Took the HQL class today!!! I found Fortress Training on Google and chose them because of what they offered and all the great reviews. John, and his team, are outstanding. John’s personable training approach keeps you engaged and excited to learn about what’s involved with owning a firearm. He’s also pretty funny 😄. I could go on, but needless to say, my daughter and I were so happy with the training that we decided we will do more firearms training with Fortress Training. 5+ stars!!

John does a great job teaching the fundamentals of working with a firearm. The hands-on HQL class teaches more than just what to know to get the permit; but how to take apart and clean a handgun, MD laws, and an emphasis on safety when around firearms. Would definitely recommend Fortress training.

Great experience. Definitely recommend if you want to get educated the correct way on how to be around guns, not only on how to handle them but also the mental part of it. 100% worth the money. John and his staff are excellent. Thank you

Learned a lot, would/will recommend to anyone looking to learn about gun safety & obtain a license

I had took a few classes with Fortress training for my HQL, wear and carry and Basic training. The classes was so educational and informative. The instructors really take time to make sure you understand taking the responsibility of owning a pistol and the safety of owning and carrying a handgun. The instructors also taught great techniques on how to use , clean and handle a handgun which made me feel comfortable, safe and empowered.The classes was beyond what I expected I will be taking more advanced classes in the near future with fortress training. Mostimportantly the instructors had great energy.

Fortress training does a good job. Their instructors are knowledgeable and can answer any question you have. Their staff will also take time to answer questions and help you with whatever you may need. Their prices are good and they help you with the application process. I would and have recommended them to friends of mine.

Highly Recommend any/all classes with Fortress Training. Absolutely amazing! John is intelligent, funny, and everyone else involved in the classes are amazing! They a bring a lot to the table. Phenomenal!

Very well done class

Just took the Maryland Wear and Carry Permit class and it was awesome! John and company made the class very fun and serious at the same time. His approach was by far the best Ive seen. His approach to the handgun being a tool was perfect and on point and completely changed the dynamic of the class. I highly recommend taking a class from John. Whether youre a beginner or experienced marksman, I guarantee youll get something out of it.

Excellence! John is a very personable trainer educated nice I had a wonderful experience.

I took the HQL training from Fortress Training on May 8th, 2021 with Dean, one of the instructors. The class was very informative and I found Dean to be knowledgeable, articulate, and dedicated to making sure his students understand the importance of gun safety. I liked the fact that Fortress Training offers all the complimentary services necessary to fill out the HQL application (Livescan fingerprinting and filling out HQL application on your behalf for an extra fee on site). They are truly vested in your success.Now on to some constructive feedback to Fortress Training.... I did find it highly inappropriate for the instructor to label California, the pacific NW and Northeast states as communist block states (jokingly or not) due to their strict gun laws and dedicating an entire slide with pictures of past fascist/communist dictators while arguing that their socialist policies may have led to the relinquishing of gun rights of citizens and many of their deaths. Whether true or not, this political BS does not belong in a HQL training course. It has nothing to do with gun safety/related topics and detracts from an otherwise informative training course. I get that most gun enthusiasts lean right on the political spectrum and have no issues with that. However, learning about gun safety and the use of a pistol should not be political. I am still giving them 5 stars because of the quality of their technical instruction, but wished they kept the political stuff out.

I took an firearm safety training class in order to move to the next step of buying a firearm in Maryland. John and Dean did a fantastic job with the training. Very well organized with registration, waivers, finger printing, etc. Class started on time and ended on time. And those 2 had my attention the entire 4 hours. Thanks

Fortress Training was fantastic. They made the whole process easy and quick. I took their new online class where the class itself is done through Zoom and then you just go and do a quick live fire with the instructors and then youre done! John, Dean and Susan were great and made the online portion of the class useful, informative and entertaining. Fortress will even submit your HQL application to the state police for you so that you dont have to go through all the bureaucracy.

Recently finished the Maryland Wear and Carry class and would highly recommend it to anybody that qualifies for wear and carry in Maryland. I loved the training and believe that John and his team did a great job during covid. Everybody on their staff was super friendly and answered any questions that you may have had and they didnt make anybody feel dumb for not knowing something. For anybody that is hesitant on taking a carry class I would highly recommend taking Johns class

I highly recommend Fortress training.They were very professional, informative and helpful in gaining an HQL. The instructors were friendly and would answer any questions that people had.They covered everything from laws, maintenance and safe operation of handguns while still making the class entertaining. Susan was very responsive with communication about the class and making the paperwork super easy. John and Dean shared real life scenarios about the seriousness of gun ownership and things to avoid. There training session is a one stop shop for all HQL needs, licensing, finger printing and application submission.

Just came off a full day of training with John Finnessy and the Fortress team, and all my expectations were surpassed. The training was thorough, informative, engaging, entertaining, well organized, and very enjoyable. The entire Fortress team was on point. All the logistics of the day were well planned and thoughtfully and professionally executed upon. I learned way more than I thought I would about psychology, strategy, and real life tactics to avoid trouble, protect myself and my family, and get home safely in the event of finding myself in danger. I highly recommend Fortress Training! If I could I would give them 10 stars!

I attended the Fortress Training HQL Class. Very personable and knowledgeable staff. The class was full of useful information and very practical. John was a great instructor and Susan made sure all of the paper work and fingerprinting went smoothly. Also, one of the few places that was able to successfully adapt and accommodate people during this pandemic. I would highly recommend attending this or any other course they offer!

It speaks volumes when a owner takes time out of their schedule to address your concerns. My permit was accidentally sent to the wrong address but I was glad to hear that it was fixed and hopefully I will be receiving my permit soon. Great class, very informative..and now they have a virtual option to take the class ... This is great for those of us who want to social distance. Will definitely recommend to friends and family.

