Boy Scout Merit Badge Requirements

RIFLE SHOOTING

1. Do the following:
   1. Explain why BB and pellet air guns must always be treated with the same respect as firearms.
   2. Describe how you would react if a friend visiting your home asked to see your or your family's firearm(s).
   3. Explain the need, use, and types of eye and ear protection.
   4. Give the main points of the laws for owning and using guns in your community and state.
   5. Explain how hunting is related to the wise use of renewable wildlife resources.
   6. Explain the main points of hunting laws in your state and give any special laws on the use of guns or ammunition.
   7. List the kinds of wildlife that can be legally hunted in your state.
   8. Identify and explain the rifle sports shot in the Olympic Games. Identify places in your community where you could shoot these sports.
   9. List the sources that you could contact for information on firearms and their use.

2. Do ONE of the following options:
   Option A -- Rifle Shooting
   (Modern Cartridge Type)

   1. Identify the principal parts of a rifle, action types, and how they function.
   2. Identify and demonstrate the three rules for handling a rifle safely.
   3. Identify rifle ammunition parts and their function.
   4. Identify seven different calibers of rifle ammunition. Explain which one you would use and why.
   5. Identify and demonstrate the five fundamentals of shooting a rifle.
   6. Identify and explain each rule for shooting a rifle safely.
   7. Demonstrate the knowledge, skill and attitude necessary to safely shoot a target from the bench rest position, using the five fundamentals of rifle shooting.
   8. Identify the materials needed to clean a rifle.
   9. Demonstrate how to clean a rifle safely.
   10. Demonstrate the standing, kneeling, prone, and sitting positions.
   11. Discuss what points you would consider in selecting a rifle.
   12. Using a .22 caliber rimfire rifle and shooting from a bench rest (supported) position at 50 feet, fire five groups (three shots per group) that can be covered by a quarter. Adjust sights to center the group on the target and fire five groups (five shots per group). According to the target used, each shot in the group must meet the following minimum score:
       1. A-32 targets -- 9
       2. A-17 or TQ-1 targets -- 8,
       3. A-36 targets -- 6.

   Option B -- Air Rifle Shooting
   (BB or Pellet)

   1. Identify the principal parts of an air rifle, action types, and how they function.
   2. Identify and demonstrate the three rules for handling a rifle safely.
   3. Identify various types of air rifle ammunition.
   4. Identify different calibers of air rifle ammunition.
   5. Identify and demonstrate the five fundamentals of shooting a rifle.
   6. Identify and explain each rule for shooting an air rifle safely.
   7. Demonstrate the knowledge, skill, and attitude necessary to safely shoot a target from the bench rest position, using the five fundamentals of rifle shooting.
   8. Identify the materials needed to clean an air rifle.
   9. Demonstrate how to clean an air rifle safely.
   10. Demonstrate the standing, kneeling, prone, and sitting positions.
   11. Discuss what points you would consider in selecting an air rifle.
   12. Using a BB or pellet air rifle and shooting from a bench rest (supported) position, fire five groups (three shots per group) that can be covered by a quarter. Adjust sights to center the group on the target and fire five groups (five shots per group). According to the target used, each shot in the group must meet the following minimum score:
       1. BB rifle at 15 feet or 5 meters using TQ-5 targets -- 8;
       2. pellet air rifle at 25 feet using TQ-5 target -- 8, at 33 feet or 10 meters using AR-1 targets -- 6.

   Option C -- Muzzle-Loading
   Rifle Shooting

   1. Discuss a brief history of the development of muzzle-loading rifles.
   2. Identify principal parts of percussion and flintlock rifles and discuss how they function.
   3. Demonstrate and discuss the safe handling rules of muzzle-loading rifles.
   4. Identify the various grades of black powder and their proper use.
   5. Discuss proper safety procedures pertaining to black powder use and storage.
   6. Discuss proper components of a load.
   7. Identify proper procedures and accessories used for loading a muzzle-loading rifle.
   8. Demonstrate the knowledge, skill, and attitude necessary to safely shoot a muzzle-loading rifle on a range, including range procedure.
   9. Shoot a target with a muzzle-loading rifle using the five fundamentals of firing the shot.
   10. Identify the materials needed to clean a muzzle-loading rifle safely.
   11. Demonstrate how to clean a muzzle-loading rifle safely.
   12. Identify the causes of a muzzle-loading rifle's failing to fire and explain or demonstrate proper correction procedures.
   13. Discuss what points you would consider in selecting a muzzle-loading rifle.
   14. Using a muzzle-loading rifle of any caliber and shooting from a bench rest (supported) position, fire three groups (three shots per group) that can be covered by the base of a standard-size soft drink can. Center the group on the target and fire three groups (five shots per group). According to the target used, each shot in the group must meet the following minimum score:
       1. at 50 feet using NRA A-23 or NMLRA 50-yard targets -- 8;
       2. at 50 yards using NRA A-25 or NMLRA 100-yard targets -- 8.

BSA Advancement ID#: 123
Pamphlet Revision Date: 1990
Source: Boy Scout Requirements Y2K, #33215D, revised 2001

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Last modified on Tuesday, August 03, 2004