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<div class="space-y-4"> <p>To purchase a handgun in Maryland you will most likely need a <strong>Handgun Qualification License (HQL)</strong>. We offer an in-person class that will prepare you to obtain your HQL. <a href="/events" style="color: var(--primary-interactive); text-decoration: underline;">See upcoming HQL classes</a>.</p> <p>For more information, visit the Maryland State Police: <a href="https://mdsp.maryland.gov/Organization/Pages/CriminalInvestigationBureau/LicensingDivision/Firearms/RegulatedFirearmPurchases.aspx" target="_blank" rel="noopener" style="color: var(--primary-interactive); text-decoration: underline;">Regulated Firearm Purchases</a>.</p> </div>

<div class="space-y-4"> <p><strong>No.</strong> Maryland does not share reciprocity with any state. However, many states recognize Maryland's permit because of the educational requirements behind it.</p> <p>Download the <a href="https://www.usconcealedcarry.com/resources/ccw_reciprocity_map/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" style="color: var(--primary-interactive); text-decoration: underline;">USCCA reciprocity app</a> to see which states recognize Maryland's permit and where you can legally conceal carry.</p> </div>

<div class="space-y-4"> <p><strong>Yes.</strong> For the Maryland Wear and Carry Permit, we encourage you to review the <a href="https://mdsp.maryland.gov/Organization/Pages/CriminalInvestigationBureau/LicensingDivision/Firearms/HandgunPermits.aspx" target="_blank" rel="noopener" style="color: var(--primary-interactive); text-decoration: underline;">Maryland State Police Handgun Permits page</a>, which links to the Licensing Division online portal where your application is submitted. The MSP site has the direct links you will need to review, including live-scan fingerprint and training requirements, exemptions, and fees.</p> <div style="border-left: 4px solid var(--primary-interactive); padding: 0.875rem 1.125rem; background: color-mix(in srgb, var(--primary-color) 10%, transparent); border-radius: 0.5rem;"> <p style="margin: 0;"><strong>Please understand:</strong> live-scan fingerprints taken electronically <strong>under the Maryland Wear and Carry Permit authorization code</strong> are required for all applicants. Documentation of completion <strong>must</strong> be attached to your application for it to be accepted. We do not accept ink-rolled fingerprint cards.</p> </div> <p>There are specific training exemptions under Maryland law:</p> <ul class="list-disc pl-5 space-y-1"> <li>Active, retired, or honorably discharged military</li> <li><u>Maryland police officer, or Federal agent</u> (out-of-state officers do not qualify)</li> </ul> <p><strong>We do not accept out-of-state training courses.</strong></p> <p>If you are using active or former military service, please upload a copy of your active ID card or a DD-214 listing an "Honorable" discharge directly to your application for verification.</p> <p>If you are not exempt, you must complete the <strong>16-hour Maryland Wear and Carry training course</strong> with a qualified handgun instructor. <a href="/events" style="color: var(--primary-interactive); text-decoration: underline;">See our upcoming classes</a>.</p> </div>

<div class="space-y-4"> <p>In the United States, the term <strong>Constitutional Carry</strong>, also called <em>permitless carry</em>, <em>unrestricted carry</em>, or <em>Vermont carry</em>, refers to the legal public carrying of a handgun, either openly or concealed, without a license or permit.</p> <p>As of February 2025, <strong>29 states</strong> recognize some form of permitless carry. Check the <a href="https://www.usconcealedcarry.com/resources/ccw_reciprocity_map/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" style="color: var(--primary-interactive); text-decoration: underline;">USCCA reciprocity app</a> to see which states recognize Constitutional Carry today.</p> </div>

<div class="space-y-4"> <p><strong>Honestly, we don't know.</strong> The right firearm is the one <em>you</em> shoot well, and that varies by hand size, grip strength, eyesight, and recoil tolerance.</p> <p>We recommend going to your local range and trying as many handguns as possible. For most new shooters, something with at least a <strong>4-inch barrel</strong> is a sensible starting point. The goal is a firearm you can safely handle while applying the fundamentals of grip, sight alignment, and trigger control.</p> </div>

<div class="space-y-4"> <p><strong>No.</strong> Bigger is not better if you can't keep your shots on target. What matters is being able to handle the recoil of your weapon while still maintaining shooting fundamentals.</p> <p>Skill grows with practice. Once you are proficient with your current setup, moving to a higher caliber is an option, not a requirement.</p> </div>