| Requirement | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Do the following: | ||||||||
| (a) Explain what a projectile is, and why any device that shoots a projectile at high speed must be handled with care and respect, and used only in approved locations. | ||||||||
| (b) Explain the basic rules of safe gun handling that apply to all firearms. | ||||||||
| (c) Describe how you would react if a friend visiting your home asked to see your or your family’s firearm. | ||||||||
| (d) Explain the need for, and use and types of, eye and hearing protection. Demonstrate their proper use | ||||||||
| (e) Explain the main points of the laws for owning and using guns in your community and state. | ||||||||
| (f) Explain how hunting is related to the wise use of renewable wildlife resources. | ||||||||
| (g) Successfully complete a state hunter education course or obtain a copy of the hunting laws for your state, then do the following: | ||||||||
| (1) Explain the main points of hunting laws in your state, and any special laws on the use of guns and ammunition, AND | ||||||||
| (2) List the kinds of wildlife that can be legally hunted in your state. | ||||||||
| (h) Explain to your counselor the proper hygienic guidelines followed while shooting. | ||||||||
| (i) Identify places in your community where you can join or be a part of range and target activities. | ||||||||
| (j) Discuss with your counselor a list of sources you could contact for information on firearms and their use. | ||||||||
| 2. Working under the supervision of a certified National Rifle Association (NRA) Rifle instructor and a certified range safety officer, at a nationally authorized camp property or at a commercial firearm range (as defined in the Scouting America National Range and Target Activities Manual), do ONE of the following options: | ||||||||
| Option A – Rifle Shooting (Modern cartridge type) | ||||||||
| (a) Identify the three main parts of a rifle, and explain how they function. | ||||||||
| (b) Identify and demonstrate the rules for safely storing and handling a rifle. | ||||||||
| (c) Identify the two types of cartridges, their parts, and how they function. | ||||||||
| (d) Explain to your counselor what a misfire, hangfire, and squib fire are. Explain and demonstrate proper preventive measures, and the procedures to follow in response to each. | ||||||||
| (e) Explain and demonstrate the five fundamentals of shooting a rifle: aiming, breath control, hold control, trigger control, and follow-through. | ||||||||
| (f) Demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and attitude necessary to safely shoot a rifle on a range, including understanding and following range procedures and commands. | ||||||||
| (g) Explain the basic safety rules for cleaning a rifle, and identify the materials needed. | ||||||||
| (h) Demonstrate how to clean a rifle properly and safely. | ||||||||
| (i) Discuss what points you would consider in selecting a rifle. | ||||||||
| (j) Using a bolt-action .22 caliber rimfire rifle, and shooting from a benchrest or supported prone position at 50 feet, fire five groups (three shots per group) that can be touched by a quarter. Using these targets, explain how to adjust sights to zero a rifle. | ||||||||
| (k) Adjust sights to center the group on the target and fire five groups (five shots per group). In the event that your instructor determines it is not practical to adjust the sights — for instance, on a borrowed rifle — you may explain (rather than doing) how to adjust the sights, and then fire five groups (five shots per group) in which all shots can be touched by a quarter. According to the target used, each shot in the group must meet the following minimum score: A-32 targets: 9; A-17 or TQ-1 targets: 7; A-36 targets: 5. | ||||||||
| Rifle Shooting merit badge completed | ||||||||
| Rifle Shooting merit badge presented |
For answers and resources, see https://scoutermom.com/25116/rifle-shooting-merit-badge/