Rifle MBC qualifications?

[Dadof4]

Hi All,
I am wondering what the required qualifications of a rifle MBC are?

I've shot small bore rifle (as well as other shooting sports) competatively for years, and have been asst coach of a jr rifle team, but have never gone through the NRA INSTRUCTOR training...

Must one be an NRA Instructor to be a rifle MBC?

[PaulSWolf]

The Counselor need not be certified as an NRA instructor, but any live fire mut be done at a range under the control of one.

Here are the relevant sections quoted from the Guide to Safe Scouting:

Boy Scout Standards

Boy Scouts are permitted to fire .22 caliber bolt-action, single-shot rifles, air rifles, shotguns, and muzzle-loading long guns under the direction of a certified instructor, 21 years of age or older, within the standards outlined in current Scouting literature and bulletins.

Rifles

The following standards are established for rifles to be used in Boy Scout and Varsity Scout activities:

1. Breech-loading rifles will be single-shot, bolt-action of the .22-caliber rim-fire type only. They may be chambered for the .22-short or .22-long rifle, but not for the .22-WMR rifle (which uses a more powerful cartridge). Air rifles are also permitted.
2. Semiautomatic rifles will not be permitted.
3. Repeating rifles having a tubular magazine will not be permitted.
4. Repeating rifles having a removable clip-type magazine will be permitted but must be used as single-loaders.
5. All rifles used in BSA shooting sports shall have a trigger pull in excess of 3 pounds, and shall be tested with a 3-pound weight or scale at least once a week while in use. If the trigger mechanism is activated by the 3-pound pull, the rifle should be immediately removed from service.
6. Shooting safety glasses and ear protectors must be worn on the range.*
7. All training and shooting activities must be supervised by a currently NRA-certified rifle instructor or coach who is 21 years of age or older

[odin]

To my knowledge, an NRA Instructor rating is not required. I'm an NRA Instructor and a new MBC. I've taught dozens of classes but haven't counseled a scout yet. I can certainly vouch for the NRA Instructor courses in that they will prepare you for MBC in rifle and shotgun. Although basic firearm safety is part of the merit badge requirements, the scout could arrive to you or me having that requirement signed off by someone else. Having the experience of teaching new shooters will quickly allow one to assess whether safety issues need to be revisited with a scout.

Also, the actual shooting requirements are more easily met if the MBC has some experience in coaching. It isn't easy for a scout to hit clay birds if they only shoot a couple of times a year. A seasoned shooter as an MBC can suggest tips and techniques for the scout that can make them more successful in hitting the target. Similarly, putting 5 holes at 50 feet within a half-inch is a cakewalk for those who shoot smallbore rifle often, but quite a task for the inexperienced shooter. This is where a seasoned shooter can suggest breathing techniques, hand positions, and trigger control.

As a MBC for the shooting sports, we owe it to the scouts and to the future hubters/shooters of this country to provide them with proper technique and firearm safety. The NRA Instructor course is a great investment in that perspective.