I recently conducted a FFL sale with Protect & Defend. Top rate company. My experience was…read morefantastic. I will definitely return and highly recommend.

I had a great experience with FFL. I will definitely use them again in the near future.read more

Want to start out by saying "Thank you PTP". I currently own my own firearms that I purchased prior…read moreto the Maryland legislation act for "Regulated Firearms". I did this as I was informed incorrectly mind you, that IF you purchased your "regulated" firearm you would be grandfathered in. Meaning I would not need to take any additional courses. I thought, great. Well I have since come to find out that you do indeed need to have additional hand gun courses if you want to purchase a hand gun. All this law does is make the general law abiding Maryland resident put out more money to the state. This law will and has not stopped any criminal from doing what they want. With all that being said, let me tell you my opinion on the HQL (Hand gun Qualification License) Class I took on Saturday in Callaway, Maryland with PTP and Ryan Gass and all his fellow PTP staff.. The day starting out wonderfully, it was a normal July day, nice and humid. I got there around 7:45 for the 8am class, got in line, signed in and had a seat. Ryan came in and said we would be holding off for just a few minutes to let some last minute people to either finish signing in or to show up. Which is nice that he was willing to hold off for a few minutes, you never know what traffic can be like. About 8:10 we started, I figured (like most) here we go, time to just keep my eyes open and not fall asleep, boy was I wrong, Ryan was great, he was polite, funny and most important engaged and very informative. Yes, I already knew a lot just from being around guns, but I have to admit, I did learn a lot too. Every question was answered directly and towards the group and all the questions that where asked, he was able to answer without hesitation. The class was less than 8 hours long including a couple of breaks and lunch (provided I might add). During the class one of the things you need is to have finger printing done, this is required to obtain your HQL in Maryland and PTP had a person on site to do it, HQL also required at a minimum a single shot from a fire arm. I was thinking to myself, there are a lot of buildings around here and I know darn well, PTP knows they can't do that here, so I figured we would all have to finish the class and meet some place to do the shot, NOPE, they have a system set up to where the shot can be done on sight and well in all the laws. Very cool. I would tell anyone that wants to get their HQL to contact PTP and get your training through them for a few of reasons. 1. Very knowledgeable 2. They come to your area, vs. having to drive all over who knows where 3. Friendly staff 4. Small classes 5. Lots of guns to tryout (if you sign up) 6. Prices are not going to break your bank.

I completed the Multi-State License course in September 2024, but I've continued to experience…read moredelays in receiving my Florida, Utah, and Arizona licenses. I recently contacted the Florida Department of Agriculture to check on the status of my application, but they were unable to locate my record. Given that I paid $1,500 for the One Stop Shop - Premium package, I'm very concerned that I have not received the services promised. I would like to request a refund or discuss alternative options to resolve this matter but no responses.

PRO'S - Adam is the man. I personality researched out to about 3-4 different places one offering…read moreme to just show up pay and he would make sure I got the cert. I'm not new guns but new to laws when it comes to concealed carry. Adam was extremely knowledgeable and up front he lets you know. This is something that is very serious and not just some right or hobby. It's a life style change. I wanted to learn as much as I can after all this is Maryland and this is not a cheap process. sadly anyone that has looked into this process since it has been allowed knows lets be honest 80% are in it for the money. Adam is not he has a strong passion for firearms and our rights. one thing that I noticed while in his class as the days go on he never lets up on safety. all the way down to the last min he was correcting newer gun people on the proper way to handle firearms all the time's. Honestly I've seen military and cops in my life time handle them with less then half the respect Adam does. CON'S - classes are to short. I'm not one that likes school for the most part but Adam is that good. "he's the teacher in high School everyone always wanted and just clicked with" the way he teaches will get through to you 100% only thing I would love to see different is as his business grows as it should especially for Calvert residents. As a close community we want all of our county residents to have the best training. Is he hires more and opens up even more advanced classed I would be the first in line. Big thanks to Adam

My husband and I had the pleasure of meeting with Adam and Dion today for our CCW renewal. They…read moredemonstrated the highest level of professionalism, dedication, and attentiveness throughout the process. Their clear instruction and attention to detail made everything easy to understand, while their personable approach created a comfortable and positive experience. 10/10 recommend this business and will be using this business again!

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.

Cedric is a professional and has an engaging way of teaching. He made sure that I learned the…read morefundamentals, proper procedures, and, of course, safety. He was patient when I needed help and made sure I got it right. After my desk course training, I felt confident of my shooting at the range. I can't recommend him enough.

Barnes 1st Step is excellent. Having received a fair amount of firearms and marksmanship training…read morein the past, I can say Cedric Barnes ranks in the top for creating training that is both relevant and realistic to those interested in defensive carry. He also provides solid tips and coaching on fundamentals designed to improve overall proficiency. I highly recommend him.

Great job! Boom Boom I guess you could say I'm a loyalist. They are efficient, and I learned so…read moremuch! I look forward to taking more glasses and getting better at this new hobby!

I attended an HQL training in February 2026. It was pretty disorganized possibly due to having to…read moremanage extra students after the big snow storm. However, the instructor was just plain irritable and addressed the training group that if anyone had a bad attitude to please leave and that once they went upstairs to set up, they weren't coming back down to let in students who had not arrived from range to the classroom - rather inappropriate to say to paying customers. After arriving at 7am on a Sunday morning to a range that was closed. There was no cohesiveness, no proper introduction, no signage to direct folks where to go. I could go on and on. It accomplished the job of getting a training certification but I can't say the training was the best. Maybe it was a fluke what I experienced, but FYSA.

I came to Drew with zero experience, a desire to pick up skills as quickly as possible, and a…read moredifficult schedule. He is an absolutely amazing teacher--gun expertise is a given (he has it across the board), but patience and flexibility aren't--and he has those as well, in spades. In a matter of weeks I went from not being able to hold a gun (and being pretty frightened on the range) to developing solid fundamentals and leaving with much greater comfort with both the gun itself and the range. He is the best teacher for beginners (and probably fo more advanced shooters as well); I would highly recommend him to anyone, especially for private instruction!

Let's start by explaining that before going to the range with Drew I had an unnatural fear of guns…read more Drew was so patient and was able to put me at ease. Drew stressed safety and respect for the firearms and the rules of the range. In the end a I was able to shoot a few 9mm and a few rifles. All my fear is conquered and I can't wait to do it again!

Mr. Church conducted a Small Arms Training Class at my home for me and four of my adult family…read moremembers on 1 February 2014. Mr. Church was fully prepared and very knowledgeable in regards to this training. We were very impressed with his professionalism and knowledge of the subject and how helpful and patient he was with the entire group. When we finished the course, Mr. Church had answered all of our questions and concerns and we were able to go out and purchase what weapon we needed and knew the specifics of how to use them and to obtain a concealed weapon certificate.