Howell's Gun Shop

8/4/26 - LADIES NEW SHOOTER - PISTOL
2026-08-04 09:00 - 13:00 (America/New_York) | Howell’s Gun Shop, 81 West Gray Road, Gray, ME, 04039, United States
LADIES NEW SHOOTER – PISTOL
Take Your First Shot with Confidence! Are you ready to step into the world of handguns but don’t know where to start? This class is designed just for you. In just 4 hours, you’ll gain the knowledge, hands-on skills, and confidence to safely handle and fire a pistol. No prior experience required.
Here’s what makes this course different: All-inclusive: Firearms and ammunition are provided. Just bring your eye and ear protection. Beginner-friendly: Our experienced, supportive instructors walk you step-by-step through grip, stance, sight alignment, and trigger control. Hands-on training: Practice what you learn with live-fire drills in a safe, no-pressure environment. Confidence-building: Leave class not just with new skills, but with the confidence to handle a firearm safely and responsibly. Expert guidance: Every class is taught by A Girl & A Gun certified instructors and staff, women among the nation’s most highly credentialed and professionally trained firearms educators.
Whether your goal is personal protection, recreational shooting, or simply trying something new, this course is your perfect first step. Spaces are limited, so reserve your spot today and take the first step toward becoming a safe, confident, and empowered shooter!

REQUIRED EQUIPMENT:

Eye Protection & Hearing Protection
Notepad and pen strongly recommended

RECOMMENDED ATTIRE:

Climate appropriate: High collar shirt. No low-cut/V-neck tops!
Ballcap recommended
Closed-toe shoes

EVENT REGISTRATION TERMS & CONDITIONS
Course Transfer: With 72-hour advance notice of the event date we will issue a unique re-registration code for course transfers.
Cancellation Refund: Refunds for 50% balance of event fee, if no transfer is possible, are issued in the form of store gift cards only but ONLY if we are notified of the cancelation up to 72 hours in advance of the event date.
No-Call/No-Show: Participants who do not show to the event without prior 72-hour notice forfeit their total registration fees.
Same Day Cancelations: Same day cancelations are non-refundable as spots in classes are quick to fill and we will be unable to resell that spot in the event or give an individual on a waitlist adequate time to purchase that spot.

8/5/26 - Maine Concealed Carry
2026-08-05 09:00 - 12:30
Maine Concealed Carry Permit Course: Your Path to Responsible, Confident Carry
Ready to take the next step in your firearm journey? Our 3-hour Concealed Carry Permit course is designed for intermediate shooters who are serious about carrying a concealed firearm responsibly in the state of Maine. This class provides all the essential knowledge and a certificate needed for your Maine Concealed Carry Application.
You’ll dive deep into key topics, including:

Maine’s concealed carry laws and legal responsibilities
Safe storage, transportation, and handling of your firearm
The right firearm, ammunition, and gear for concealed carry
Legal concepts like the use of force, castle doctrine, and stand your ground
Interacting with law enforcement
And more, including mindset, personal responsibility, and continuing education

This course goes beyond the basics, empowering you to carry with confidence and understand the serious responsibilities that come with concealed carry.
REQUIRED EQUIPMENT

Eye & ear protection
Closed-toe shoes
High collared shirt
Brimmed ball caps recommended
Notebook & Pen
All firearms and ammunition for the live fire qualification are provided by Howell’s.
*If you would like to bring your own firearm you are welcome to do so. You are required to bring 10 rounds of factory FMJ ball ammunition, in your handgun caliber of choice, to shoot the final live fire qualification.

PASS or CLASS: What You Need to Know
To pass this class, participants must complete the classroom session and demonstrate basic range, gun handling and shooting safety skills in our live-fire qualification. Those who pass will receive a certificate of completion. If a participant finishes the classroom session but does not meet the safety or basic gun handling requirements, they will receive a CLASS recommendation instead of a certificate. The certificate will be deferred until the participant completes additional training, such as a private lesson or New Shooter program, and successfully retakes the qualification. Once the qualification is passed, Howells will issue the Maine Concealed Carry certificate.
What to Expect: Participants must already be familiar with operating a semi-automatic handgun or revolver for the qualification test. You’ll demonstrate key skills such as safe loading, following range commands, and completing two 5-round courses of fire. Safety is our top priority—proficiency in gun safety and handling is required at all times during the course.
Not sure you’re ready? We recommend brushing up with a Private Lesson or our New Shooter course to ensure you’re prepared for this next level.

