Scouting/BSA/Shotgun Shooting Merit Badge

Requirement 1
Do the following:


 * A. Explain why BB and pellet air guns must always be treated with the same respect as firearms.


 * B. Describe how you would react if a friend visiting your home asked to see your or your family's firearm(s).


 * C. Explain the need for and use and types of eye and hearing protection.


 * D. Explain the main points of the laws for owning and using guns in your community and state.


 * E. Explain how hunting is related to the wise use of renewable wildlife resources.


 * F. 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 give 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.


 * G. Explain to your counselor the proper hygienic guidelines used in shooting.


 * H. Identify and explain three shotgun sports. Identify places in your community where you could shoot these sports and explain how you can join or be a part of shooting sports activities.


 * I. Give your counselor a list of sources that you could contact for information on firearms and their use.

Requirement 2
Do ONE of the following options:

OPTION A: SHOTGUN SHOOTING (MODERN SHOTSHELL TYPE)

 * A. Identify the principal parts of a shotgun, action types, and how they function.


 * B. Identify and demonstrate the rules for safely handling a shotgun.


 * C. Identify the parts of a shotgun shell and their functions.


 * D. Identify the various gauges of shotguns. Explain which one you would pick for use and why.


 * E. Identify and explain the fundamentals of safely shooting a shotgun. Explain what a misfire, hangfire, and squib fire are, and explain the procedures to follow in response to each.


 * F. Identify and explain each rule for safely shooting a shotgun.


 * G. Demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and attitude necessary to safely shoot moving targets, using the fundamentals of shotgun shooting.


 * H. Identify the materials needed to clean a shotgun.


 * I. Demonstrate how to clean a shotgun safely.


 * J. Discuss what points you would consider in selecting a shotgun.


 * K. Shooting score required: Hit at least 12 (48 percent) out of 25 targets in two 25-target groups. The two groups need not be shot in consecutive order. A minimum of 50 shots must be fired.


 * Shooting skill rules:
 * Targets may be thrown by a hand trap, manual mechanical, or on any trap or skeet field. Note: If using a hand trap or manual mechanical trap, the trap operator should be at least five feet to the right and three feet to the rear of the shooter. If throwing left-handed with a hand trap, the trap operator should be at least 5 feet to the left and 3 feet to the rear of the shooter
 * All targets should be thrown at a reasonable speed and in the same direction.
 * Targets should be generally thrown so as to climb in the air after leaving the trap.
 * Scores may be fired at any time, either in formal competition or in practice.
 * Any gauge shotgun not exceeding 12 gauge may be used.
 * Only commercially manufactured ammunition may be used. Reloads may not be used in BSA shooting sports programs.
 * Shooters must shoot in rounds of 25. Rounds need not be shot continuously or on the same day (the term "round" refers to a single series of 25 shots).
 * If using a trap field, shoot station 3 with traps set to throw straightaway targets.
 * If using a skeet field, shoot station 7 low house.

OPTION B: MUZZLELOADING SHOTGUN SHOOTING

 * A. Discuss a brief history of the development of the muzzleloading shotgun.


 * B. Identify principal parts of percussion and flintlock shotguns and discuss how they function.


 * C. Demonstrate and explain the rules of safely handling a muzzleloading shotgun.


 * D. Identify the various grades of black powder and their proper and safe use.


 * E. Discuss proper safety procedures pertaining to black powder use and storage.


 * F. Discuss proper components of a load.


 * G. Identify proper procedures and accessories used for loading a muzzleloading shotgun.


 * H. Demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and attitude necessary to safely shoot a muzzleloading shotgun on a range, including range procedures. Explain what a misfire, hangfire, and squib fire are, and explain the procedures to follow in response to each.


 * I. Shoot a moving target with a muzzleloading shotgun using the five fundamentals of firing the shot.


 * J. Identify the materials needed to clean a muzzleloading shotgun properly and safely.


 * K. Demonstrate how to clean to clear a muzzleloading shotgun's shotgun’s failure to fire and explain or demonstrate proper correction procedures.


 * L. Identify the causes of a muzzleloading shotgun's failure to fire and explain or demonstrate proper preventive procedures.


 * M. Discuss what points you would consider if selecting a muzzleloading shotgun.


 * N. Shooting score required: Hit at least five out of 15 targets in each of two 15-target groups. The two groups need not be shot in consecutive order. A minimum of 30 shots must be fired.


 * Shooting skill rules:
 * Targets may be thrown by a hand trap, manual mechanical, or on any trap or skeet field. Note: If using a hand trap or manual mechanical trap, the trap operator should be at least five feet to the right and three feet to the rear of the shooter. If throwing left-handed with a hand trap, the trap operator should be at least 5 feet to the left and 3 feet to the rear of the shooter.
 * All targets should be thrown at a reasonable speed and in the same direction.
 * Targets should be generally thrown so as to climb in the air after leaving the trap.
 * Scores may be fired at any time, either in formal competition or in practice.
 * Any gauge shotgun not exceeding 10 gauge may be used.
 * Standard clay targets customarily used for trap and skeet are to be used.
 * On a standard trap field, the shooter should be positioned 8 yards behind the trap house. The trap should be set to throw only straightaway targets
 * If using a skeet field, use station 7 low house.