2025 Chisholm Trail
Bringing back bygone eras
By Taylah Campbell May
From the 28th of September through to the 5th of October 2025, the SSAA Millmerran’s Captains Mountain range, in partnership with the Single Action Shooting Society (SASS), hosted one of the largest single action competitions in Australia, the Chisholm Trail. It was the 26th biennial Chisolm Trail, with the first ever event being held in 1993. This competition is all about immersing yourself into the rugged spirit of the Old West, giving competitors the chance to show off their skills with the muzzleloaders and black powder ammunition used in the era.
I had the privilege of attending the event to experience for myself what it was all about. To me it truly seems that at its core, the Chisolm Trail has a deep sense of community and inclusion. With a record high of 170 participants showing up this year to join in on the fun, competition was fierce and carparks were packed. From juniors and newbies just learning the ropes to highly experienced veterans, with nine age categories overall, this event was open to people from all walks of life. It was amazing to see not only a relatively even split of women and men, but to also see a number of competitors using mobility aids taking part. Competitors were able to either camp at the range, stay in the available air-conditioned cabin or stay just a short distance away in the various accommodation options in Millmerran, with a three-course meal and music available one of the nights.
One of my favourite parts of the event was seeing the competitors dressed in their era-accurate attire despite the sweltering heat. Alongside the extravagant shooting stages, including Boot Hill and Rosies Saloon, I felt as if I had just stepped out of a time machine into 19th century Texas. There were four costume categories participants were able to choose from, including B Western, Ladies B Western, Classic Cowboy and Classic Cowgirl, with the category you chose also determining which firearms and holsters you were able to use. The SASS emphasise the importance of costuming, with all competitors being required to be in costume at all match events, including dinners, award ceremonies and dances to preserve the atmosphere of the game.
For the Classic categories, competitors dressed in a more true-to-life fashion, including chaps, western spurs, scarves, botas, pocket watches and knives for the men and corset, split riding skirts, bustles or hoop skirts and period lace up shoes, hats, handbags, camisoles, feather boas, jewellery, watches and hair ornaments for the women. The B-Western categories are expected to be fancy and flashy, with competitors being required to wear shirts with ‘Smiley Pockets’, embroidery, fringing, appliques or different coloured yokes, felt hats, embellished boots, scarves or bolo ties, cuffs, gloves or gauntlets, western spurs, belts, chaps and jeans or ranch pants, though women were allowed to wear dresses or skirts.
The event allowed participants to choose from two different shooting style categories, duellist style and gunfighter style, as well as black powder categories. Duellist style is defined as shooting a revolver cocked and fired one-handed unsupported. The revolver, hand or shooting arm must not be touched by the offhand unless fixing a malfunction or transferring from hand to hand. Duellists may choose to shoot with a revolver in each hand, this is known as ‘Double Duellist’. Gunfighter style, however, is defined as shooting with a revolver in each hand; they must be cocked and fired one handed, completely unsupported. All revolvers are holstered.
Along with this, the competition allows for further category allocations such as age, gender, costume, Pat Garrett, 1911 match and Plainsman. Interestingly, the allocation to a costume category also determines the rules of firearms you are able to use throughout the event. For example, if you choose to be a part of the ‘Classic Cowboy’ or ‘Classic Cowgirl’ category, you must use revolvers in duellist or double duellist style. Rifles must be from 1873 or earlier that are SASS approved manufacturers and revolvers and rifles must be .40 calibre or larger, rimmed cartridges.
It really was a privilege to attend this event and get an insight to the commitment and passion that these competitors have for the sport; the camaraderie was truly amazing to see.