Sent my whole family to John. His class isnt your boring instructional class. You will learn and laught. This guy has a lot of knowledge. I send everyone to his classes.

I just completed their first virtual training for the HQL. I must say that these guys are amazing. The class had two parts. Part one was through a zoom meeting for a few hours. The instructors had amazing energy and were very informative. These guys know their stuff! The second part was the firing session at a hotel in the BWI area. They were even more amazing in person. The offer on site fingerprinting and even offer to complete the application process for you, for a very small fee. They made sure that all questions were answered so that you have a full understanding of everything. In addition, they offer the AZ carry and conceal and the MD wear and carry permits too. I would definitely recommend getting any of your firearm training with Fortress. Im going back for the next available wear and carry class. I was upset that the seats were sold out for the class this month. However, I will be at the class in October. Once again, amazing experience. 5 STARS!

Fortress Training surpassed all my expectations. The instructor makes the class very enjoyable but never takes away from the seriousness of why we are all there.I definitely recommend Fortress Training if you are looking for real knowledge instead of trying to just scrape by.Thanks John, Susan, and Ellen!

Fortress Training surpassed all my expectations. The instructor makes the class very enjoyable but never takes away from the seriousness of why we are all there.I definitely recommend Fortress Training !!!

The class is very engaging and your able to learn all the necessary information with the allotted time. The half book material and half hands on is perfectly done to give you both the knowledge and experience on how to safetly handle guns and to tread Marylands awful murky gun laws. The instructor has high energy so even if your not a morning person you cant help yo pay attention and enjoy the class. The man deserves the BIGGEST crab legs.

These guys are great! The instructors were awesome and Susan was too! They did a great job working through this pandemic crud!! If you are looking for training, this is the place!!

The first class Ive ever loved.. Class was very informative, and fun. Did not seem like four hours. I wish it could have been longer..They do all the work all you have to do is show up with the funds.. Im definitely looking forward to taking more classes in the future.

Went in for a HQL and gained more then I expected. It was an amazing class that I was able to learn far more then what I thought. Will be going back for more training in the future! They really take care of everything fingerprinting, applications , etc!! Thank you so much !!!

Jon is a great instructor. They do a great job making sure you not only know the laws but also the rights you have . The hands on portion with actual handguns was very helpful and gave him the ability to demonstrate the proper way to handle a firearm. I would highly recommend them to others and plan on taking more classes in the near future

I took the HQL class last weekend with 4 of my friends. John and the Fortress team did a great job accommodating us and teaching us all that we needed to know about firearm safety and responsibility. He taught us how to hold, handle, clean, take apart, and reassemble a firearm in class. I would definitely recommend this class to anyone who is looking to own a firearm.

I took the HQL class. Great instruction, hands-on training, makes the process simple and fun. They will teach you how to use your fire arm correctly and how to obey the law while exercising all of your rights. He will also provide you with tactical tips with real world examples that can help individuals stay calm in stressful situations. Everyone should take this class to better understand the world of handguns, regardless if they want to buy one or not.

Instructors were good. One stop shop.

Was looking for a One Stop Shop for all my needs for HQL training, finger printing and application submission help. John and Fortress Training truly delivered and the 4 hour course blew by. John was very interactive with the group and reviewed State Laws, Safety Guidelines plus showed proper dismantling/reassembling of the pistol along with proper handling/aiming. This was far more informative than expected and I am beyond pleased with the course. Look no further, this is a great course and Ill most likely get my wife to take it too!!! Thanks Fortress Training!

If youre looking to get your HQL in Ellicott City, look no further. This place has it all:- Easy, free parking- Clean, organized, spacious classroom- Friendly staffBest of all, its an all-inclusive experience. You can get your fingerprinting done right there on site, no travelling to another facility, no extra wait time. Theyll even help you with your State application forms.I personally have trouble learning mechanical things quickly, but I was treated with great respect despite not catching on to a few things as fast as some others. I got individual coaching from Mr. Dean who helped me keep up with the rest of the class. I learn better by doing than by hearing.

John was a great instructor. Very smart instructor, and really went out of his way to help everyone understand what the HQL class is really about. I would recommend this class to anyone who is searching to take this course.

I just took the HQL class and John was a great instuctor he kept things interesting and moving quickly. They made the whole process from beginning to end very simple and smooth. I will definitely be taking other types of instruction in the future through fortress!!!

John is the man! Informative and professional. Highly recommend for new and season shooters.

John is a Great instructor and made the class fun. I learned new skills to make me a better shooter.

Very informative and the training staff is professional, efficient, and great with new shooters. Highly recommend enrolling in one of their courses.

Been training for over 20 years with firearms and John is the best trainer I’ve ever had. Been coming back for five years now.

FORTRESS TRAINING is a great place to obtain your HQL certification and concealed and carry .The teaching is superb. Am so glad i did my training at Fortress Training.

Great Class, very informative! I enjoyed the hands on experience with a knowledgeable instructor.

Great mix of classroom with hands on. John keeps the class interesting.

John is the best! Great class and very informative!

I took the HQL class and they are very friendly and professional. The class was fun, and structured in a very informative and convenient manner. The instructor John even through in some safety tips for defensive shooting towards the end of class, which is not a requirement for the HQL certification, and is covered in a separate class.

Wonderful Class very informative, hands on I recommend any and everyone to take HQL and any other class that’s offered here !!!!!!!!!

I had an awesome time in Johns class very informative and fun. I learned so muchRayleach1

I wasnt sure what to expect from Fortresss HQL training but was pleasantly surprised by John and Susan. Would highly recommend.

Great training, instructor made it fun while he helped to understand the law and best part the hands on training and variaty of other classes they offer.( ask instructor oh how to save money on your first purchase) 😀😀😀

Great Instructor Good job John