Shootgun shooting vs. riflery

[kimberbakos]

Which is easier for a littler boy? My son is 12, but only the size of most 8-9 year olds. He wants to do some type of shooting this summer at camp and I'm wondering which would be less physically demanding on him? I remember shooting a shot gun at a range at about his age and my shoulder was killing me from the gun's kickback.

[wagionvigil]

Does your son shoot now? Does he shoot Shotguns? Does he shoot 22's?
To be able to work on the MB at camp you must shoot to qualify on (at our camp) Sunday AFtternoon and evening) what they are saying is you must have some previous experience with the firearm. Now that being said our camp has times that anyone can go an shoot. Just for Fun. Rifle and shotgun are probably two of the hardest MB to get. IMO

[Hubert]

The BSA uses 22 Calibur rifles for the Rifle MB. They have very little kick and I strongly suggest the .22. The 20 gauge shotgun used has kick to it, and if not held properly, can hurt quite a bit.

I helped teach these two MBs and had a varity of kids take the badge. It all depends on the scout. By the description you have given, I strongly suggest the Rifle MB. It kicks a little bit more than a BB gun, and is a great starter gun for those just starting out.

[kimberbakos]

Thanks for the help! The Rifle MB is what I'll have him sign up for.

[Mrw]

Our summer camp I think has a minimum size limit for the shotguns. There is not one for the rifles.

In addition, my boys both earned their rifle merit badge at summer camp with no other shooting experiences (they took it as 2nd or 3rd year campers), but both quit shotgun as they decided it was abundantly clear they would not be good enough to complete the badge.

[pipestone1991]

I was 11 when I took rifle.
I was 16 when I took shotgun.
I never would have been able to get shotgun when I was 11 or for mthat matter 12.

[Fibonacci]

The Rifle MB is what I'll have him sign up for.

Just so it's clear to you, this is a merit badge class that will probably have limits (there are only so many spaces.) Depending in his summer camp, it might not be possible for him to get in. Also, he might not complete the mb during his week at camp; some Scouts are very disappointed with partials, and some don't mind. Most camps have "open shoot" when anyone can go to the range to practice.

If you know the name of the camp your son will be attending, you can go to that council website & look up the Leader's Guide for his camp. It will be full of excellent information.

Hope your son has a great week at camp!

[WVBeaver05]

Thanks for the help! The Rifle MB is what I'll have him sign up for.

I would suggest: "I'll pass along this information to him." And, perhaps even: "I'll recommend that he take Rifle MB and pass along the information provided."

Just my thoughts.

YiS

[wagionvigil]

[AquilaNegra2]

The score needed to pass the shotgun badge is not one that most boys will be able to achieve without considerable practice.

You might look for a NRA Jr. Olympic Rifle Team in your area if they earn partials at camp, or if they decide to pursue other badges there. With a good instructor, most boys can pass the Rifle badge without frustration.

[pipestone1991]

[quote="AquilaNegra2"]The score needed to pass the shotgun badge is not one that most boys will be able to achieve without considerable practice.
quote]

I agree. It isn't easily attainable.

[kwildman]

Agreed that 22's would be the best bet for someone not experienced with shooting sports.

The shotgun requirements for shooting are very doable with a novice person if instructed correctly 48% (12 out of 25) on two groups which are not required to be consecutive. The targets are all thrown in the same direction and climbing. A little practice is all it takes and these scouts can use the open shoot times to get more practice time in if needed.

I think passing the hunter ed written test (our camp requires this option) is the hardest part for most kids and I recommend that they take it from the state prior to going to camp otherwise they spend a lot of time working and studying for this requirement at camp that they could invest in other merit badges.

Both of my sons shoot regularly. My 12 year old is very small for his age and has no problem with either 20 or 12 guage but I have lightweight youth models for them to shoot with and a padded shooters vest (not sure what is provided at camp).