Scouting/BSA/Shotgun Shooting Merit Badge

The requirements to this merit badge are copyrighted by the Boy Scouts of America. They are reproduced in part here under fair use as a resource for Scouts and Scouters to use in the earning and teaching of merit badges. The requirements published by the Boy Scouts of America should always be used over the list here. If in doubt about the accuracy of a requirement, consult your Merit Badge Counselor.

Reading this page does not satisfy any requirement for any merit badge. Per National regulations, the only person who may sign off on requirements is a Merit Badge Counselor, duly registered and authorized by the local Council. To obtain a list of registered Merit Badge Counselors, or to begin a Merit Badge, please contact your Scoutmaster or Council Service Center.

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.

External links

• Shotgun Shooting Merit Badge with Workbook PDF, current requirements, and resources.