Req 2a — Option A Overview

Option A is built around a bolt-action .22 LR rifle—one of the most widely used teaching platforms in the world. It is accurate, mild-recoiling, and mechanically clear enough to see all the fundamentals in action. You will work through eleven sub-requirements that progress logically from knowledge to range skills to scored shooting performance.

What You’ll Complete

• Req 2aa — Three Main Parts of a Rifle: Identify the stock, action, and barrel, and explain what each does.
• Req 2ab — Safe Storage and Handling: Know the rules for keeping a rifle stored safely and handling it on and off the range.
• Req 2ac — Two Types of Cartridges: Learn the difference between rimfire and centerfire cartridges, their parts, and how they function.
• Req 2ad — Misfire, Hangfire, and Squib Fire: Understand the three types of firing failures and the correct procedure for each.
• Req 2ae — The Five Fundamentals of Shooting: Master aiming, breath control, hold control, trigger control, and follow-through.
• Req 2af — Range Procedures and Commands: Know the range commands and demonstrate safe behavior throughout a range session.
• Req 2ag — Cleaning Safety Rules and Materials: Learn what makes cleaning safe and what tools you need.
• Req 2ah — Clean a Rifle Properly: Demonstrate the full cleaning process from breach to muzzle.
• Req 2ai — Selecting a Rifle: Discuss the factors that go into choosing a rifle for a purpose.
• Req 2aj — First Grouping Exercise: Zeroing: Fire five three-shot groups at 50 feet that fit under a quarter, then learn to zero the sights.
• Req 2ak — Scored Grouping Exercise: Fire five five-shot groups and meet the minimum score thresholds for your target type.

Preparation Tips

Study the knowledge requirements (2aa–2ai) before your first range session so your time on the range is focused on shooting, not scrambling to learn vocabulary. Your counselor may quiz you on parts, cartridge types, and procedures while you are at the range.

Practice the five fundamentals dry (without ammunition) at home in front of a mirror or with an unloaded, verified-safe rifle if your family owns one and a parent supervises. Trigger control and breath control improve dramatically with dry-fire practice.