Photos by T. Keisman
Southport Masters regularly sponsors the Boy Scout Rifle Shooting Merit Badge training program. The program is run by volunteer member instructors who are registered merit badge counselors with the Southeast Wisconsin Council of the BSA.

The club will sponsor two or three groups annually. Although most scouts earn this badge at summer camp, the Southport program caters to those who cannot participate or did not pass the required marksmanship tests at camp. Earning the badge requires 16-20 hours of instruction, including both classroom work and live-fire range time.

 

Where the BSA program recently required only merit badge counselor training and a good background in rifle shooting, instructors must now hold the NRA’s formal “Certified Rifle” credentials as well. The club provides the necessary equipment, including the recommended single-shot, bolt-action 22 rifle, ammunition, eye and ear protection, targetsand range time. Classes are generally scheduled on weekends.

 

 

The program consists of many possible merit options. The badge can be earned in “air-rifle,” “modern cartridge” or “black powder” disciplines. Each with it’s own set of achievement goals. Southport teaches “modern cartridge” using the 22 rimfire rifle. Minimum requirements include general firearm safety, proper handling and use, as well as demonstrated competency on the range. The program is embellished to help the scouts determine what firearm they want, for what purpose and even purchasing options. It covers compliance with the laws of both Illinois and Wisconsin, particularly firearms ownership and transport. It includes dealing with peers who want to “see your gun.” It 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 proficiency 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!