Ranges that permit shotgun?

I was wondering if any ranges in are open during the lockdown that permit the use of a shotgun? Thanks!

Typically most indoor ranges allow shotgun as long as you use slugs. Outdoor ranges vary - most allow slugs, some also allow birdshot or buck shot.

The trick is not to find a range that allows shotguns, the trick right now is to find one thats open...

Monocacy Pistol Club allows them with bird shot, but you have to be a member or a guest to shoot there.

My understanding is that clubs/private ranges are closed for the duration; only commercial places are allowed to remain open. None that I know of near me (MoCo, HoCo, AACO) allow shotguns. Willing to go farther if necessary.

Cindy's Hot Shots in Glen Burnie allows shotguns. Slugs only though.

94hokie said:

Cindy's Hot Shots in Glen Burnie allows shotguns. Slugs only though.

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I thought Cindys didn’t allow shotguns. Thanks!

shrinkwrap said:

I thought Cindys didn’t allow shotguns. Thanks!

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According to their website they do.

AGC in Marriottsville allows shotguns

Although the AGC Range is temporarily closed, when we're open we allow badgeholders and their guests to use shotguns.

On the 100-yard range, you can use shotguns with any load -- birdshot, buckshot, and slugs.

On the Trap ranges you are limited to #7 1/2, #8 or #9 shot, 3 dram equivalent or less and 1200 foot/second or less velocity.


Our shotgun patterning range allows for checking on the dispersion for a given round/choke combination.


We are looking forward to the day when we can announce that the range is once again open.

Simulated course of fire?

I have heard that at least one gun shop/trainer is completing HQL training by using a simulator for the course of fire, instead of live fire at a range. Has anyone heard about this? Has it been approved by MSP? Thanks.

MD requires the HQL training to include at least one (1) live round being fired by each student. As far as I know, only one "training" company certifies their students by having them fire one round into a clearing barrel in their facility -- without going to a range. I have never heard of using a simulator to satisfy the MD requirement, and I doubt that it does.

JamesCanby said:

MD requires the HQL training to include at least one (1) live round being fired by each student. As far as I know, only one "training" company certifies their students by having them fire one round into a clearing barrel in their facility -- without going to a range. I have never heard of using a simulator to satisfy the MD requirement, and I doubt that it does.

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Thanks. That's what I thought. Do you know the name of the facility that fires the single round into the clearing drum (a clever workaround, I must say, but obviously of no educational or safety-training value - I have my students fire 25 rds)?

JamesCanby said:

MD requires the HQL training to include at least one (1) live round being fired by each student. As far as I know, only one "training" company certifies their students by having them fire one round into a clearing barrel in their facility -- without going to a range. I have never heard of using a simulator to satisfy the MD requirement, and I doubt that it does.

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Correction, MD LAW DOES NOT require the HQL training to include at least one live round to be fired. That is MSP LD making things up and claiming it is pert of the law. Don't believe me? Look up the text of FSA2013.

shrinkwrap said:

Thanks. That's what I thought. Do you know the name of the facility that fires the single round into the clearing drum (a clever workaround, I must say, but obviously of no educational or safety-training value - I have my students fire 25 rds)?

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Again, there is no requirement in MD LAW for a round to be fired as part of the HQL training class.

Retrieved from:


https://mdsp.maryland.gov/Organizat...ion/Firearms/HandgunQualificationLicense.aspx





The Firearms Safety Training Course must be instructed by a Qualified Handgun Instructor, and shall consist of a minimum of 4 hours of instruction and include the following minimum curricula:


4. Operation and Handling Demonstration. Orientation component that demonstrates the person’s safe operation and handling of a firearm, to include a “live fire” component in which the applicant safely shoots the weapon. An applicant may not be required to fire in excess of 15 yards during qualifications.

shrinkwrap said:

I have heard that at least one gun shop/trainer is completing HQL training by using a simulator for the course of fire, instead of live fire at a range. Has anyone heard about this? Has it been approved by MSP? Thanks.

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JamesCanby said:

MD requires the HQL training to include at least one (1) live round being fired by each student. As far as I know, only one "training" company certifies their students by having them fire one round into a clearing barrel in their facility -- without going to a range. I have never heard of using a simulator to satisfy the MD requirement, and I doubt that it does.

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No.

The best way to obtain HQL training right now is from the comfort of your own home, through the fully online Texas Hunter safety course. MD will even accept the temporary certificate at the end of completion (TX gives you a temp as a .pdf attachment via email, while you wait for the permanent one through snail mail).

Been done, many times before. I know for a fact this works because I have suggested it to people and they now have their HQL.

now, fingerprints right now are another problem...

DaemonAssassin said:

Correction, MD LAW DOES NOT require the HQL training to include at least one live round to be fired. That is MSP LD making things up and claiming it is pert of the law. Don't believe me? Look up the text of FSA2013.

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correct, see above.

engineerbrian said:

Monocacy Pistol Club allows them with bird shot, but you have to be a member or a guest to shoot there.

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IWLA-Frederick (also operating, but only outdoor range with clubhouse closed) also allows - bird, buck, and slugs.

Thanks!

Here's the reply I received from MSP re: live fire:

Sir,
To answer Question 1- Under COMAR Sec. 29.03.01.29. Handgun Qualification License — Training Requirement
(4) Operation and Handling Demonstration. Orientation that demonstrates the applicant's safe operation and handling of a firearm, including a practice component in which the applicant safely fires at least one round of live ammunition.

It sounds like firing a single into a clearing drum should conform to this requirement, even though it's essentially meaningless for safety training.

