor…read moreAllen and the whole Cindy's staff that was there on April 4th to anyone within driving distance of this place! My homegirls and I took an hr long lesson learning proper firearm handling/shooting and target practice and had a ball. I shot a 9mm and an AK and I'm already planning my next trip to do it again! The facility is clean, the staff is knowledgeable and friendly and the other patrons are just as welcoming and informative. It's a quaint little community there that's so dope.

Well organized and competent instruction. I would definitely recommend Black Alpha Tacticalread more

Great place! Expert Instructors, knowledgeable and patient. I learned a lot here and try to go…read moreoften to practice. Referred family and friends and everyone loves this place and the Instructors.

Pro: moderate size parking lot, clean interior. Con:…read morebathroom. Came here to do my HQL class and it was fairly quick and simple. Moderate size parking lot so no issue finding a parking space. Upon entering I check in with the staff in front and then headed upstairs to where the class was held. Our instructor Stephanie was engaging and made class fun. Got our fingerprint done during class and then after the lecture we went and did some live firing. One of the downside is the bathroom only has 1 urinal and 1 stall, on this day the urinal was out of order so a long wait time to use the bathroom since only have one stall. All in all, it was a very straight forward process to completing the class and getting my HQL certificate and I would highly recommend anyone who in the area and need a HQL class to get it here. As for me I won't be back unfortunately due to the distance, gas price, and having to drive through dingy Baltimore to get to this facility.

It was my husband's 50th and we had an entire day of activities. This was the second stop. We…read moreinvited friends and had a group of 7. It was the day before Christmas Eve and it was busy but we were able to get in within 20 mins. While we waited they completed our paperwork which made the time go by quickly. We enjoyed our time and the staff were very friendly and helpful. I don't know a lot about guns but they have a fair selection of guns to rent. On the website, it says that handgun rentals are $10 plus the cost of ammo. Ammo is $20 a box and you would like about two boxes just a heads up so you can plan. It is loud in there so you do need protective eyewear, and earplugs. You can get eyewear for about two bucks from Harbor freight. If you have AirPods that have noise cancellation I preferred those over earplugs because it was still a bit loud for me. Once you're in there for about 10 minutes, you focus more on shooting than anything else. For ladies, dress comfortably without oversize clothing because it can be a little annoying for you to try to shoot wearing clothes that are way too baggy. Leave your purse in the car because there is only a small ledge to rest your purse on. Just a reminder for new patrons, you are only allowed to carry your rented gun in the black caddy and loaded weapons are not to be taken from the shooting booth. We had a great time and I purchased a family membership for my husband's birthday. Therefore, we are definitely going back.

JD was very knowledgeable and kept me engaged during the whole class. His real life encounters…read moremixed with the curriculum was a perfect fit. I highly recommend!