SHOTGUN SHOOTING

These were the REQUIREMENTS before the changes made with
the release of a new merit badge pamphlet during 2005
and before the release of the 2006 edition of Boy Scout Requirements

To see the current requirements as they appear in Boy Scout Requirements Click Here

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 shotgun 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 --- SHOTGUN SHOOTING (Modern Cartridge Type)
   1. Identify the principal parts of a shotgun, action types, and how they function.
   2. Identify the rules for safe gun handling.
   3. Demonstrate how to handle shotguns in a safe manner.
   4. Identify the parts of a shotgun shell and their functions.
   5. Identify the various gauges of shotguns. Explain which one you would use and why.
   6. Identify and demonstrate the five fundamentals of shooting a shotgun.
   7. Identify and explain each rule for shooting a shotgun safely.
   8. Demonstrate the knowledge, skill and attitude necessary to safely shoot moving targets, using the fundamentals of shotgun shooting.
   9. Identify the materials needed to clean a shotgun.
   10. Demonstrate how to clean a shotgun safely.
   11. Discuss what points you would consider in selecting a shotgun.
   12. Shooting score required. - Hit at least 24 (48 percent) out of 50 targets (two 25 target rounds). The two rounds do not need to be shot in consecutive order.
   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 5 feet to the right and 3 feet to the rear of the shooter. If throwing left-handed with a hand trap this should be reversed.
   • 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 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.
   • Standard clay targets customarily used for trap and skeet are to be used.
   • Any ammunition, either factory or hand loaded, may be used.
   • 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).
   OPTION B --- MUZZLE-LOADING SHOTGUN SHOOTING
   1. Discuss a brief history of the development of the muzzle-loading shotgun.
   2. Identify principal parts of percussion and flintlock shotguns and discuss how they function.
   3. Demonstrate and discuss the safe handling rules of a muzzle-loading shotgun.
   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 shotgun.
   8. Demonstrate knowledge, skill, and attitude necessary to safely shoot a muzzle-loading shotgun on a range, including range procedures.
   9. Shoot a moving target with a muzzle-loading shotgun using the five fundamentals of firing the shot.
   10. Identify the materials needed to clean a muzzle- loading shotgun safely.
   11. Demonstrate how to clean a muzzle-loading shotgun safely.
   12. Identify the causes of a muzzle-loading shotgun's failing to fire and explain or demonstrate proper correction procedures.
   13. Discuss what points you would consider in selecting a muzzle-loading shotgun.
   14. Shooting score required. -- Hit at least 5 out of 15 targets.
   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 5 feet to the right and 3 feet to the rear of the shooter. If throwing left-handed with a hand trap this should be reversed.
   • 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 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.

BSA Advancement ID#: 124
Pamphlet Revision Date: 1989
Requirements last revised in 1987