Training
GUNTRY is dedicated to providing world-class firearm safety and training for beginners to experts
Welcome to the only defensive shooting academy on the East Coast.
Shooting skills are perishable, and sustained training develops the motor memory and accuracy needed to maintain proficiency. That’s why we created the GUNTRY Handgun Academy.
This structured program provides shooters with a progressive training path focused on self-defense, tactical decision-making, and real-world application. The curriculum is equivalent to nationally recognized programs such as NRA Personal Protection Inside/Outside the Home and the USCCA Protector Academy.
To enroll in the Handgun Academy, shooters must hold a valid Maryland Wear and Carry Permit, and only courses taught by GUNTRY instructors are eligible for certification. The program consists of 36 required hours of training, covering essential defensive pistol skills, tactics, and emergency medical response.
Graduates who complete all required courses will receive a challenge coin, graduate patch, and certificate. Being good at anything takes practice—make sure you learn from the best.
Shooting Competitions
Miscellaneous
If this is your first visit to GUNTRY or if you are bringing guests who are new to GUNTRY, please arrive 30-45 minutes early.
Non-members are able to schedule reservations up to 24-hours in advance.
Payment is required at time of the reservation.
Cancellations are required more than 4 hours in advance of the reservation time to be refunded. No refund will be issued if the reservation is cancelled less than 4 hours from the scheduled time.
Only two customers allowed per lane. Online booking only accommodates registering 2 lanes at a time (4 people), call GUNTRY directly at
443-973-4867 to make reservations for 3 lanes or more.
Please watch safety video and complete waiver before first visit to GUNTRY.
Watch video.
I AgreeIf this is your first visit to GUNTRY or if you are bringing guests who are new to GUNTRY, please arrive 30-45 minutes early.
Non-members are able to schedule reservations up to 24-hours in advance.
Payment is required at time of the reservation.
Cancellations are required more than 4 hours in advance of the reservation time to be refunded. No refund will be issued if the reservation is cancelled less than 4 hours from the scheduled time.
Only two customers allowed per lane. Online booking only accommodates registering 2 lanes at a time (4 people), call GUNTRY directly at
443-973-4867 to make reservations for 3 lanes or more.
Please watch safety video and complete waiver before first visit to GUNTRY.
Watch video.
I AgreeUpcoming Classes
Select a class on the calendar to learn more, register and pay.
GUNTRY ACADEMY REQUIREMENTS
To complete the Handgun Academy, participants must successfully finish 36 hours of required training.
The Handgun Academy requires completion of Semi-Auto Pistol 2, Defensive Pistol 1, Defensive Pistol 2, Defensive Pistol 3, Defensive Tactics, STOP THE BLEED, and UTAH CFP (Concealed Firearm Permit).
Upon completing all required coursework, participants will receive a challenge coin, graduate patch, and certificate as recognition of their achievement.
Each skill level also earns a distinct recognition patch, signifying progression through the program.
Private Instruction
If you want more personalized training that’s tailored to your skills and needs, then Private Instruction is for you. Cost: $125/one- hour lesson for one person ($45 for additional person). Targets and eye/ear protection are included. Contact Grant Lyons at glyons@guntry.com to schedule a lesson.
"Grant created a safe, comfortable environment where asking questions was easy and encouraged. His deep knowledge and patient teaching style made the entire experience both educational and enjoyable. What truly set Grant apart was his keen eye for detail—he noticed the smallest nuances in our handling and technique, making corrections that significantly improved our accuracy and confidence. His ability to break down complex concepts into simple, actionable steps made us better shooters in just one session."
- Bill Shafley
Meet Our Expert Instructors
Grant Lyons
Director of Training, Head Instructor
United States Marine Corps Combat Veteran
USCCA, NRA, UTAH Certified Instructor
MSP Qualified Handgun Instructor
Grant Lyons
Director of Training, Head Instructor
United States Marine Corps Combat Veteran
USCCA, NRA, UTAH Certified Instructor
MSP Qualified Handgun Instructor
Scott Aronoff
2003 Gold Medalist: Maryland State and Open Tae Kwon Do Championships
Instructor for USCCA and NRA basic pistol
30 years experience in shooting and self-defense
Mike Papesh
Over 26 years in Law Enforcement in Baltimore County
Former MPTC Certified Firearms Instructor
Current Certified MSP Qualified Handgun Instructor
Cerina Turner
USCCA Certified Instructor
Maryland Qualified Handgun Instructor
Stop The Bleed trauma first aid certified
.jpg)
Jim McKee
USCCA Certified Instructor
MSP Qualified Handgun Instructor
30+ Years of Competitive Action Shooting Experience
.jpg)
Steve Wolf
USCCA Certified Instructor
MSP Qualified Handgun Instructor
15 Years Experience as a Law Enforcement Officer
.jpg)
Brian Bradshaw
USCCA Certified Instructor
MSP Qualified Handgun Instructor
20+ Years of Experience in Teaching and Coaching Human Movement and Motor Development
“Being new to firearms, I found GUNTRY made things very simple. In a comfortable environment, learning is much better and sticks with you. The Café is unmatched with a delicious menu and affordable prices. GUNTRY is honestly a great place, whether you are on a date or with family and/or friends. I am very pleased!”
- Akrupal
“Being new to firearms, I found GUNTRY made things very simple. In a comfortable environment, learning is much better and sticks with you. The Café is unmatched with a delicious menu and affordable prices. GUNTRY is honestly a great place, whether you are on a date or with family and/or friends. I am very pleased!”
- Akrupal
“Being new to firearms, I found GUNTRY made things very simple. In a comfortable environment, learning is much better and sticks with you. The Café is unmatched with a delicious menu and affordable prices. GUNTRY is honestly a great place, whether you are on a date or with family and/or friends. I am very pleased!”
- Akrupal
If this is your first visit to GUNTRY or if you are bringing guests who are new to GUNTRY, please arrive 30-45 minutes early.
Non-members are able to schedule reservations up to 24-hours in advance.
Payment is required at time of the reservation.
Cancellations are required more than 4 hours in advance of the reservation time to be refunded. No refund will be issued if the reservation is cancelled less than 4 hours from the scheduled time.
Only two customers allowed per lane. Online booking only accommodates registering 2 lanes at a time (4 people), call GUNTRY directly at
443-973-4867 to make reservations for 3 lanes or more.
Please watch safety video and complete waiver before first visit to GUNTRY.
Watch video.
I AgreeIf this is your first visit to GUNTRY or if you are bringing guests who are new to GUNTRY, please arrive 30-45 minutes early.
Non-members are able to schedule reservations up to 24-hours in advance.
Payment is required at time of the reservation.
Cancellations are required more than 4 hours in advance of the reservation time to be refunded. No refund will be issued if the reservation is cancelled less than 4 hours from the scheduled time.
Only two customers allowed per lane. Online booking only accommodates registering 2 lanes at a time (4 people), call GUNTRY directly at
443-973-4867 to make reservations for 3 lanes or more.
Please watch safety video and complete waiver before first visit to GUNTRY.
Watch video.
I Agree
