Rifle Shooting and the Trail to Eagle
Rifle Shooting is an elective merit badge. It is not required for any rank, but it can count as one of the 8 elective badges a scout needs for Eagle, alongside the 13 Eagle-required badges. Elective badges are also where most scouts discover hobbies and careers, so choose ones you are genuinely curious about. Browse the complete merit badge list to compare options.
Rifle Shooting Merit Badge Requirements
Summary of the 3 main requirements for Rifle Shooting. Always confirm the exact wording with your counselor or the current official BSA requirements.
- 1
Do the following:
- a.Explain what a projectile is, and why firearms 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, types, and use of eye protection and hearing protection.
- 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.
- h.Explain 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 NRA rifle instructor and a certified range safety officer, do ONE of the following options: Option A: Rifle Shooting (Modern Cartridge Type), Option B: Air Rifle Shooting (BB or Pellet), or Option C: Muzzleloading Rifle Shooting.
- 3
Identify how you could apply the skills and knowledge of safe and responsible use of firearms you learned in this merit badge to pursue a career or personal hobby.
Merit badge names and emblems are trademarks of Scouting America (Boy Scouts of America). Eagle Compass is an independent tool and is not affiliated with or endorsed by Scouting America. Requirements are summarized for planning purposes; the official requirements are authoritative.
How to Earn the Rifle Shooting Merit Badge
1. Get a blue card and a counselor
Ask your Scoutmaster for approval to start Rifle Shooting, then find a registered merit badge counselor for it through your troop or council.
2. Plan around the setting
Rifle Shooting is usually earned summer camp or outdoor event. Summer camp and merit badge weekends are the most common places to finish it.
3. Budget the time
Expect about 2 weeks for a challenging badge like this one. Working with a partner or at a merit badge clinic can shorten it.
4. Track every requirement
Keep notes as you complete each item so your counselor can sign off without re-doing work. Eagle Compass tracks all 13 Rifle Shooting requirements for you.
Rifle Shooting Merit Badge FAQ
Is the Rifle Shooting merit badge required for Eagle Scout?
No. Rifle Shooting is an elective merit badge. It can count as one of the 8 elective badges needed for Eagle Scout, alongside the 13 Eagle-required badges.
How long does the Rifle Shooting merit badge take?
Most scouts finish Rifle Shooting in about 2 weeks, depending on counselor availability and how the requirements are scheduled.
Where do scouts usually earn the Rifle Shooting merit badge?
Rifle Shooting is most often earned summer camp or outdoor event. Any registered merit badge counselor for Rifle Shooting can sign off requirements.
How many requirements does the Rifle Shooting merit badge have?
Rifle Shooting has 3 main requirements with 10 sub-requirements, for 13 items in total.
