​Maryland Wear and Carry Course Bundle
Maryland Law & Use-of-Force Principles
Understand the legal standards for self-defense, including reasonable belief, proportionality, duty to retreat, and the legal limitations on the use of deadly force.
The 4 Cardinal Rules & Safety Mindset
Master the four fundamental rules of firearm safety and the importance of attitude, discipline, and accountability in safe firearm handling.
Conflict Resolution, De-escalation & Human Factors
Learn strategies to avoid confrontation, manage anger, and apply de-escalation techniques to reduce the likelihood of using force.
Maryland Firearm Laws, Restrictions & Compliance
Review prohibited persons, protective orders, reporting requirements, transportation laws, and restricted locations where firearms are not permitted.
Home Firearm Safety & Storage
Understand Maryland requirements for safe storage, child access prevention, and best practices for securing firearms and ammunition.
Handgun Operation & Marksmanship Fundamentals
Learn handgun mechanics, safe loading/unloading procedures, and the five fundamentals of pistol shooting including grip, stance, aiming, trigger control, and follow-through.
Live-Fire Qualification
Demonstrate safe firearm handling and meet required performance standards during a supervised live-fire qualification
The Maryland Wear & Carry Permit course at Smith Creek provides the required 16-hour training to apply for a Maryland Wear and Carry Permit. This comprehensive two-day course covers Maryland firearm law, use-of-force considerations, defensive mindset, and safe handgun operation, and includes the required live-fire qualification.
This two-day course is structured to meet Maryland Wear & Carry training requirements while providing a practical and supportive learning environment. Day 1 focuses on classroom instruction covering Maryland law, use-of-force considerations, firearm safety, and defensive mindset. Day 2 reinforces key concepts and transitions to live-fire training and qualification under direct instructor supervision. Time is also reserved for questions and application guidance.
Time Breakdown:
Day 1:
• Approximately 8 hours of classroom instruction, the location provided via email prior to course date
Day 2:
• Final review and preparation
• Transit to range (Cindy’s Hotshots, Severn, MD)
• Range orientation and safety briefing
• Supervised live-fire training
• State qualification course
DO NOT BRING Live Ammunition in Classroom
- A valid government-issued photo ID (valid MD driver’s license required)
- A notebook and pen for notes
- Any required registration or confirmation information
- A positive attitude and willingness to learn
- Snacks, lunch and beverages
Additionally for Day 2 - Range only
- Wear pants with belt loops (no sweatpants)
- Pistol unloaded (clean and in good operating condition)
- Strong belt and firearm holster
- Factory ammunition suitable for range qualification (FMJ)
- Minimally two magazines or speed loaders
- Range safety equipment
- Range Fee
- Certification target
• Fingerprinting fees
• Maryland application fees
• Food, beverages, or transportation to and from the range
• Any optional range fees or equipment charges not identified in booking
DO NOT BRING Live Ammunition in Classroom.
Please arrive 15 to 20 minutes early for check-in, verification, and safety review. Late arrivals may not be admitted if they miss required safety or legal instruction. All students must check in before the course begins. Attendance for full duration is required for certification.
Experienced Instructors. Real-World Training.
Not all firearm training is the same. Smith Creek focuses on building responsible handgun owners through disciplined safety practices, clear legal instruction, and coached hands-on experience.
Our instructors understand that real training means more than meeting a requirement. We emphasize safe habits, sound judgment, and practical skills so students leave with the knowledge and confidence needed to responsibly own and operate a handgun.
Enroll with confidence — we’ll guide you every step of the way
Course registrations are non-refundable within 3 days of purchase and non-transferable. Smith Creek may cancel the course up to 24 hours prior to the class start time. Because class size is limited and instructor scheduling is based on enrollment, cancellations or no-shows are not eligible for refund. Contact Smith Creek as early as possible if you cannot attend.