EVENT REGISTRATION TERMS & CONDITIONS
Course Transfer: With 72-hour advance notice of the event date we will issue a unique re-registration code for course transfers.
Cancellation Refund: Refunds for 50% balance of event fee, if no transfer is possible, are issued in the form of store gift cards only but ONLY if we are notified of the cancelation up to 72 hours in advance of the event date.
No-Call/No-Show: Participants who do not show to the event without prior 72-hour notice forfeit their total registration fees.
Same Day Cancelations: Same day cancelations are non-refundable as spots in classes are quick to fill and we will be unable to resell that spot in the event or give an individual on a waitlist adequate time to purchase that spot.

CANCELED - Howell's Gunslinger Match - 2026
2026-08-06 14:00 - 17:30
Howell’s Gun Shop is pleased to present the Howell’s Gunslinger Match!
Howell’s pistol match is designed to be safe, fun and challenging! Stages change weekly and can include: safe movement with barricades, strong and support hand shooting, steel plates, low light, moving targets, bowling pin shoots, accuracy exercises, speed exercises and more! Put your skills to the test!
Howell’s Gunslinger Match is open to the not-so-beginner shooter who can safely handle and shoot their handgun. While we don’t recommend this event as your very first shooting experience we do encourage shooters of all skill levels to come and experience this friendly competition.
FEE: $15
EVENTS HELD TWICE MONTHLY! Thursdays, 2:00pm – 5:30pm

Walk-ins welcome! This is NOT a pre-registration event. Roster of shooters is based on a first come first serve basis.
Our matches are designed to take roughly 5-10 minutes for each shooter. Each participant shoots the match twice in a row, their top score out of the two is entered into the competitor pool.

EQUIPMENT:

Eye & Hearing Protection
Range appropriate attire
Centerfire pistol
50 Rounds of factory FMJ ball ammo
Minimum of 3 magazines (To save time for shooting arrive with 3 mags preloaded with 8 rounds each.)
Gun belt, Mag Pouches, Strong side outside the waistband (OWB) holster. (For safety reasons bra holsters, soft side collapsible holsters, cross draw, serpa, ankle, off body and behind-the-back posters are NOT allowed during live-fire portion of course. Contact us with questions.)
A good attitude!

SAFETY:

All participants must sign in on the group event waiver.
Professional behavior is expected at all times.
We run a COLD range. This means – all guns are unloaded and cased until it is your designated time to load and make ready per the RSO’s direction.
Safety rules and stage protocol will be briefed prior to the match and strictly enforced.
All shooting is conducted under the supervision of Howell’s certified Range Safety Officers and staff.

RULES & ETIQUETTE:

Order of waiver sign in represents order of shooters.
Each shooter will shoot match twice per event.
Participants are expected to help tape or reset targets between shooters.
There is NO filming of other shooters without their expressed permission.

SCORING:

Howell’s prefers to keep our scoring simple: Any shot that breaks the line is considered a hit and scored according to the target in use.
Howell’s RSO in charge has the final say on the scoring.
Tie breakers are a very real possibility and a bullseye shoot off will determine the winner.
All scores will be logged.

CANCELED - A Girl & A Gun - Chapter Clinic
2026-08-11 17:30 - 19:00
A GIRL & A GUN Chapter Training Clinic – All skill levels welcome!
TIME: 5:30pm – 7:00pm
EVENT FEE: $10 payable in STORE on TEAM APP!
RANGE FEE: Payable to Howells at check-in. Howell’s Members shoot for FREE. AGAG Members shoot for $15.
RSVP: ENSURE YOU HAVE A SPOT by signing up on the TEAM APP!
NOT AN A GIRL & A GUN MEMBER? JOIN US!

