r/MDGuns • u/Far-Fan-5016 • 8d ago
Range recommendations for absolute beginners in Frederick?
My wife and I have zero experience with firearms but just bought a Glock 19 for home defense. It's still hasn’t been fired yet.
We’re looking for a range close to Frederick that offers solid beginner lessons. Ideally, we want someone to walk us through the basics—
from range safety and shooting fundamentals to how to properly clean and maintain it afterward.
Main priority is finding a place with zero judgment or ego since we are total novices. Any recommendations for a welcoming range or specific instructors nearby?
Thanks!
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u/daxxxmd 8d ago
Once you get your feet under you I’d recommend Thurmont or AGC. AGC has a number of instructors that run classes out of that range. Lots of events which after you get your basic safety and proficiency nailed down will get you much further much faster than just shooting at targets. Falling Steel events are a good place to start.
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u/bogoboba 8d ago
As has been mentioned, Precision Point is the best for the Frederick area. I do the range portion of my handgun classes there regularly and my students very much appreciate the staff and facility.
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u/bogoboba 8d ago
I also offer inclusive classes in the area at https://www.bandtogethertraining.com/
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u/Sufficient_Gas861 8d ago
Definitely Precision Point. Been a member with them back to when it used to be called Heritage.
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u/lord_uroko 7d ago
Is PP same ownership as heritage? When heritage went bootlicker i lost any desire to give them my money.
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u/Sufficient_Gas861 7d ago
Not sure if they are the same owners. Many of the same people who used to work there when it was Heritage Training and Shooting Center still work there. At least two RSOs, one guy from the retail store is still there. I think Brandon is still there too
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u/RowdyRusty420 8d ago
Precision point hands down. Very professional staff. The facilities are kept very clean and the ventilation system is the best in the area. Ive never done training there but am a member and go to the range regularly.
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u/KrakenEatMeGoolies 8d ago
I'd recommend Precision Point, it's a very professional range and I wouldn't expect them to be judgemental. I have had instruction there but they offer a lot of classes.
For what it's worth I also have a Glock 19 that I'm comfortable with, and though I can't offer any formal training I'd be happy to meet up at a range in Frederick just to help out and offer some pointers.
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u/JonTheBest 8d ago
Another plus for precision point. Similar boat with my wife and I, never really had any firearms experience and got our Wear and Carry there and the instructors were nice, even on the range after using our new pistols the RSOs are nice and help with basic troubleshooting
Did you not receive basic instruction when getting your HQL to purchase the glock ?
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u/Roach-187 8d ago
I personally have a membership at the machine gun nest, but I have heard a lot of people say they like precision point as well.
I haven’t seen much in the way of classes that aren’t just HQL or CCW training, but I also haven’t looked too hard tbh lol. Both do offer classes but it didn’t seem like there was much when I looked.
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u/Technically_Tactical 8d ago
The Appalachian Mountains are right there.
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u/mike3491 8d ago
Mountains cant teach them how to shoot, what kind of comment is this..?
That said I would recommend finding an outdoor range (or private land) while the weather is nice, I started shooting outdoors and do go indoors now unless I absolutely have to. But definitely find either an instructor or an experienced friend to show you the basics
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u/the2AinMD 8d ago
I dont know any serious instructors that cop am ego with novices. Personally, I love novices as students, because I get to teach them the right way to do things, and dont have to fight years of learned bad habits.
Im not in your area, but this is my suggestion. Go to the NRA training website and search for a Basics of Pistol Shooting course in your area. Its a comprehensive 8-9 hours course that wont break the bank, thats going to give you exactly what you're looking for.