Venturing standards for use of firearms

The following guidelines relate to use of firearms within the Venturing program. Safety should ALWAYS be the primary concern when using firearms as part of the Venturing program.

Handguns

1. Handgun use is limited to the Venturing program.
2. All pistol shooting activities must be supervised by a currently NRA-certified Pistol Instructor and when on the range, must be supervised by a currently NRA-certified Range Safety Officer.
3. When on the range, there must be a ratio of no more than three shooters per adult coach or instructor. The adult coaches or instructors must be close to the shooters for close supervision. The adult coaches/instructors must be supervised by the Range Safety Officer.
4. All participants must complete an NRA basic pistol marksmanship course prior to range firing.
5. With the approval of the local council, handgun shooting may be conducted on BSA camp ranges, provided the shooting is done under the supervision of a currently NRA-certified Range Safety Officer.
6. Shooting safety glasses and ear protection must be worn on pistol ranges.
7. Care must be taken to comply with federal, state, and local laws.

Shotguns

1. For range shooting, shot size is determined by the range rules.
2. All shotgun shooting activities must be supervised by a currently NRA-certified Shotgun Instructor and when on the range, must be supervised by a currently NRA-certified Range Safety Officer.
3. Shooting safety glasses and ear protection must be worn on shotgun ranges.
4. Care must be taken to comply with federal, state, and local laws.

Muzzleloaders

1. Muzzleloading firearms must be of modern manufacture. Firearms made from kits must be certified safe by a licensed gunsmith.
2. All muzzleloader range shooting activities must be supervised by a currently NRA/NMLRA certified muzzle loader firearms instructor and when on the range, must be supervised by a currently NRA-certified Range Safety Officer.
3. For range firing, each participant must have one instructor or adult coach under the supervision of a currently NRA-certified Range Safety Officer.
4. Shooting safety glasses and ear protection must be worn on muzzleloader shooting ranges.
5. Care must be taken to comply with federal, state, and local laws.

Rifles

1. All rifle shooting activities must be supervised by a currently NRA-certified Rifle Instructor and when on the range, must be supervised by a currently NRA-certified Range Safety Officer.
2. Shooting safety glasses and ear protection must be worn on rifle ranges.
3. Care must be taken to comply with federal, state, and local laws.