From A Girl & A Gun:
A Girl & A Gun (AG & AG) hosted its first-ever Red Dot Retreat, June 20–22, 2025, at the Texas Shooting Academy in Florence, Texas. Sixty AG & AG Chapter Leaders from across the country came together for an intensive weekend of education, training and hands-on experience with pistol-mounted optics.
This three-day retreat featured expert instruction from some of the nation’s leading red dot optics instructors: Tatiana Whitlock, Brian Hill, AJ Zito, and Mike Ochsner. Each instructor provided in-depth modules that covered vision, target acquisition, recoil control, draw efficiency and dot tracking, giving participants a comprehensive understanding of red dot performance and integration.
A Girl & A Gun Chapter Leaders mentor each other during the Red Dot Retreat to reinforce teaching skills on red-dot performance.
“The energy was electric,” said AG & AG President & CEO Robyn Sandoval. “These leaders dove deep into the science and technique of red dots so they can bring this critical knowledge back to their local communities. They are now equipped to teach our brand-new Red Dot Essentials course, which will be launching nationwide.”
A highlight of the weekend was a demo block with Hayes Custom Guns, renowned for their premium 2011 pistols and custom shotguns. Attendees had the opportunity to meet Aaron Hayes and test-fire several elite models, gaining firsthand experience with top-tier equipment.
Sixty AG & AG Chapter Leaders from across the country came together for an intensive weekend of education, training, and hands-on experience with pistol-mounted optics.
The event was made possible thanks to the generosity of key industry sponsors. Stoeger donated two pistols that were awarded by random draw to two lucky participants. Additional thanks go to:
- Trijicon, Vortex, and Holosun for donating red dot optics
- Wiley X and Hunters HD Gold for providing performance eyewear
- Ox Tactical for supplying innovative Red Dot Mastery training tools
“The support from our sponsors shows how committed the industry is to empowering women with cutting-edge training and tools,” said Sandoval. “This retreat is just the beginning of a national movement to make red dot optics more accessible and intuitive for every female gun owner.”
AG & AG’s Red Dot Essentials course will now be taught by trained chapter leaders in dozens of communities nationwide, ensuring more women are confident and competent with this increasingly popular technology.
For more information about A Girl & A Gun and to learn about upcoming events and membership opportunities, please visit AGirlandAGun.org.
