| 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 C – Muzzleloading Rifle Shooting | ||||||||
| (a) Discuss with your counselor a brief history of the development of muzzleloading rifles. | ||||||||
| (b) Identify principal parts of muzzleloading rifles and discuss how they function. | ||||||||
| (c) Identify and demonstrate the rules for safely storing and handling a muzzleloading rifle. | ||||||||
| (d) Identify the various grades of black powder and black powder substitutes and explain their proper use. | ||||||||
| (e) Discuss proper safety procedures pertaining to black powder storage. | ||||||||
| (f) Discuss proper components of a load. | ||||||||
| (g) Identify proper procedures and accessories used for loading a muzzleloading rifle. | ||||||||
| (h) Identify the causes of a muzzleloading rifle’s failure to fire, and explain what a misfire, hangfire, and squib fire are. Explain and demonstrate proper preventive measures, and the procedures to follow in response to each. | ||||||||
| (i) Demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and attitude necessary to safely shoot a muzzleloading rifle on a range, including understanding and following range procedures and commands. | ||||||||
| (j) Identify the materials needed to clean a muzzleloading rifle safely. Using these materials, demonstrate how to clean a muzzleloading rifle safely. | ||||||||
| (k) Demonstrate how to clean a muzzleloading rifle properly and safely. | ||||||||
| (l) Discuss what points you would consider in selecting a muzzleloading rifle. | ||||||||
| (m) Using a muzzleloading rifle of .45 or .50 caliber and shooting from a bench rest or supported prone position, fire three groups (three shots per group) at 50 feet that can be covered by the base of a standard-size soft drink can. | ||||||||
| (n) Adjust the sights to center the group on the target and fire three 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 muzzleloading rifle — you may explain (rather than doing) how to adjust the sights, and then fire three groups (five shots per group) in which all shots can be covered by the base of a standard-size soft drink can. According to the target used, each shot in the group must meet the following minimum score: At 25 yards using NRA A-23 or NMLRA 50-yard targets: 7 At 50 yards using NRA A-25 or NMLRA 100-yard targets: 7 | ||||||||
| Rifle Shooting merit badge completed | ||||||||
| Rifle Shooting merit badge presented |
For answers and resources, see https://scoutermom.com/25116/rifle-shooting-merit-badge/