Rifle Shooting Troop Program Feature for Scouts BSA

BSA has created updated version of the Troop Program features for Scouts BSA. The Rifle Shooting program feature is available in digital format on the BSA website or can be purchased as a publication from you local Scout Shop.

The Rifle Shooting theme focuses on safely handling firearms and learning marksmanship skills. The program feature includes some general information and some more specific ideas for meetings:

• The Scout Marksman’s Code
• BSA Rifle Shooting policies
• Types of rifles which can be used in Scouts BSA
• Safety equipment

Suggested troop meeting ideas for Rifle Shooting are grouped by essential, challenging, or advanced. Here are a few you can see in the guide.

• Learn the parts of a bolt-action rifle (essential)
• Learn the parts of other types of rifles (challenging and advanced)
• Learn how to safely load a bolt-action rifle with dummy ammunition (essential)
• Learn how to safely load other types of rifles using dummy ammunition (challenging and advanced)
• Learn how to get into the bench rest position (essential)
• Learn the five fundamentals of shooting a rifle safely (essential)
• Learn how to get into the prone position (challenging)
• Learn how to get into all shooting positions and when to use them (advanced)
• Practice cleaning BB and pellet guns (essential)
• Practice cleaning 22 rifles (challenging)
• Practice cleaning multiple action rifles (advanced)

There are also several games suggested to keep things interesting at your troop meetings

• Rifle parts relay
• Kim’s Game, Ammunition Edition
• Rifle Terms Matching
• Catapults

The plan even provides Scoutmaster’s minutes and ceremonies for meetings.

Then there is the “Main Event”. Once again, there are suggestions for essential, challenging, or advanced. Details and planning aids can be found in the online guide.

• Open shoot day activity (essential)
• Marksmanship tournament day activity (challenging)
• Weekend campout focused on the Rifle Shooting merit badge.

Find some related helps and achievements for the Rifle Shooting Troop Program Feature below.

Rifle Program Feature Introduction Video

Rifle Shooting Merit Badge

Scouts learn to safely shoot firearms while working on this merit badge. Then they demonstrate their skill. The requirements for this badge may be completed using modern rifles, BB or pellet air rifles, or muzzleloaders.

Shoot! Scouts BSA Nova Award (Astronomy and Projectile Science)

Shoot! is the Scouts BSA Nova Award for investigating astronomy and projectile science. To earn this award, Scouts must complete one of their science related merit badges and learn about related topics such as space, aviation, and weather. Scouts also visit a museum or build a catapult, pitching machine, or marble run.

Shooting Sports Ranger Elective

To complete the Shooting Sports elective for the Venturing Ranger award, Venturers must learn the safety rules for shooting and must complete a training course. They can choose to use an air pistol, air rifle, archery, muzzle loading rifle, pistol, shotgun, or small bore rifle. Venturers must also share what they learned with others.

Hunting Ranger Elective

To complete the Hunting elective for the Venturing Ranger award, Venturers must learn about regulations, take a course, and take a hunting trip. They must also show others what they have learned and assist in a project.