And here's the piece re: out of state hunter safety training:

§ 10-301.1.
(a) (1) (i) On or after July 1, 1977 a person under 18 years of age may not procure a hunting license or hunt in the State, unless the person has first been issued a certificate of competency in firearms and hunter safety.

(ii) On or after July 1, 1977 a person, regardless of age, may not procure a hunting license without producing a certificate of competency or a hunting license issued prior to July 1, 1977 or making out an affidavit that the person had such a license.

(2) This section does not apply to nonresidents of Maryland who purchase a hunting license in the State to hunt wild waterfowl. However, this does apply to nonresidents of Maryland who purchase hunting licenses in the State to hunt other wildlife.

(b) (1) The Department shall prescribe a course of instruction in conservation and in competency and safety in the handling of firearms.

(2) The Department shall designate those persons or agencies authorized to give the course of instruction, and this designation shall be valid until revoked by the Department. Those designated persons shall submit to the Department validated listings naming all persons who have successfully completed the course of instruction.

(3) The Department shall issue a certificate of competency and safety to each person who successfully completes the course of instruction, and the certificate shall be valid until revoked by the Department.

(4) The Department may not issue a certificate of competency and safety to an individual under the age of 18 unless the individual has completed satisfactorily the course of instruction, or produces a certificate of competency or a hunting license issued prior to July 1, 1978 or makes out an affidavit that the individual had such a license.

(c) (1) The Department shall institute and coordinate a statewide course of instruction in conservation and in competency and safety in the handling of firearms, and in so doing, the Department may cooperate with any political subdivision or with any reputable organization having as 1 of its objectives the promotion of competency and safety in the handling of firearms, such as the National Rifle Association and local rod and gun clubs.

(2) The Department may conduct the course in hunter safety and issue the certificates, using Department personnel or other persons at times and in areas where other competent agencies are unable or unwilling to meet the demand for instruction.

*** (3) Any similar certificate, or hunting license, issued outside the State by a governmental agency, shall be accepted as complying with the requirements of paragraph (1) of the subsection, if the privileges are reciprocal for Maryland residents. ***

(d) The Department shall adopt regulations to provide for the course of instruction and the issuance of the certificates consistent with the purpose of this section.


So it seems that, assuming that TX's training is similar to MD's, it should be acceptable, even though no live fire is required. As usual in MD, clear as mud.

shrinkwrap said:

Here's the reply I received from MSP re: live fire:

Sir,
To answer Question 1- Under COMAR Sec. 29.03.01.29. Handgun Qualification License — Training Requirement
(4) Operation and Handling Demonstration. Orientation that demonstrates the applicant's safe operation and handling of a firearm, including a practice component in which the applicant safely fires at least one round of live ammunition.

It sounds like firing a single into a clearing drum should conform to this requirement, even though it's essentially meaningless for safety training.

And here's the piece re: out of state hunter safety training:

§ 10-301.1.
(a) (1) (i) On or after July 1, 1977 a person under 18 years of age may not procure a hunting license or hunt in the State, unless the person has first been issued a certificate of competency in firearms and hunter safety.

(ii) On or after July 1, 1977 a person, regardless of age, may not procure a hunting license without producing a certificate of competency or a hunting license issued prior to July 1, 1977 or making out an affidavit that the person had such a license.

(2) This section does not apply to nonresidents of Maryland who purchase a hunting license in the State to hunt wild waterfowl. However, this does apply to nonresidents of Maryland who purchase hunting licenses in the State to hunt other wildlife.

(b) (1) The Department shall prescribe a course of instruction in conservation and in competency and safety in the handling of firearms.

(2) The Department shall designate those persons or agencies authorized to give the course of instruction, and this designation shall be valid until revoked by the Department. Those designated persons shall submit to the Department validated listings naming all persons who have successfully completed the course of instruction.

(3) The Department shall issue a certificate of competency and safety to each person who successfully completes the course of instruction, and the certificate shall be valid until revoked by the Department.

(4) The Department may not issue a certificate of competency and safety to an individual under the age of 18 unless the individual has completed satisfactorily the course of instruction, or produces a certificate of competency or a hunting license issued prior to July 1, 1978 or makes out an affidavit that the individual had such a license.

(c) (1) The Department shall institute and coordinate a statewide course of instruction in conservation and in competency and safety in the handling of firearms, and in so doing, the Department may cooperate with any political subdivision or with any reputable organization having as 1 of its objectives the promotion of competency and safety in the handling of firearms, such as the National Rifle Association and local rod and gun clubs.

(2) The Department may conduct the course in hunter safety and issue the certificates, using Department personnel or other persons at times and in areas where other competent agencies are unable or unwilling to meet the demand for instruction.

*** (3) Any similar certificate, or hunting license, issued outside the State by a governmental agency, shall be accepted as complying with the requirements of paragraph (1) of the subsection, if the privileges are reciprocal for Maryland residents. ***

(d) The Department shall adopt regulations to provide for the course of instruction and the issuance of the certificates consistent with the purpose of this section.


So it seems that, assuming that TX's training is similar to MD's, it should be acceptable, even though no live fire is required. As usual in MD, clear as mud.

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I know multiple people who have got their HQL with the TX (and other out of state) hunting licenses.

The other way to do it is to own a regulated firearm which will make you training exempt. A stripped (AR15) lower is a regulated firearm. So if you buy a stripped lower, it will satisfy the the training exemption.

So. You now admit that those who are NOT exempt from the training requirement must demonstrate firearm safety by live-firing at least one round as part of their training.


The vast majority of people who contact me about getting their HQL are NOT exempt. For those who ARE exempt, I direct them to apply directly, but if they still want the training I offer, they must take the whole class, including the live-fire portion.