I took the class for the HQL. The class was excellent. I learned a lot of information that I didn't know from the safety aspect to suicide prevention. Dave is an excellent instructor really taking the time to clearly explain things and answer questions. I highly recommend them for firearms training.

I had an excellent experience with Freestate Firearms. Dave Ritchie is one of those few instructors who actually "walks his talk" and practices what he preaches. He holds himself accountable in what he teaches & expects the same of his students. Safety is always the top priority both in and out of the classroom. I learned a tremendous amount from Dave in just 2 days and I plan on staying connecte... More

I had an excellent experience with Freestate Firearms. Dave Ritchie is one of those few instructors who actually "walks his talk" and practices what he preaches. He holds himself accountable in what he teaches & expects the same of his students. Safety is always the top priority both in and out of the classroom. I learned a tremendous amount from Dave in just 2 days and I plan on staying connected to learn more, as I now consider him a mentor. Whether you're looking to become an instructor or just learn the basics of pistol shooting, I highly recommend Freestate Firearms. Less

My husband and I took the Wear and Carry class recently with Freestate Firearms Training. We have moved over the last 15 years so this was the third state we have taken a wear and carry class in. This was by far the most informative class we have taken. We left both days with topics to think over, discuss and ways we would implement some of the things we learned. MD gun laws, firearm safety, situ... More

My husband and I took the Wear and Carry class recently with Freestate Firearms Training. We have moved over the last 15 years so this was the third state we have taken a wear and carry class in. This was by far the most informative class we have taken. We left both days with topics to think over, discuss and ways we would implement some of the things we learned. MD gun laws, firearm safety, situational awareness and de-escalation techniques were all throughly covered. The atmosphere was relaxed with opportunities to ask questions throughout the day. I highly recommend this course for anyone interested in carrying a firearm in MD. We are considering taking some additional training here also. Less

Dave was extremely easy to work with and accommodating to my and my colleagues schedule. He was very detailed and thorough with his instruction. We finished the course feeling we had a wealth of knowledge in gun safety and laws and wouldn't hesitate to take advanced courses with him.

Very comprehensive. Friendly and knowledgeable instructors. Highly recommend.

Dave is an excellent Instructor, he made the experience very enjoyable while making you feel at ease. His wealth of knowledge is amazing. I will be recommending his services to my friends.

Dave did a excellent job teaching his class. I would recommend several people to take his.

This class was very awesome. I learned a lot Dave Ritchie. He’s a great teacher. Will definitely recommend people to take his class, very knowledgeable definitely keeps you entertained and you could tell he loves his job.

Dave was absolutely amazing! He was very professional and patient. I did appreciate that the class I took didn’t feel like a college lecture but around table talk. If your looking for training with your firearm and or certification(s) Dave is absolutely your guy!

The training was amazing and very informative. I am honored. Thank you, Rob Lucas Sr.

Great experience! Dave is extremely professional and knowledgeable. If you're looking for an instructor that wants to make you the best instructor then Dave Ritchie is your guy.

I had the opportunity to participate in a two-day defensive training course, and it was an amazing experience. The instructors, Dave Ritchie and Dave Casson were highly knowledgeable and experienced. They emphasized the importance of a defensive mindset and taught us the skills to protect ourselves and our loved ones. The hands-on training exercises allowed us to apply what we learned in real-lif... More

I had the opportunity to participate in a two-day defensive training course, and it was an amazing experience. The instructors, Dave Ritchie and Dave Casson were highly knowledgeable and experienced. They emphasized the importance of a defensive mindset and taught us the skills to protect ourselves and our loved ones. The hands-on training exercises allowed us to apply what we learned in real-life scenarios, which was incredibly valuable. I highly recommend this course to anyone looking to improve their defensive skills. Thank you both for a great class! Less

Dave was my USCCA instructor/ trainer. He is very knowledgeable in how to run a professional firearms training business.

Just participated in a two day training course with Mr. Dave Ritchie of FreeState Firearms Training. It was an awesome experience attending this course and what I acquired from the training was more than what I expected. Mr. Ritchie was incredibly knowledgeable, professional and well organized. It was such an educational experience participating in this course. The quality of the contents and Mr.... More

Just participated in a two day training course with Mr. Dave Ritchie of FreeState Firearms Training. It was an awesome experience attending this course and what I acquired from the training was more than what I expected. Mr. Ritchie was incredibly knowledgeable, professional and well organized. It was such an educational experience participating in this course. The quality of the contents and Mr. Ritchie's teaching ability was superb. Thank you for imparting this wealth of knowledge to people. Thank you for the opportunity to learn. Less

Dave holds a very professional class conducive to learning. Pace is appropriate with plenty of time for classroom discussion. Would highly recommend

I could not have asked for a better environment to become a uscca certified instructor, Dave fostered a great learning environment.

