Dara Holsters at the 2025 Zoo City Armory Gauntlet

The 2025 Zoo City Armory Gauntlet, held at the CGG Range & Training Complex in North Carolina, solidified its reputation as one of the toughest tests for shooters and their gear. This event pushes athletes through a series of physical challenges and precision shooting stages, demanding peak performance under pressure.

The course, designed to test endurance, strength, and marksmanship, included sled drags, weighted carries, rope climbs, and wall obstacles — all while engaging targets up close and at distance.

The Gauntlet is more than a competition; it’s a platform for personal growth and community. Participants are encouraged to collaborate, share knowledge, and support each other through the challenges. This reinforces the Gauntlet’s focus as a training event, not just a contest.

As a proud sponsor, Dara Holsters saw our gear tested under extreme conditions. In an event where every second counts, our holsters performed with the reliability that athletes expect when the stakes are high.

Divisions:
The Gauntlet features four divisions that cater to different levels of fitness and experience:

• Legendary: For elite athletes, requiring a plate carrier of at least 20lbs. This division includes the heaviest lifts (up to 200lbs), a 15ft rope climb, and the highest physical demands.
  
  
• Heroic: For those with above-average fitness, requiring a 14lb plate carrier. Competitors face a 12ft rope climb and 100lb max lifts.
  
  
• Female Heroic: A division for women with a 10lb plate carrier, 75lb max lifts, and a 12ft rope climb.
  
  
• Classic: Designed for new shooters, with no plate carrier required. This division focuses on building confidence, with physical challenges not exceeding 50lbs.
  
  

Thank you to Zoo City Armory, CGG Range & Training Complex, and all the competitors who made this event a success. The Gauntlet is where gear, skill, and endurance meet, and we’re proud to stand by those who rise to the challenge.

Dara Holsters. Purpose-Built. Gauntlet-Proven.

Check out the Gauntlet Recap video here: