CRITICAL HOME DEFENSE TRAINING
Professional Firearms Instruction, Maryland CCW, CCW Renewal,
and more.
The instructors at Critical Home Defense understand the importance of feeling safe and secure—especially when it comes to protecting yourself and your loved ones. We offer small, personalized classes that foster individual attention, hands-on training, and a supportive learning environment.
Our experienced instructors emphasize safety, situational awareness, and practical application, ensuring every student is ethically and responsibly prepared for personal defense. Students are equipped not only to meet Maryland’s legal requirements but to also build real-world defensive firearm skills with confidence.
Critical Home Defense provides both classroom and live range training in Anne Arundel County, Maryland.
CRITICAL HOME DEFENSE TRAINING
Professional Firearms Instruction, Maryland CCW, CCW Renewal,
and more.
The instructors at Critical Home Defense understand the importance of feeling safe and secure—especially when it comes to protecting yourself and your loved ones. We offer small, personalized classes that foster individual attention, hands-on training, and a supportive learning environment.
Our experienced instructors emphasize safety, situational awareness, and practical application, ensuring every student is ethically and responsibly prepared for personal defense. Students are equipped not only to meet Maryland’s legal requirements but to also build real-world defensive firearm skills with confidence.
Critical Home Defense provides both classroom and live range training in Anne Arundel County, Maryland.
Empowering
You to Carry
with Confidence
Testimonials
"I completed a concealed carry class renewal with Mr Downey and was thoroughly impressed with the level of professionalism, depth of knowledge, and quality of hands-on training provided. This wasn’t just a basic course—it was a comprehensive education in both the legal responsibilities and practical skills required to safely and confidently carry a firearm. If your looking for not only a great course but a knowledgeable learning experience from learning how to shoot, also learning the laws legal topics in a way that was easy to understand, including recent updates to self-defense and conceal carry laws. I I highly recommend this course. It exceeded my expectations and gave me the tools I need to be a safe, responsible, and a informed gun owner."
"Highly recommend. This training is top notch and way more than just the material - John also shares his experience and expertise, which I found both easy to connect with and invaluable; he is a approachable instructor and open to questions and discussion."
- Jason A
"I attended Critical Home Defense to get my HQL and my Maryland wear and carry. I learned a lot about laws and firearm techniques. John was very good with instructing the class and showing us on do's and dont's with firearms. I would like to go back to further my training. I would definitely recommend anyone to attend this course."
- Reggie
"Extremely knowledgeable on past, current, and developing arms law.
Lots of experience.
Instructor is a thorough teacher with practical skills on how to operate.
10/10 would go again."
- Benoit
"John and his team are outstanding, highly knowledgeable and incredibly thorough. I’ll continue to recommend CHD to all my clients and friends. Thank you!"
- Anthony
"Can’t say enough good things about this instructor and his course! This was my 3rd round of this course (first permit expired, moved out of state for a few years and got permitted there also), and I was still easily engaged and learning something new the entire time! Extremely knowledgeable, experienced, approachable, patient, everything you want in a firearms instructor. Highly recommend Mr. Downey to anyone looking for CCW/HQL or any other firearm training, I will be coming back for more advanced lessons for sure! "
- Matthew K.
"I suggest anyone looking for a great conceal and carry class to take Mr Downey Class. I received detailed guidance on the proper way to handle a firearm, including stance, grip, sight alignment, and trigger control. Mr Downey emphasized safety above all, and the course of fire exercises helped me build muscle memory and confidence under pressure. Mr Downey broke down complex legal topics in a way that was easy to understand, including recent updates to self-defense and conceal carry laws. It was clear he stayed up to date on current legislation, which gave me peace of mind knowing I was learning the most accurate, relevant information."
- Sergio C.
"Great class a lot of useful info, the classroom training was actually FUN! Great instruction and instructor. "
- Unray P.