The Boy Scouts of America

Scouting

The Boy Scouts of America (BSA) adheres to its longstanding policy of teaching its youth and adult members the safe, responsible, intelligent handling, care, and use of firearms, airguns, and BB guns in planned, carefully managed, and supervised programs. For many young people, the BSA provides ready access to safe, instructional shooting sports programs. Learning proper skills and safety techniques at an early age often results in a lifetime interest in shooting sports and the outdoors.

Although the total number of merit badges awarded by the Boy Scouts of America has decreased over the past decade, the number of merit badges awarded for Archery, Rifle Shooting, and Shotgun Shooting have all increased. Of the 121 different types of merit badges awarded, Rifle Shooting ranked 14th in 2008 while Shotgun Shooting ranked 27th in terms of participation.

Scouting serves young men and women in every part of the country through more than 300 local council service centers. Each council helps chartered organizations in its geographic area to effectively use the BSA Scouting program and expand its use to other community groups. A "Local Council Locator" is featured on www.scouting.org.

Cub Scouting, Boy Scouting and Venturing Standards

Cub Scouting Standards

Youth members of Cub Scouting are permitted to participate in archery and BB gun shooting. Cub Scout shooting sports activities are restricted to day camps, Cub Scout/Webelos Scout resident camps, council-managed family camping programs, or council activities where there are properly trained supervisors and all standards for BSA shooting sports are enforced.

Archery and BB gun shooting are not to be done at the pack level. Cub Scouts are not permitted to use any other type of handgun or firearm.

Boy Scouting Standards

Boy Scouts may participate in all activities previously listed for Cub Scouts and in the activities listed here:

Shotguns

  1. For range shooting, shot size is determined by the range rules.
  2. All shotgun shooting activities must be supervised by a currently NRA-certified Shotgun Instructor and when on the range, must be supervised by a currently NRA-certified Range Safety Officer.
  3. Shooting safety glasses and ear protection must be worn on shotgun ranges.
  4. Care must be taken to comply with federal, state, and local laws.

Muzzle Loaders

  1. Muzzleloading firearms must be of modern manufacture. Firearms made from kits must be certified safe by a licensed gunsmith.
  2. All muzzleloader range shooting activities must be supervised by a currently NRA/NMLRA-certified muzzleloader firearms instructor and when on the range, must be supervised by a currently NRA-certified Range Safety Officer.
  3. For range firing, each participant must have one instructor or adult coach under the supervision of a currently NRA-certified Range Safety Officer.
  4. Shooting safety glasses and ear protection must be worn on muzzleloader shooting ranges.
  5. Care must be taken to comply with federal, state, and local laws.

Rifles

  1. Boy Scouts may shoot single shot .22 caliber rifles only.
  2. All rifle shooting activities must be supervised by a currently NRA-certified Rifle Instructor and when on the range, must be supervised by a currently NRA-certified Range Safety Officer.
  3. Shooting safety glasses and ear protection must be worn on rifle ranges.
  4. Care must be taken to comply with federal, state, and local laws.

Venturing Standards

Venturers may participate in all activities previously listed for Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts and may participate in activities listed below:

Handguns

  1. Handgun use is limited to the Venturing program.
  2. All pistol shooting activities must be supervised by a currently NRA-certified Pistol Instructor and when on the range, must be supervised by a currently NRA-certified Range Safety Officer.
  3. When on the range, there must be a ratio of no more than three shooters per adult coach or instructor. The adult coaches or instructors must be near the shooters for close supervision. The adult coaches/instructors must be supervised by the Range Safety Officer.
  4. All participants must complete an NRA basic pistol marksmanship course prior to range firing.
  5. With the approval of the local council, handgun shooting may be conducted on BSA camp ranges, provided the shooting is done under the supervision of a currently NRA-certified Range Safety Officer.
  6. Shooting safety glasses and ear protection must be worn on pistol ranges.
  7. Care must be taken to comply with federal, state, and local laws.

Rifles

  1. Venturers may shoot all rifles.
  2. All rifle shooting activities must be supervised by a currently NRA-certified Rifle Instructor and when on the range, must be supervised by a currently NRA-certified Range Safety Officer.
  3. Shooting safety glasses and ear protection must be worn on rifle ranges.
  4. Care must be taken to comply with federal, state, and local laws.