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McKinney Firearms Training
TX
•Dr. Sandy Keathley started shooting as a kid with his grandfather's 1939 Mossberg .22 at the city dump. He later qualified expert on the M14 and M16 in the U.S. Army (25th Infantry, Cambodia Campaign, Vietnam 1970—Bronze Star), then spent 30 years teaching music at universities and public schools. That classroom experience shows.
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Dr. Sandy Keathley started shooting as a kid with his grandfather's 1939 Mossberg .22 at the city dump. He later qualified expert on the M14 and M16 in the U.S. Army (25th Infantry, Cambodia Campaign, Vietnam 1970—Bronze Star), then spent 30 years teaching music at universities and public schools. That classroom experience shows. He teaches the same way he did at Colorado State and SMU: methodical, patient, and structured.
Today he runs McKinney Firearms Training from a private outdoor range on rural property north of Dallas, with 207 Google reviews averaging 4.9 stars. Students come back because Sandy doesn't do the corporate firearms instructor thing. He explains why things matter, not just how to do them.
| Course | Details |
|---|---|
| Learn to Shoot (Beginner) | 3+ hours. Covers safety, fundamentals, grip, stance, breathing. You fire multiple handguns (9mm, .380, .40) to find what fits you. |
| LTC (License to Carry) | Texas CCW proficiency test. Classroom law + shooting qualification. Sandy prepares you to pass. |
| Defensive Shooting | Real-world scenarios and tactical drills beyond just standing still. |
| Pistol Training | Beginner through advanced. One-on-one or group. |
| Shotgun 101 & Advanced | From basics to advanced technique. |
| AR-15 | Modern rifle fundamentals and applications. |
| Intro to .22 | Low-cost, low-recoil entry into shooting. |
| Revolver | Specific revolver handling and operation. |
| Ladies Gun Training | Instruction designed for female shooters. |
| Church Security Training | Tactical thinking and response protocols for security teams. |
- •NRA-Certified Firearms Instructor (Pistol, Personal Protection in the Home, Range Safety Officer)
- •DPS-Certified to teach handgun law
- •FBI Vetted
- •NRA Distinguished Expert in pistol category
- •Liability insured
- •Annual recipient of McKinney "Best in McKinney" award (2015–present)
He also does police training. McKinney Firearms Training provides qualification and staff training for several North Texas police departments, plus Melissa ISD and Palmer ISD.
The outdoor range sits on rural property with rolling pastures and a pond. It's not an indoor shooting bay with flickering lights and gunpowder fog. Students consistently mention the peaceful, focused environment and the fact that they could ask questions without feeling rushed.
Classes stay small—typically 6 people max in group instruction. You get personal attention, not a lecture hall. Sandy adjusts pacing for the group and watches for the moment someone stops being comfortable, then recalibrates.
"Before this class, guns were like the boogeyman to me. After Sandy's instruction, not only are guns not scary if you know how to use them, they're fun." — Kaitlyn B., Princeton
"I had been self-teaching for a couple months, feeling unsure. No amount of YouTube replaces the wisdom of an experienced trainer like Mr. Keathley." — Quincy N., Garland
"Sandy helps you diagnose what's causing inaccuracy, and by the end you're equipped with knowledge to keep improving. His demeanor is great for beginners." — Martin B., Dallas
"He was incredibly knowledgeable and helpful. One of the best things is his patience—he takes time to make sure you're comfortable and confident." — James K., Allen
"I found the beginner class very helpful. Sandy is friendly and patient with newbies and happy for you to ask questions." — Jayd L., Frisco
"I took the course on church security and can't say enough about how glad I am. Sandy is a great source of priceless tips on guns and tactical thinking." — David A., Plano
- •Common thread: People come in nervous or skeptical. They leave confident, having tried multiple firearms, understanding why things work the way they do, and knowing what to buy.
Check the class schedule online and reserve a seat. Sandy sends details and will keep you updated on weather or scheduling changes. Responses are quick—multiple reviews mention his responsiveness to emails.
"The customer service is off the charts. He made sure to keep us updated on the weather and it felt easy to switch to another day when we had to." — Luis B., McKinney
- •Note: Rural roads lead to the range. Don't bring a low-to-the-ground vehicle.
Sandy takes the 2nd Amendment seriously. His website lays it out clearly: the Founders understood that an armed citizenry is the greatest guarantee of freedom. That's not a slogan on his business card—it's why he teaches. He wants citizens competent, confident, and responsible with firearms.