Very good class. Dave is a superb instructor. Would definitely recommend 10/10 times

Dave was helpful and supportive. He focused on the essentials and let students be themselves as to how they teach the class while providing tips for improvement.

If you’re looking for an outstanding concealed carry instructor certification program, I highly recommend Dave Richie and the USCCA. As a former U.S. Marine infantry squad leader and marksmanship instructor, I found Dave‘s class to be excellent, thoughtfully prepared, and a thorough presentation of all things related to the legal aspects of carrying a firearm, as well as the practical application... More

If you’re looking for an outstanding concealed carry instructor certification program, I highly recommend Dave Richie and the USCCA. As a former U.S. Marine infantry squad leader and marksmanship instructor, I found Dave‘s class to be excellent, thoughtfully prepared, and a thorough presentation of all things related to the legal aspects of carrying a firearm, as well as the practical application of having to deploy that firearm in a possible lethal force situation. What I like best about my experience with Dave is that during our live fire qualification, he was able to patiently diagnose my fire arm malfunction on the range, and provide expert advice to address the issue. There was plenty of interaction and class participation, and Dave always took the time to make sure everyone understood the information. Honestly, I learned things in Dave’s class that I had never heard before; and whether you are a seasoned veteran or a beginner, you will find Dave and his class an excellent resource as you advance in your firearm training and career. If Dave Richie is having a class, you had better be in it! C. Smoot, WuDoKwan Institute of Combat Arts Less

Dave put on a great class, with a great environment. Went through the material thoroughly. He is Knowledgeable, clear, understandable ,personable and kind .

I had Dave Ritchie as my instructor for the defensive carry fundamentals course. He is very knowledgeable, entertains any/all questions you may have, and is a very skilled operator of a firearm. I would highly likely recommend him as an instructor for any firearm related training.

Dave is very knowledgeable and provides good real-world scenarios to help think through all aspects of carrying a firearm in the state of Maryland.

Awesome instructor. Very knowledgeable and informative. I definitely will take more classes with him.

This was an absolute amazing class got taught how to keep myself safe and about all the laws to keep me in the right at all times. Went with my girlfriend and was a very friendly and safe environment, loved how well we were able to talk and ask our concerns and was willing to teach someone new to the world of firearms. Can’t wait to attend another skill class taught by him, highly recommend 10/10

I found this class to be very informative and provided me with an acceptable comfort level with my servicing and properly maintaining my AR 15. The instructor, Dave was very attentive and willing to answer any questions I had. I would recommend this class without question!

I just completed my concealed carry course with FreeState Firearms Training. I don’t think there is enough room here for me to list all the accolades I have for Dave Ritchie and the excellent training he provides! Dave makes you feel instantly comfortable when you walk in the door and throughout all portions of the training. His knowledge of firearms and situational awareness were only exceeded ... More

I just completed my concealed carry course with FreeState Firearms Training. I don’t think there is enough room here for me to list all the accolades I have for Dave Ritchie and the excellent training he provides! Dave makes you feel instantly comfortable when you walk in the door and throughout all portions of the training. His knowledge of firearms and situational awareness were only exceeded by his kindness and willing to go the extra mile beyond his training course to help any student with questions about the paperwork process or to find the right weapon for them. I would highly recommend Dave for any form of firearms training that he offers and I’m looking forward to continuing my training with some of the advanced courses he offers. Less

Dave is a first class instructor. He has the understanding to help new shooters and the experience to help even experience shooters. I plan on taking other classes with him.

Dave, is an excellent instructor. He helped me with very positive critique of my teaching, and ways to help me get my students involved in the training experience. I found the whole class to be informative and motivation. Look forward to doing more classes with him.

Free state does a great good on training the instructor works with and helps you understand every step they with with all levels of training from beginners to experienced shooters

Dave did an excellent job with the defensive carry fundamentals class. He made sure that not only was the information presented, but also understood through the use of engaging scenarios. This is a class that I would recommend to anyone interested in obtaining a wear and carry permit

Everyone should take this class! It’s not waisted time! As a single mother Dave goes through all the important information. This isn’t a choice one makes lightly. This class goes through all of the possible scenarios including Consequences. I recommend this class to anyone considering carrying every day. You won’t be doing so without knowing the full weight of your choices and consequences. Very... More

Everyone should take this class! It’s not waisted time! As a single mother Dave goes through all the important information. This isn’t a choice one makes lightly. This class goes through all of the possible scenarios including Consequences. I recommend this class to anyone considering carrying every day. You won’t be doing so without knowing the full weight of your choices and consequences. Very informative. I do plan on taking more classes! Knowledge is power! I truly am glad I took this class! Dave is a great instructor! Loved I! Would take again. Liz Less

Class was awsome and educational. learned new things and reinforced what I knew. Took time to answer all questions and explained the law portion in details.

Dave Ritchie is an excellent instructor and very knowledgeable about weapons. I would recommend this for anyone from beginner to advanced.