Prerequisite: None! Come as you are. AG&AG events provide an ideal place to learn for women of all skill levels.
HOWELL’S GUN SHOP WELCOMES A Girl & A Gun Women’s Shooting League!
A Girl & A Gun Women’s Shooting League (AG & AG) is a shooting club established by women shooters for women shooters. AG & AG events are intended to be fun, social gatherings where women can come together for support, encouragement, ask questions in a safe and nonjudgmental environment, improve on their marksmanship, and bond together in the shooting community.
Join today! When you join A Girl & A Gun Women’s Shooting League, you receive valuable member perks and benefits. You may also have a caring and qualified Facilitator, who may provide local training opportunities and fun social activities. If not, you are cordially invited to all of our national and regional events. When you’re a member of one chapter, you’re a member of all chapters and part of an international sisterhood. We look forward to seeing you at the range!
LEARN MORE & JOIN US!

8/15/26 - Utah Non-Resident Multi-State Concealed Carry Permit Course
2026-08-15 09:00 - 12:30
Utah Non-Resident Multi-State Concealed Carry Permit Course
Expand your concealed carry options with the Utah Non-Resident Multi-State Carry Permit! While Maine offers constitutional carry, this permit provides legal coverage in additional states where Maine’s reciprocity does not apply, ensuring you stay legally armed in more locations. Even in states that allow permitless carry, having a recognized permit can offer legal advantages, such as streamlined interactions with law enforcement and access to restricted locations. This course covers essential firearms safety, legal considerations, and the responsibilities of carrying across state lines. Stay informed, stay prepared, and maximize your concealed carry flexibility with this valuable permit.
The permit requires a four to five hour class including firearm safety, fundamentals of shooting as well Utah and federal law considerations. A shooting qualification will also be held on our range.

Required equipment:

Eye and ear protection, handgun and 10 rounds of ammunition.

Pre-requisites:

Utah requires students to hold a valid Maine Concealed Carry permit prior to applying for the Utah permit.
Students must download and complete the Utah Concealed Carry permit application. https://bci.utah.gov forms. We will review the applications and transfer the information to the official application in class.
In addition students are strongly encouraged to download and print the Utah Minimum Training Curriculum also located at https://bci.utah.gov

Students will leave with an official completion application which must be used within one year of completion of course. It will be the responsibility of the student to complete additional application requirements including photos, fingerprints and fees required by the state of Utah (currently $62 for a 5 year permit).

PASS or CLASS: What You Need to Know
To pass this class, participants must complete the classroom session and demonstrate basic range, gun handling and shooting safety skills in our live-fire qualification. Those who pass will receive a certificate of completion. If a participant finishes the classroom session but does not meet the safety or basic gun handling requirements, they will receive a CLASS recommendation instead of a certificate. The certificate will be deferred until the participant completes additional training, such as a private lesson or New Shooter program, and successfully retakes the qualification. Once the qualification is passed, Howells will issue the complete the nessisary application documents.
What to Expect: Participants must already be familiar with operating a semi-automatic handgun or revolver for the qualification test. You’ll demonstrate key skills such as safe loading, following range commands, and completing two 5-round courses of fire. Safety is our top priority, proficiency in gun safety and handling is required at all times during the course.
Not sure you’re ready? We recommend brushing up with a Private Lesson or our New Shooter course to ensure you’re prepared for this next level.

Students will leave with an official completion application which must be used within one year of completion of course. It will be the responsibility of the student to complete additional application requirements including photos, fingerprints and fees required by the state of Utah (currently $62 for a 5 year permit).

EVENT REGISTRATION TERMS & CONDITIONS
Course Transfer: With 72-hour advance notice of the event date we will issue a unique re-registration code for course transfers.
Cancellation Refund: Refunds for 50% balance of event fee, if no transfer is possible, are issued in the form of store gift cards only but ONLY if we are notified of the cancelation up to 72 hours in advance of the event date.
No-Call/No-Show: Participants who do not show to the event without prior 72-hour notice forfeit their total registration fees.
Same Day Cancelations: Same day cancelations are non-refundable as spots in classes are quick to fill and we will be unable to resell that spot in the event or give an individual on a waitlist adequate time to purchase that spot.

