I went to Worth-A-Shot as well and had the same experience. Very friendly, knowledgeable, and they made the experience considerably less painful than it would have otherwise been.
Just applied for the unconstitutional and ridiculous MD HQL today (sounds of teeth gnashing and muttering obscenities under breath).
Went to Worth a Shot, and had a terrific experience! Donna was really nice, knowledgeable, supportive, and helped me complete the process in about 15 minutes, including Livescan prints and online app to MSP. I was a little disappointed that my NRA Pistol Instructor cert wasn't recognized by MSP, but since I had purchased a handgun within the past 3 years, and had that receipt with me, I was good to go.
This was my first visit to their shop, and even though the showroom is a bit small, they have LOTS of cool stuff to ogle and fondle. Definitely have to go back sometime when I have more time (and fundage) to browse.
Thanks, folks, for the terrific service!
was a little disappointed that my NRA Pistol Instructor cert wasn't recognized by MSP
Required to have the HQL, but exempt from the training component:
1 Someone who completed a firearms safety training course approved by the Secretary of the Department of Maryland State Police.
2 Has completed a course of instruction in the competency and safety of firearms as prescribed under Natural Resources Article, §10-301.1, Annotated Code of Maryland. Application for the Maryland Department of Natural Resources Hunter Safety Course Certificate can be obtained from here and may be used in lieu of Qualified Handgun Instruction.
3 Is currently a qualified handgun instructor.
4 Is an honorably discharged member of the armed forces of the United States or National Guard.
5 Is an employee of an armored car company who has a handgun permit issued by MSP.
6 Lawfully owns a regulated firearm. If you already own a handgun or assault weapon prior to October 1, 2013, you do not have to complete the training to apply for the Handgun Qualification License.
Why? Isn't it under #3?
Do you have to be a MSP Qualified Instructor? I don't see that specific wording
Are stuck between what they say and what they mean?
I hashed this out a couple of days ago with the MSP. I got a call regarding my pending HQL application. He said my NRA Instructor card wasn't enough. I told him I'm an instructor from a Nationally Recognized Organization. After kicking it around I mentioned that I had already received my QHIC from the MSP as I submitted the app at the same time I submitted my HQL. He said he needed the QHIC, not the NRA cert. So to be clear, the NRA Instructor ID gets you the QHIC, which gets you the HQL w/training exemption. Why they can't just accept the NRA ID in place of the QHIC is beyond me.
I'm at 10 business days with still no change from date of initial application - everything was completed on mine on the 24th except for the Department of Mental Health and Hygiene, which was completed on the 25th. I'm still waiting on:
NICS - again, this is instant, so why is it blank two weeks later?
CJIS - I got my notification in the mail, so what's the holdup on their end?
Maybe I heard wrong or was misinformed, but I was told that once your HQL is approved there will be an MSP approval # which will allow you to apply for the handgun purchase without actually having the hard license in your hand. Is this incorrect?
J
Went to Worth a Shot, and had a terrific experience! Donna was really nice, knowledgeable, supportive,
This was my first visit to their shop, and even though the showroom is a bit small, they have LOTS of cool stuff to ogle and fondle. Definitely have to go back sometime when I have more time (and fundage) to browse.
Thanks, folks, for the terrific service!
IIRC, they were allowing this last October as the program got up and running. However, I seem to remember that MSP told dealers that the card needed to be in hand to start the process.
YMMV, check with your FFL as to what THEY will require.