Firearms Safety First, LLC
BRIAN BOWEN
BACKGROUND: Civilian, Former Military, Instructor, First Responder (Fire / EMS)
10 Years Instructing
PH: 210 705 1453
A Message from the Instructor
Notice: Firearms Safety First, LLC is currently accepting registrations for upcoming mobile training sessions in Hampton, Southern Maryland, and Waverly, VA. All courses are taught by USCCA & MD QHIC Certified Instructor Brian K. Bowen, with a focus on inclusive, scenario-based instruction.
Important: If you are attending a court-ordered safety class or campus safety seminar, please confirm your registration and bring required documentation. Day-of cancellations or weather-related changes will be posted here by 7:00 AM.
New Offering: Ask about our Women’s Self-Defense Fundamentals, Youth Safety Coaching, and Defensive Pistol Performance Series—now available for private groups and agencies.
Available Courses
| Next Class | Course | Type | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|
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No Upcoming Classes Contact Instructor |
Basic Introduction to Firearms Fundamentals A safe, beginner-friendly introduction t… |
Basic, USCCA Courses, Virtual Simulation, Seminars / Lectures, Firearms / Gear Selection, Handgun Fundamentals | Basic |
|
No Upcoming Classes Contact Instructor |
MD Wear & Carry/HQL Qualification Class Maryland-approved training delivered on-… |
Concealed Carry Training, USCCA Courses, In Home Defense Training, Concealed Carry License, Handgun Fundamentals | N/A |
About Firearms Safety First, LLC
Brian K. Bowen is the Founder and Lead Instructor of Firearms Safety First, LLC, serving Virginia and Maryland with mobile, inclusive firearms education. A retired Navy veteran and lifelong safety advocate, Brian brings over a decade of instructional experience rooted in discipline, emotional intelligence, and public trust.
Certified by USCCA (#3654259) and Maryland QHIC (QHIC-2025-0182), Brian specializes in scenario-based training, campus safety seminars, and community outreach for seniors, women, youth, and first-time learners. His approach blends tactical clarity with mindset science—integrating models like the OODA Loop, TEB, and Challenge Mindset to reinforce restraint and readiness under pressure.
Brian’s legacy includes mentoring law enforcement, hosting seminars on de-escalation and threat assessment, and crafting emotionally intelligent messaging for public safety. Whether teaching defensive pistol, active shooter response, or court-ordered safety courses, he models calm leadership and cultural transformation in every class.
Firearms Safety First, LLC offers private instruction, instructor development, and strategic training partnerships for agencies, campuses, and community organizations. Brian’s mission is simple: empower others to lead with clarity, confidence, and care.
Courses Taught
Concealed Carry Training, Basic, Intermediate, Advanced, Rifle, Shotgun, Long Range Precision, USCCA Courses, Active Shooter Response Training, In Home Defense Training, Church / Business - Safety / Security, Scenario Based Training, Women's Only Courses, Private Classes (Group / Individual), Virtual Simulation, Seminars / Lectures, Concealed Carry License, Stop the Bleed, Basic Life Support, Legal Aspects for Use of Force / Avoidance, Constitutional / Permitless Carry, Range Safety Officer, Court Ordered Gun Safety, Youth Available Classes
Certifications
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USCCA Certified Firearms Instructor (#3654259) Authorized to teach a full suite of USCCA curriculum, including:
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Women’s Handgun & Self-Defense Fundamentals Designed to empower women with situational awareness, handgun selection, and defensive mindset training.
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Youth Firearms Safety & Fundamentals Focused on safe handling, respect for firearms, and age-appropriate instruction for young learners.
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Marksmanship Coaching Program Provides structured coaching for accuracy, consistency, and confidence-building on the range.
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Defensive Pistol Program A performance-based curriculum blending classroom instruction and live-fire drills to develop real-world defensive shooting skills.
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Maryland QHIC Certified Instructor (QHIC-2025-0182) Approved to teach HQL and Wear & Carry Permit courses across Maryland.
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Range Safety Officer Experienced in mobile instruction, venue setup, and live-fire supervision across diverse environments.
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Scenario-Based Training Facilitator Integrates mindset science (OODA Loop, TEB Model, Challenge Mindset) into real-world drills and law enforcement seminars.
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Instructor Development & Coaching Mentors new instructors in curriculum design, emotional intelligence, and public-facing professionalism.
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Court-Ordered Gun Safety Instructor Provides trauma-informed, judgment-free instruction for individuals fulfilling legal training requirements.
Policies
Cancellation Policy
Cancellation Policy
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Cancellations made less than 24 hours before class start time are non-refundable.
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Failure to attend without notice will be considered a cancellation and is non-refundable.
Reschedule Policy
Reschedule Policy
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Each student is allowed one reschedule at no additional cost if requested at least 24 hours in advance.
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Additional reschedules may require re-registration and payment.
Refund Policy
Refund Policy
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No refunds for late cancellations or no-shows.
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Refunds are only issued if the instructor cancels the class (e.g., weather or unforeseen circumstances).
Other Policy
Payment Policy
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Payment is due upon class scheduling to secure your spot.
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Unpaid registrations are not guaranteed.
Attendance Policy
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Students must arrive on time. Late arrivals beyond 15 minutes may not be admitted and will be considered a no-show.
Safety Policy
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All students must follow instructor safety rules at all times.
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Any unsafe or disruptive behavior may result in dismissal from class without refund.
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Personal firearms must be unloaded upon arrival.
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If class is held at the Comfort Inn & Suites (1551 Hardy Cash Dr., Hampton, VA), all personal weapons must be unloaded before entering the building — no exceptions.
Eligibility Policy
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Students must meet Virginia’s legal age and eligibility requirements for concealed carry training.
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A valid government ID is required at the start of class.
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Completion of the waiver form is required before participation.
Location Policy
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Classes are typically conducted at the student’s location (mobile instruction).
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For groups of 4 or more, classes will be held at the Comfort Inn & Suites, 1551 Hardy Cash Dr., Hampton, VA.
Firearm Use Policy
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Students may bring their personal firearms to class, provided they are unloaded upon arrival.
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Rental firearms are available from the instructor at an additional cost, including ammunition.
Reviews
Videos
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Steel Challenge Showdown: Doc vs PT at Black Site Academy (Waverly VA)
In this high-energy short filmed at Black Site Academy Range in Waverly, VA, Joel “PT” Jones (President of SAGC, Virginia Beach) and Brian “Doc” Bowen (Owner/Lead Instructor of Firearms Safety First, LLC, Hampton VA & Club Member) go head-to-head in a 10-yard Steel Challenge. First shooter to send all three targets to the other side wins—Doc (green) takes the win, but PT keeps the game going with some playful retaliation.
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First-Time OWB Holster Draw | VA CHP Private Class (Firearms Safety First, LLC)
This video captures a *private Virginia Concealed Handgun Permit (CHP) class* taught by **Brian “Doc” Bowen**, USCCA Certified Instructor and founder of **Firearms Safety First, LLC**. ?? What You’ll See: A new student learning to draw from an *OWB holster* for the first time Some flagging issues that were corrected off camera A strong willingness to learn and improve through *dry fire practice* and safety fundamentals