8/19/26 - Maine Concealed Carry
2026-08-19 09:00 - 13:00

Howell's Gunslinger Match - 2026
2026-08-20 14:00 - 17:30, 2026-09-03 14:00 - 17:30, 2026-09-17 14:00 - 17:30, 2026-10-01 14:00 - 17:30

8/25/26 - Ladies New Shooter - Pistol
2026-08-25 09:00 - 13:00

CANCELED - A Girl & A Gun - Chapter Clinic
2026-08-25 17:30 - 19:00
*CANCELED* A GIRL & A GUN Chapter Training Clinic – All skill levels welcome!
TIME: 5:30pm – 7:00pm
EVENT FEE: $10 payable in STORE on TEAM APP!
RANGE FEE: Payable to Howells at check-in. Howell’s Members shoot for FREE. AGAG Members shoot for $15.
RSVP: ENSURE YOU HAVE A SPOT by signing up on the TEAM APP!
NOT AN A GIRL & A GUN MEMBER? JOIN US!

Prerequisite: None! Come as you are. AG&AG events provide an ideal place to learn for women of all skill levels.
HOWELL’S GUN SHOP WELCOMES A Girl & A Gun Women’s Shooting League!
A Girl & A Gun Women’s Shooting League (AG & AG) is a shooting club established by women shooters for women shooters. AG & AG events are intended to be fun, social gatherings where women can come together for support, encouragement, ask questions in a safe and nonjudgmental environment, improve on their marksmanship, and bond together in the shooting community.
Join today! When you join A Girl & A Gun Women’s Shooting League, you receive valuable member perks and benefits. You may also have a caring and qualified Facilitator, who may provide local training opportunities and fun social activities. If not, you are cordially invited to all of our national and regional events. When you’re a member of one chapter, you’re a member of all chapters and part of an international sisterhood. We look forward to seeing you at the range!
LEARN MORE & JOIN US!

CANCELED - 8/26/26 - New Shooter
2026-08-26 09:00 - 12:30
Ready to finally learn how to shoot the right way? Howell’s New Shooter Course is designed for adults who want to build a solid foundation in handgun safety, handling, and marksmanship. No fluff, no pressure, just clear instruction, hands-on guidance, and practical coaching from experienced professionals who remember exactly what it’s like to start fresh.
In this 3-hour class, you’ll learn how to safely load, unload, and operate a semi-automatic handgun, understand range etiquette, and develop the basic shooting techniques that lead to control and confidence. By the end, you’ll know how to handle your firearm responsibly and feel comfortable practicing on your own.
If you’ve been thinking about learning to shoot for personal safety, recreation, or simply to gain a new skill, this course is the ideal place to start. Safe, straightforward, and built for real-world success.
Join us, and let’s make your first range experience safe, fun, and empowering!

REQUIRED EQUIPMENT:

Handguns provided for use in class
Ammunition provided
Eye and ear protection, available for purchase on-site
Attire: Long pants, high collared shirt or t-shirt, closed-toe shoes, ball caps recommended.
*If you would like to bring and shoot your firearm & 50 rounds of factory ball ammo at the end of the program – time permitting.

EVENT REGISTRATION TERMS & CONDITIONS
Course Transfer: With 72-hour advance notice of the event date, we will issue a unique re-registration code for course transfers.
Cancellation Refund: Refunds for 50% of the balance of the event fee, if no transfer is possible, are issued in-store gift cards only, but ONLY if we are notified of the cancelation up to 72 hours before the event date.
No-Call/No-Show: Participants who do not attend the event without prior 72-hour notice forfeit their total registration fees.
Same-Day Cancelations: Same-day cancelations are non-refundable as spots in classes are quick to fill, and we will be unable to resell that spot in the event or give an individual on a waitlist adequate time to purchase that spot.

