A Girl & A Gun President Robyn Sandoval Shares Her Journey from Anti-Gun to National Firearms Leader

Bearing Arms interview highlights Sandoval’s personal transformation, the growth of A Girl & A Gun, and opportunities for women in the shooting sports

AUSTIN, TX — AGirlandAGun.org — A Girl & A Gun (AG & AG) President and CEO Robyn Sandoval recently joined Bearing Arms contributor John Petrolino for a conversation about her unexpected journey into firearms, the mission of the nation’s largest women’s shooting organization, and the experiences awaiting women at the 2027 AG & AG National Conference.

The interview was recorded during the 2026 NRA Annual Meetings in Houston as part of Voices of the Second Amendment, sponsored by Beretta Holding. In the accompanying Bearing Arms feature, Petrolino describes Sandoval as one of the firearms industry’s most accomplished and influential women.

Sandoval did not grow up around firearms. Although raised in Texas, she came from a California family that did not own guns, and she was vocally opposed to them for much of her life. Her perspective began to change after Hurricane Katrina exposed how quickly infrastructure and emergency services could become overwhelmed.

Watching a desperate mother place her children on a bus with strangers because she could no longer keep them safe forced Sandoval to consider how she would protect and provide for her own family during a crisis. When her husband asked how they would defend the supplies they had stored if someone forced entry into their home, she realized she did not have an answer.

That moment began a personal transformation. Sandoval committed to learning how to use a firearm safely and responsibly, eventually becoming a firearms instructor, advocate, and nationally recognized leader in women’s firearms education.

Her experience now helps her connect with women at every point in their own journeys, from those who are apprehensive about firearms to experienced competitors and professional shooters.

“I have the best job in the world,” Sandoval said. “I get to watch women just thrive on the range.”

Today, A Girl & A Gun provides women with opportunities to develop firearms skills through education, recreation, competition, and community. With members across all 50 states and hundreds of chapters and partner ranges, the organization welcomes women ranging from first-time gun owners to advanced shooters.

During the interview, Sandoval also discussed the scope of the AG & AG National Conference, which offers instruction in pistol, rifle, shotgun, competition, personal defense, archery, combatives, edged weapons, and other specialized disciplines. The organization’s 2027 National Conference, CONQUER 2027, will take place April 27–May 2 in Grand Junction, CO, and is expected to welcome more than 700 students.

Sandoval encouraged women, and those who have women in their lives who enjoy training and spending time with other extraordinary women, to visit AGirlandAGun.org and find a local chapter.

The full Bearing Arms feature, “A Girl & A Gun’s Robyn Sandoval Talks About Her Journey & More,” was published September 18. The complete video interview is available on YouTube.

About A Girl & A Gun

A Girl & A Gun is a nationwide organization dedicated to educating and inspiring women through firearms training, recreation, competition, and community. Members of all experience levels participate in welcoming, professional training opportunities designed to build skills, confidence, and lasting friendships. It’s More Than Shooting. Visit AGirlandAGun.org to learn more.