Capital Area Practical Shooting

Capital Area Practical Shooting

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By Robert Bell Friday, 23 January 2009

John and Julianna Crowder sought to fill the need for a place where gun novices could learn the ins and outs of firearm use and safety and where newbies and experts alike could complete the training necessary to earn a concealed handgun license.

John and Julianna Crowder, owners

In this case, the need was for a place where gun novices could learn the ins and outs of firearm use and safety and where newbies and experts alike could complete the training necessary to earn a concealed handgun license.

“We had taken a [CHL] class together, and I left that class thinking that this was something that we could do and maybe do a little better,” Julianna said.

She knew her husband had the acumen and expertise to be a professional instructor. So a few months after they took the course, Julianna enrolled John in the Texas Department of Public Safety CHL instructor class.

Though some teachers only take the CHL instructor course, John also took several National Rifle Association firearm classes.

“It’s something different I did not only to give me more credentials, but to give me more experience,” he said.

In August 2007, the Crowders opened CAPS. They offer NRA gun courses in addition to the CHL class. The NRA courses focus on bookwork, so the Crowders add in time on the firing range so their students can get more hands-on experience. Classes are held at the CAPS headquarters in Leander, and firing instruction and qualifications take place at a shooting range 20 minutes outside of town. Recently, the Crowders began teaching courses at Fort Hood in Killeen. When they are teaching there, associate instructor Jim Adams heads up classes in Leander.

Since the business started, John and Julianna — both certified CHL trainers — have helped nearly 200 people hone their firearm skills or earn their CHL. Enrollment has steadily increased from about 15-20 students a month in the first part of 2008 to 70-80 people in more recent months.

The Crowders make earning a CHL convenient by bundling the license requirements into the class. A forensic specialist comes in and gets everyone’s fingerprints, students get their photos made and Julianna — a notary public — notarizes the documents. “When they leave, all they have to do is mail in their application,” she said.

Those extras cost a little more, but the convenience factor is worth it, John said.

“I’ve had several friends who have gone in to Austin and said the course was a lot cheaper, but they just gave them the certificate. They had to go out and spend an hour and a half or two at DPS for fingerprints and then go to Walgreens [for a picture] and then go by the bank to get the notary. So they burned up a whole day’s worth of work to go out and do all this,” he said.

The Crowders also advise students on the purchase of the appropriate handgun and offer discounts on some classes for military personnel and public servants. Julianna also teaches ladies-only classes.

Damage Done

Practical firearms training

  • Pistol 1, $100, four-hour range course
  • Pistol 2, $150, six- to eight-hour range course
  • Practical shotgun, $150, six- to eight-hour
    range class
  • Urban carbine, $150, six- to eight-hour
    range classCapital Area Practical Shooting Map

NRA courses

  • First steps pistol, $70
  • Home firearm safety, $45
  • Personal protection in the home, $120

Concealed handgun license courses
(does not include state license fee)

  • New license, $125
  • Renewal, $80
  • Active military, senior 60+, retired officer, $100
  • Veteran military, $120
  • Firefighter, $110
  • Private class, $300
  • Private class renewal, $150