9/2/26 - Maine Concealed Carry
2026-09-02 09:00 - 12:30

9/5/26 - NRA Range Safety Officer Certification
2026-09-05 09:00 - 18:00
This course will define the role and tasks required of a Range Safety Officer. These include organizing, conducting, and supervising range operations, all with a focus on safety.
This is a classroom course with no live-fire exercises. However, the classroom instruction will include exercising the skills learned, including loading, unloading, and handling firearms for other students role-playing as visitors to a range, working through an emergency exercise, and discussing nomenclature of various firearms and action types. Your ability to perform these exercises will be assessed. At the end of the course is a written examination covering what you learned. A grade of 90% is required to pass.
You will receive an NRA Range Safety Officer Student Study Guide, a Basic Firearm Training Program Brochure, an NRA Gun Safety Rules Brochure, and a signed certificate showing you passed the course.
The topics include:
Range Standard Operating Procedures
Range Inspections
Enforcing Range Rules
Safety Briefings
Emergency Procedures
Correcting Stoppages and Malfunctions
Educating Shooters on Gun Safety
The Prerequisites
You have to be 21 years of age or older in order to become certified as an NRA Certified Range Safety Officer Trainer. You also need to know the basics of firearm safety and have a measure of knowledge and proficiency in operating different kinds of firearm actions (from revolvers to semi-automatic rifles). There are some firearms handling exercises during the course to ensure you have a suitable background in firearms.
How You Benefit
Becoming an NRA Certified Range Safety Officer is an excellent first step toward a career in firearms. As an NRA Certified Range Safety Officer, you qualify for a position at ranges across the nation. You will also be safer when you visit a shooting range and will be able to educate newcomers to the sport with greater aptitude.
What do I need to bring and what do I need to know?
• Knowledge of common firearms (all firearms will be provided, but feel free to bring a firearm you have that is interesting)
• Note taking materials
QUESTIONS? Contact out in-house NRA Training Counselor

9/8/26 - Ladies New Shooter - Pistol
2026-09-08 09:00 - 13:00

A Girl & A Gun - Chapter Clinic
2026-09-08 17:30 - 19:00, 2026-09-29 17:30 - 19:00, 2026-10-13 17:30 - 19:00

9/9/26 - New Shooter
2026-09-09 09:00 - 12:00

9/15/26 - Handgun Essentials
2026-09-15 09:00 - 16:00
Become Confident and Safe with Your Handgun!
Ready to start your journey as a responsible and skilled handgun owner? Our Handgun Essentials course is perfect for new shooters who want to build a strong foundation in safety, accuracy, and technique.
We highly recommend taking our Step 1: New Shooter course first to ensure you’re ready to dive into this next level of training. In this class, you’ll master the core principles of handgun mechanics, safe handling, and marksmanship. Learn how to properly grip your firearm, align your sights, and adopt a solid stance for consistent accuracy.
But that’s not all—we’ll also guide you through real-world skills like malfunction clearing and efficient reloading techniques, so you’re prepared for anything at the range. By the end, you’ll have the confidence and control to enjoy shooting with precision and safety.
Join us and take the first step toward becoming a proficient marksman!
*Please note that this is NOT a revolver class. This course is focused on semiautomatic handguns only. Should you wish you explore revolvers please consider signing up for a private lesson.
REQUIRED EQUIPMENT

Please plan to pack a lunch/snacks and beverages
Working semiautomatic handgun (preferably a centerfire gun)
Minimum of two (2) magazines
Ammunition – 150 rounds
Eye & ear protection
Attire: Long pants, high collared shirt or t-shirt, closed toe shoes, ball caps recommended.
*Firearms may be rented from our collection and area viable on a first-come-first serve basis. If you would like to rent a firearm to participate in this class please plan on arriving early and request a rental at the check-in counter. Our staff will assist in outfitting you with the right gear for a great day on the range!

