FST Training

Professional Firearms Training Built Around Safety, Knowledge, and Responsible Firearm Ownership.

Maryland HQL & Wear & Carry Student Handbook

Free State Tactical Range (FST) provides structured firearms education for new and experienced firearm owners. Our programs are built around safety, responsible firearm handling, foundational knowledge, and applicable Maryland requirements. Every course is taught to a written standard by a qualified instructor — not improvisation.

FST Core Programs

Foundational & Specialized Courses

Proprietary FST educational courses. These are distinct from Maryland State Police–regulated qualifying courses (see below).

FST Firearms Fundamentals

A foundational course for individuals who want to develop safe, responsible firearm-handling habits and a better understanding of firearms.

Intended ForNew & developing firearm owners
DurationTBD
PrerequisitesNone

What You'll Learn

  • Fundamental firearm safety & muzzle awareness
  • Trigger discipline & basic terminology/components
  • Ammunition fundamentals & safe loading/unloading
  • Range commands, etiquette & secure storage
  • Basic shooting fundamentals

What to Bring

  • Government-issued ID
  • Closed-toe footwear
  • Firearm/ammo only if specified at booking
Ask About Availability

Pistol Fundamentals

Focused instruction on safe pistol handling, operation, and the fundamentals of marksmanship.

Intended ForPistol-focused students
Duration4 Hours
PrerequisitesNone

What You'll Learn

  • Pistol safety & basic operation
  • Fundamentals of marksmanship
  • Range procedures & safe loading/unloading
  • Basic maintenance concepts

What to Bring

  • Government-issued ID
  • Closed-toe footwear
  • Loaner firearm, eye/ear protection & 100 rounds of ammunition provided

Full pricing on the Course Catalog.

Reserve a Seat

FST Rifle Fundamentals

Focused instruction on safe rifle handling, operation, and basic marksmanship fundamentals.

Intended ForRifle-focused students
DurationTBD
PrerequisitesNone

What You'll Learn

  • Rifle safety & basic operation
  • Basic marksmanship fundamentals
  • Range procedures & safe loading/unloading
  • Basic maintenance concepts & responsible use

What to Bring

  • Government-issued ID
  • Closed-toe footwear
  • Firearm/ammo only if specified at booking
Ask About Availability

Private / 1-on-1 Coaching

One-on-one instruction tailored to the student's experience level and goals. Examples include new firearm owner orientation, individual fundamentals coaching, skill development, firearm familiarization, range confidence, and refresher training.

Intended ForIndividuals wanting custom-paced coaching
Duration1–2 Hours
PrerequisitesNone

What to Bring

  • Government-issued ID
  • Closed-toe footwear
  • Firearm/ammo only if specified at booking

Full pricing on the Course Catalog.

Reserve a Seat

FST Long-Range Fundamentals

An educational introduction to the fundamentals of precision shooting.

Intended ForStudents interested in precision shooting basics
DurationTBD
PrerequisitesTBD

What You'll Learn

  • Range safety
  • Basic equipment familiarity
  • Understanding external factors
  • Fundamentals of stable shooting positions
  • Basic ballistic concepts & responsible facility use
Ask About Availability

FST Competition Fundamentals

An educational, safety-focused introduction to competition shooting.

Intended ForStudents interested in match participation
DurationTBD
PrerequisitesTBD

What You'll Learn

  • Competition safety & range commands
  • Match etiquette
  • Equipment preparation
  • Understanding match procedures
Ask About Availability

FST Youth Firearms Safety/Education

Age-appropriate firearms safety education, where offered. Requires a guardian who is enrolled/present per FST policy.

AvailabilityWhere offered — TBD
DurationTBD
PrerequisitesGuardian enrollment/attendance required
Ask About Availability
Maryland-Regulated Training

Maryland HQL & Wear & Carry Training

These courses are conducted according to current requirements established by the Maryland State Police and applicable Maryland law. Free State Tactical Range does not issue a Handgun Qualification License or Wear & Carry permit — completion of required training does not itself constitute issuance of a permit or license. Applicants remain responsible for completing the applicable application process through the Maryland State Police.

Maryland State Police Requirements Apply

Maryland HQL / Firearms Safety Training

A firearms safety training course required for the Maryland Handgun Qualification License (HQL), taught by an MSP-qualified handgun instructor.

Duration4 hours (minimum, per MSP)
FormatClassroom instruction

What You'll Learn

  • Maryland state firearm law
  • Home firearm safety & secure storage
  • Handgun mechanisms & safe operation

Requirements and curriculum are set by the Maryland State Police and subject to change.

Verify Current Requirements Book This Course

Maryland Wear & Carry — Initial Training

Initial training required for a Maryland Wear & Carry permit application, conducted per current MSP curriculum.

Duration16 hours (minimum, per MSP)
FormatClassroom + live-fire qualification

Includes

  • Classroom education & applicable legal education
  • Firearm safety instruction
  • Practical training & qualification evaluation

Requirements and curriculum are set by the Maryland State Police and subject to change.

Verify Current Requirements Book This Course

Maryland Wear & Carry — Renewal Training

Renewal training required to maintain a Maryland Wear & Carry permit, conducted per current MSP curriculum.

Duration8 hours (minimum, per MSP)
FormatClassroom + live-fire qualification

Includes

  • Classroom education & applicable legal education
  • Firearm safety instruction
  • Qualification evaluation

Requirements and curriculum are set by the Maryland State Police and subject to change.

Verify Current Requirements Book This Course
Information above is for general educational purposes and is not legal advice. Maryland firearms laws and MSP requirements can change — always confirm current requirements directly with the Maryland State Police before relying on any course to satisfy a permit application.

Have questions before you book?

Review the Student Handbook for what to expect on your training day, or reach out directly.

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