Maryland’s Finest Handgun and Safety Training

Your experience here is far different than other sites. We are focused on helping you become more proficient and efficient with a handgun. Whether advanced or a beginner, our goal is to have you walk away better than when you came in.

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About

Welcome to Fortress Training

Professional Firearms Training Since 2013

As the leader in Maryland HQL and Maryland Wear and Carry training, we offer both firearm and non-fire less-than-lethal training.

Our core training includes:

Maryland Wear and Carry Training

MDWC Renewals

Maryland HQL

Tactical and Advanced Pistol Instruction

Less than Lethal Certification

Other Non-Resident Carry Training

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Meet John Finnessy

1,200+

classes taught

10,000+

hours trained

10+

years of experience

99.6%

pass rate

Maryland Firearms Training Courses

Students in MDWC Training Class

Maryland Wear and Carry

Our training far exceeds the requirement of the Maryland State Police and moves into the world of professional carry. Our Training goes WELL BEYOND the Gun!

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Full-Immersion-Training

Maryland Wear and Carry Renewal

Remain compliant with Fortress Training’s Wear and Carry Renewal classes. We offer 4 different training formats, including Virtual Online training.

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Glock 19 in HQL Class

Maryland HQL

The originator of all-inclusive HQL training, we have trained over 20,000 Marylanders, helping them obtain their Handgun Qualification License (HQL).

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Happy Shooters

Student testimonials

 
 
 
  Excellent  
    
 Based on 69 reviews 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 XYZZZ XYZZZ 
 
 
 XYZZZ XYZZZ 
 
 
 
  
So much I want to say, but the words are hard to express. Susan was awesome answering questions and helping me along at various points. I had a SNAFU come up and Susan just took care of it, didn't charge me anything more and did not make a big deal about it. Just got me to where I needed to be.

John could, quite honestly, be the greatest firearms instructor I have experienced: real life situations, fantastic teacher, and taught lessons and techniques (and made sure we were competent) with real equipment that, quite literally, saves lives.

About two hours into the class, it hit me: I had been doing so many things wrong for so many years and, being an engineer, John was there to explain not just the how, but the why of everything. The whole company is exemplary. Major-major light bulbs throughout the class.

I had low expectations and yeah, two hours in, I was like, "well, well, we gonna learn today."

God bless John and Susan. Beautiful educators and people.
  
 
  
 
 
 
 Jeremy Wetmore 
 
 
 Jeremy Wetmore 
 
 
 
  
Excellent HQL training. I have little to no experience with guns, and was concerned that my lack of knowledge would be a hinderance. However, this was not at all the case. I felt totally comfortable in class, and learned a ton. It did not feel like a formality or "box checking" type of class. John clearly takes real pride in this material, and presents information in a way that will allow anyone to understand and retain the information. My main goal was to learn simple best practices regarding safe handling of a firearm, etc., and the class exceeded my expectations significantly. I would recommend Fortress Training to anyone, and will definitely be a return client.
  
 
  
 
 
 
 Daniel Miller 
 
 
 Daniel Miller 
 
 
 
  
Great HQL class very informative and staff is absolutely wonderful
  
 
  
 
 
 
 Christopher Watson 
 
 
 Christopher Watson 
 
 
 
  
I had taken 4 other wear and carry courses in two different states over the years.  This was by far the best....by far. If you are going to carry a gun and live in the state of Maryland  this is where you want to get trained.
  
 
  
 
 
 
 Steve Chilcote 
 
 
 Steve Chilcote 
 
 
 
  
attended the basic HQL class.  Very well taught.  Pacing well thought out, the instructor, Dean, was helpful knowledgeable, and  a lefty -- which helped as sometimes right handed persons aren't able to explain to leftys.  Highly recommend.
  
 
  
 
 
 
 David Aughenbaugh 
 
 
 David Aughenbaugh 
 
 
 
  
Maryland Wear & Carry:

First Class operation, period. Exceeded all expectations.

As a longtime firearm enthusiast, hunter and all around proponent of the Second Amendment, John and his entire staff are THE kind of organization that should be teaching the Wear & Carry permit, especially here in the State of Maryland. They aren't 'checking boxes' so you meet the requirement, they instill the necessary tools so you "EXCEED" the requirement. Providing the knowledge to prepare the mind & body for the responsibility of safely carrying a firearm, before, during and God forbid, after.

Bottomline, if you want to take a class, you have a choice from many organizations, but if you want Next Level Training, Fortress is the Best in Class. I for one will make it a point to use them as long as I am in the area.

David Aughenbaugh
  
 
  
 
 
 
 Cameron Rees 
 
 
 Cameron Rees 
 
 
 
  
As a fact, these people save lives and make people more law abiding through their training. Thank you for helping me avoid the morgue and prison.
  
 
  
 
 
 
 Rachel Fazenbaker 
 
 
 Rachel Fazenbaker 
 
 
 
  
My husband and I both attended the “Wear and Carry” class in order to obtain our wear and carry permit. To be completely honest before I attended the class I felt as though the class was overpriced after hearing how much other people paid through other companies,
BUT I feel as though there is no price on the information I received and I do not feel in anyway was I ripped off nor charged too much . Not only did I learn about gun safety, I also received education on possible situations as well consequences. The class was so good and exceeded our expectations completely. John, Susan and their team of instructors were outstanding and I definitely plan on attending more classes in October. I highly recommend this class to anyone who wants a wear and carry and wants to be properly educated on safety. Thank you so much for the amount of education and training you guys have done to pass it along to us.
Sincerely - Rachel & Dave Fazenbaker
  
 
  
 
 
 
 Mike E. 
 
 
 Mike E. 
 
 
 
  
Above and beyond for the Maryland Wear and Carry doesn't even do the class justice.  Real life scenario thinking and training that is top notch and would be extra in other training schools. I will not look elsewhere for future training!!

Questions Before You Enroll?

We're happy to answer any questions you might have before or after you enroll. Just give us a call!

410-983-3989