Is anyone in here a Boy Scout rifle instructor? I know they use bolt action .22 rifles. I was trying to see if there were any more requirements for them to use em for merit badges.

Send a PM to Smokin 50 - IIRC he is.

Is anyone in here a Boy Scout rifle instructor? I know they use bolt action .22 rifles. I was trying to see if there were any more requirements for them to use em for merit badges.

Hi Shawn!

 

Easiest way to read about it is to Google "BSA Rifle Merit Badge Worksheet" and then click on the pdf on the top of the page.  .22LR, BB guns, air rifles and even .45 and .50 cal. black powder rifles are permitted to be used for the course/badge.  Each has their own sub-section, and it's an easy read on the pdf to see what's up.  Qualification targets and positions are listed and described, as well as a minimum passing score for each target.  Targets are shot from a rest (bench or prone) so the little scouts can earn the badge.  AR type platforms (like M and P .22LR) aren't allowed, rifles should be iron sights only.  Most common are the antique Remington 522's and the like, often with peep sights front and rear, but any iron sight that will produce decent groups can be utilized.

 

If you need any further assistance, contact me or your local BSA Council Office for more info.

 

Dave

My kids troop has those old Remington's. I'm looking to upgrade them

Savage Mark I-FVT

I have used these at various BSA summer camps. CMP has a junior smallbore purchase program that provides special pricing for them:

 

http://thecmp.org/wp-content/uploads/SavageBrochure.pdf

Something like this. Just a mark 2

 

SAVAGE MARK II-FVT .22 LR 21" HB BLUED/SYNTHETIC

 

http://shop2.gzanders.com/rifles/savage-mark-ii-fvt-22-lr-21-hb-blued-synthetic.html

 

I was leaning towards this because of the stainless and synthetic stock. I figured it would last forever

 

http://shop2.gzanders.com/rifles/marlin-xt-22sr-22lr-rifle-profire-s-s-black-synthetic.html

 

I have one of these in a .17hmr and its a great gun too

 

http://shop2.gzanders.com/rifles/ruger-american-22lr-10-shot-22-matte-black-composite.html

I am also a Rifle Merit Badge Instructor (and also an NRA CRSO and rifle instructor).  The BSA loosened up the rules for rifles recently, November, 2013.  Previously rifles could not have a removable magazine, and had to be loaded single cartridge at a time.  The rule now reads, "Either a breech-loading, singleshot, bolt-action rifle or a repeater bolt-action rifle with a box magazine can be used."  They have to shoot 22LR.

 

I really enjoy teaching with the Ruger American Rimfire rifle.  Retail price is around $339, but you can buy them as low as $230 on gunbroker.  

 

I know we are replacing some of our camps' old Savage rifles with these this year.

 

-Dave

Yeah the ruger is $229 wholesale. I like my kids

 

I tossed a ruger in my cart for my next order. I want to have at least 1 in hand for the merit badge class coming up.

I'm Impressed.....From what I've seen, most use whatever the summer camp has, and Rifle/Shotgun Merit Badge is considered "Summer-Camp-Only"...very few troops that I know of have their own rifles.

I'm Impressed.....From what I've seen, most use whatever the summer camp has, and Rifle/Shotgun Merit Badge is considered "Summer-Camp-Only"...very few troops that I know of have their own rifles.

 

Yep - My troop had access to a gun at the National Guard armory due to one of the parents - but we still only did Rifle/Shotgun shooting merit badges at summer camp.

My kids troop does it at my gun club yearly

I do it at my local club (Old Bridge) and offer both rifle and scattergun badges.  

 

The program at the Scout Camp my Troop chooses to go to SUCKS!  They (the Instructors) spend most of the week BS'ing and don't let the kids shoot until late Thursday or Friday.  Saturday the programs shut-down and everybody leaves.  Needless to say I wasn't impressed!  Their entire program is set-up for Richie Rich to spend two full weeks at Camp so the scouts don't come home with a bunch of "partials" on the blue cards!

So I order the gun. I get it in. None of the scout leaders are willing to take the nics check. So I'm either gonna keep it or sell it. Unreal.