Merit Badge Worksheets

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Edition 2026Active Merit Badge

Rifle Shooting

Official Requirements & Fillable Workbook · 2026 Edition

Rifle Shooting demands absolute discipline, safety, and steady marksmanship on the firing line. Under certified instruction, you will master range commands, sight alignment, and breathing control. Requirement 2 offers three disciplines — rimfire cartridge, air rifle, or muzzleloader — each requiring you to shoot tight qualifying score targets.

Key Requirements Covered:

  • Firearm Safety & Range Commands
  • Rifle Cleaning, Maintenance & Storage
  • Marksmanship: Sight Alignment & Trigger Squeeze
  • Scored Qualification Target Shooting
6Printable Pages
3Requirements
2025Reqs Revised

What is on the worksheet: Rifle Shooting Requirements

Every requirement for the Rifle Shooting merit badge, word for word as published, with room to write under each one on the printed worksheet.

1

Gun Safety and the Law

Do the following:

  • a Explain what a projectile is, and why any device that shoots a projectile at high speed 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, then do the following:
  • h Explain to your counselor 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

Option Selection

Working under the supervision of a certified National Rifle Association (NRA) rifle instructor and a certified range safety officer, at a nationally authorized camp property or at a commercial firearm range (as defined in the Scouting America National Range and Target Activities Manual), do ONE of the following options:

  • Option A—Rifle Shooting (Modern Cartridge Type). Do ALL of the following
  • Option B—Air Rifle Shooting (BB or Pellet). Do ALL of the following
  • Option C—Muzzleloading Rifle Shooting. Do ALL of the following
3

Careers

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. Research the additional training and experience you would need, expenses you may incur, and the affiliation with organizations that could help you maximize the positive impact and enjoyment you gain from it. Discuss what you learned with your counselor, and share what short-term and long-term goals you might have if you pursued this.

Two dates, two different things

Requirements Revision vs. Worksheet Date

Scouting America last revised the Rifle Shooting requirements in 2025. That is the badge, not this sheet — an older year does not mean the worksheet is out of date.

Verbatim Fidelity & Verification

This worksheet was checked against https://www.scouting.org/merit-badges/rifle-shooting/ in Aug 2026 and reproduces the requirements word for word. Both dates are printed on the sheet, so a copy in a binder can always be placed in time.

Requirement text is © Scouting America, reproduced verbatim. The worksheet layout and design are original to this project.

Spotted a discrepancy on this sheet? Tell us and we will re-check it against the official requirements.

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