Southport Masters

The Boy Scout Rifle Merit Badge requires 16-20 hours of instruction, including both classroom work and live-fire range time. Where the BSA program previously required only merit badge counselor training and a good background in rifle shooting instructors must now hold NRA’s formal “Certified Rifle” credentials as well.  Events generally use the facility on weekends.  The badge can be earned in air-rifle, modern cartridge, or “black powder” disciplines, with each having its own set of achievement goals.

Minimum requirements include general firearm safety, proper handling and use, as well as competency on the range.  The program is embellished to help the scouts determine what firearm they want, for what purpose and even purchasing options; covers compliance with the laws of both Illinois and Wisconsin, particularly firearms ownership and transport;  includes dealing with peers who want to “see your gun”; and covers such diverse topics as identification of rimfire vs centerfire ammunition, appreciation of wildlife conservation, cleaning up after yourself and being respectful of others on the range and in the field.  Each scout must be able to reiterate the lesson material and demonstrate competency in both the prone and bench-rest positions, firing five 3-round groups and then five 5-round groups within the diameter of a quarter at 50 feet!