Carter Firearms Training
Credentials are a baseline, not an endpoint.
About
Responsible gun ownership goes beyond simply obtaining a permit.
Our Mission
At Carter Firearms Training, we are dedicated to making a positive impact in our community and beyond through our comprehensive firearms training and essential self-defense courses.
Meet Your Primary Instructor
Brian Carter is a Maryland-based NRA and USCCA Firearms Instructor, certified in pistol, rifle, shotgun, concealed carry, and defensive pistol instruction. With more than 35 years of shooting experience gained as a Military Police Officer, Drill Sergeant, and Maryland Law Enforcement Officer, he provides professional firearms training grounded in safety, responsibility, and real-world experience.
Brian takes a relationship-driven approach to firearms training, focusing on long-term student development rather than transactional, one-time classes. He is especially committed to helping new and underserved shooters, including women and members of minority communities, develop comfort, confidence, and safe proficiency with firearms. His Maryland firearms training emphasizes strong fundamentals, clear instruction, and a supportive learning environment where students can progress at their own pace.
Why Training Continues After the Permit
- Credentials are a baseline, not an endpoint. Obtaining a permit or HQL should be the start of a continuing and ever-evolving journey with firearms: live fire, scenario training, and legal and ethical study.
- Getting licensed is just one part of a broader risk-management plan. At home, it is crucial to discuss safe storage, access protocol, first-aid and aftercare training, and an emergency plan for potential encounters.
- You must remain informed while in possession of a firearm. Laws and requirements change, sometimes every year. Renewals, refresher courses, and periodic legal updates keep your knowledge and compliance current.
Our Services
We train safe, confident shooters through professional, approachable instruction tailored to both beginners and advanced students and everyone in between. Our inclusive training environment emphasizes fundamentals, situational awareness, and responsible firearms handling.
Courses are offered at two convenient Maryland locations, Aberdeen and Towson, ensuring accessible, high-quality instruction for all skill levels.
Where to Find Us
Towson: 200 E. Joppa Rd, Towson, MD 21286
Aberdeen: 200 N. Philadelphia Blvd, Aberdeen, MD 21001
Credentials & Certifications
USCCA and NRA Certified Instructor. Army veteran, former Military Police Officer and Drill Sergeant, and former Maryland Law Enforcement Officer with more than 35 years of shooting experience.
Upcoming Events
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See all policiesGeneral
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Rescheduling Policy
If you request to reschedule a course, we will work with you to find a suitable alternative date. If a mutually suitable date cannot be reached between you and Carter Firearms Training, a full refund will be issued.
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Reporting Concerns or Requesting an Exception
To report a concern, request a refund, discuss a late-arrival or no-show exception, or arrange a weather-related reschedule, contact us at brian@carterfirearmstraining.com with your name, course name, and reason.
Refunds
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Refund Policy
Refund requests must be submitted at least 48 hours prior to the course start date. Classes cancelled less than 48 hours before the class will not be refunded.
Refunds may also be granted at our sole discretion on a case-by-case basis.
No-Show
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No-Show Policy
If you do not attend a scheduled course without prior notice, no refund will be issued. Refunds for no-shows may only be granted at the sole discretion of Carter Firearms Training.
Late Arrival
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Late Arrival Policy
Anyone arriving more than 10 minutes late may be denied entry to the class. No refund will be issued solely due to a late-arrival denial, though exceptions may be made at our sole discretion.
Weather
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Weather Cancellation Policy
If we cancel a course due to weather or unsafe conditions, you will receive either a full refund or the option to reschedule to a future course date.
Conduct
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Inclusiveness and Conduct
Carter Firearms Training is committed to a safe, respectful, and inclusive environment for all students, staff, and guests regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, race, religion, disability, or background.
Discrimination, harassment, or hateful speech of any kind will not be tolerated. Bullying, intimidation, verbal abuse, physical aggression, or any threatening behavior toward students, instructors, or staff is grounds for immediate dismissal from the course without refund and a potential permanent ban from Carter Firearms Training programs.
Safety
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Weapons in the Classroom
Firearms, knives, and other weapons are strictly prohibited in the classroom setting unless explicitly authorized by an instructor during a hands-on training segment. Violation will result in immediate removal from the course without refund.
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Photography and Video Recording
Video recording and photography are strictly prohibited in the classroom setting, to protect the privacy of fellow students and the proprietary training materials of Carter Firearms Training.
Recording is permitted at the shooting range, provided all firearms safety rules are followed and no instructors or students object to being recorded. Range recording must not interfere with training or create safety hazards.
Violation of the classroom recording prohibition may result in immediate removal from the course without refund and a potential permanent ban.
Find Us
200 E. Joppa Rd, Towson, MD 21286