THE days of the Old West and the Gold Rush Era are alive and well in a Single Action Shooting competition!

The popular discipline involves adopting an Old West persona, donning period-evocative gear, and firing pre-1901 design single-action pistols, pistol-calibre repeating rifles, and shotguns in a fast-paced competition that’s as much fun to watch as it is to participate.

Guns used in Single Action matches include iconic arms like the Colt Model 1873 “Peacemaker” revolver, the Winchester Model 1873 lever-action rifle, the Winchester Model 1887 lever-action shotgun, and double-barrelled coach shotguns.

Single Action Shooting competitors – male and female, young and old – come from all walks of life and share an interest in the pioneering days of the Old West and Gold Rush era.

This common interest manifests itself not only in the mastering of skills associated with the use of antique firearms or replicas thereof, but also in keen competition underpinned by a sportsmanship, known as “The Spirit Of The Game” which isn’t always found in other modern sporting codes.

Generally, as interpretive living historians or re-enactors, Single Action participants aim to preserve the ‘spirit of the game’ and don’t look for ways to create advantages from loopholes in the rules.

Single Action shooters are required to select a shooting alias for themselves, which is representative of a character or profession from the Old West, Gold Rush era or the Western film genre.

A unique aspect of Single Action is the authentic period or Western-style dress, with competitors striving to dress the part with clothing, shoes and hats that are representative of the time period.

The firearms may be originals or replicas, but they must all be in good and safe working order.

Some modifications and tweaks internally are permitted, such as smoothing, reprofiling, polished, deburring or replacement. Some shooters also add cosmetic embellishments such as carving, engraving, and chequering.

Rifles are chambered for centrefire pistol calibres between .32 and .45 calibre; junior competitors can use .22LR rifles in some matches too.

Possibly the most popular calibres for use in main competition are .45 Long Colt and .357 Magnum/.38 Special, with a number of handguns and lever-action rifles chambered for the cartridges.

Shotguns can be original or replica side-by-side, single-shot shotguns or lever-action typical of the 19^th century and (with the exception of lever-action shotguns) must not have automatic ejectors; In the event pump action shotguns are made recategorised for competition use in Queensland, the Model 1897 Winchester pump-action shotgun would also be permitted in Single Action Shooting matches.