EVENT REGISTRATION TERMS & CONDITIONS
Course Transfer: With 72-hour advance notice of the event date we will issue a unique re-registration code for course transfers.
Cancellation Refund: Refunds for 50% balance of event fee, if no transfer is possible, are issued in the form of store gift cards only but ONLY if we are notified of the cancelation up to 72 hours in advance of the event date.
No-Call/No-Show: Participants who do not show to the event without prior 72-hour notice forfeit their total registration fees.
Same Day Cancelations: Same day cancelations are non-refundable as spots in classes are quick to fill and we will be unable to resell that spot in the event or give an individual on a waitlist adequate time to purchase that spot.

9/16/26 - Maine Concealed Carry
2026-09-16 09:00 - 12:30

9/23/26 - New Shooter
2026-09-23 09:00 - 12:00

9/29/26 - Ladies New Shooter - Pistol
2026-09-29 09:00 - 13:00

9/30/26 - Maine Concealed Carry
2026-09-30 09:00 - 12:30

10/6/26 - Handgun Essentials
2026-10-06 09:00 - 16:00

10/7/26 - New Shooter
2026-10-07 09:00 - 12:00

10/10/26 - Stop The Bleed® & USCCA Treating Gunshot Wounds
2026-10-10 09:00 - 12:00
Be the help until help arrives. Our Blended Stop the Bleed® & USCCA Treating Gunshot Wounds class gives you the confidence and skill to take immediate, life-saving action when seconds count. This hands-on course blends proven trauma care techniques with practical, scenario-based training. You will learn everything from applying tourniquets and wound packing to managing shock—so you’re prepared to protect yourself, your loved ones, or fellow range-goers in any emergency.
The number 1 cause of preventable death after injury is bleeding. That’s why we want to train you how to STOP THE BLEED®. This class blends techniques from Stop the Bleed with USCCA treating gunshot wounds. Class will include classroom presentation as well as hands on practice for assessing and treating all types of bleeding including gunshot wounds.
Why Learn?

A bleeding injury can happen anywhere. We’ve all seen it happen too often—on the news or in everyday life. Life-threatening bleeding can happen in people injured in serious accidents or disasters. Instead of being a witness, you can become an immediate responder because you know how to STOP THE BLEED®.
What You’ll Gain from the Course

The person next to a bleeding victim may very well be the one who’s most likely to save him or her from bleeding to death. By learning how to STOP THE BLEED®, you’ll gain the ability to recognize life-threatening bleeding and act quickly and effectively to control bleeding once you learn three quick techniques. Take the STOP THE BLEED® training course and become empowered to make a life or death difference when a bleeding emergency happens.

10/10/26 - USCCA Protecting Your House of Worship
2026-10-10 13:00 - 16:00
This 3-Hour mini-class focuses specifically on lessons which can help to better protect your House of Worship by learning how to identify a mass shooter, create an emergency operations plan and how to treat traumatic injuries that may occur.
The lesson covers specific considerations related to Houses of Worship, how to evaluate the current level of security at a House of Worship, and offers practical exercises which can be done with students to practice the lessons being taught.
Topics Covered:

Learn how to identify a person who may be planning a mass shooting
Determine the steps to create an emergency operations plan
Special safety and knowledge considerations for Houses of Worship
Better evaluate the current House of Worship security, determine safe rooms and improvised weapons, and how to treat the wounded after the attack

Bring water, note-taking materials, and your questions!

EVENT REGISTRATION TERMS & CONDITIONS
Course Transfer: With 72-hour advance notice of the event date we will issue a unique re-registration code for course transfers.
Cancellation Refund: Refunds for 50% balance of event fee, if no transfer is possible, are issued in the form of store gift cards only but ONLY if we are notified of the cancelation up to 72 hours in advance of the event date.
No-Call/No-Show: Participants who do not show to the event without prior 72-hour notice forfeit their total registration fees.
Same Day Cancelations: Same day cancelations are non-refundable as spots in classes are quick to fill and we will be unable to resell that spot in the event or give an individual on a waitlist adequate time to purchase that spot.

10/13/26 - Ladies New Shooter - Pistol
2026-10-13 09:00 - 13:00
