What to Bring to Your First Firearms Class (and What to Leave Home)

First class coming up? Here's exactly what to bring — and what not to worry about.

For the classroom portion

• Government-issued photo ID — required for check-in.
• Note-taking material — we cover Maryland law, safety rules, and the application process; notes help.
• Comfortable clothes and anything you need for a full training day (snacks, water, any medications).

For the range portion

• Eye and ear protection if you have your own — loaners are available if you don't.
• Closed-toe shoes — required on every range.
• A ball cap — keeps hot brass off your face, and out of your collar.
• A crew-neck shirt (especially important — low collars catch brass).

What about a gun and ammo?

For my MD Wear & Carry courses, range fees, gun rental, and ammunition are included — you don't need to own a firearm to complete your training. If you have your own handgun and prefer to qualify with it, bring it unloaded and cased, and let me know in advance.

For the Basics of Pistol Shooting course, range fees and firearm/ammo are not included — details are on the course page.

What to leave home

Loaded firearms (transport unloaded and cased, per Maryland law), loose ammunition in pockets, and nerves — every student in the room is there to learn, and the class is built for first-timers as much as experienced shooters.

Questions before class day? Call or text 443-333-1070 — I'd rather answer twice than have you show up unsure.