Option C — Muzzleloading Rifle

Req 2cn — Scored Grouping Exercise

2cn.

Adjust the sights to center the group on the target and fire three groups (five shots per group). In the event that your instructor determines it is not practical to adjust the sights—for instance, on a borrowed muzzleloading rifle—you may explain (rather than doing) how to adjust the sights, and then fire three groups (five shots per group) in which all shots can be covered by the base of a standard-size soft drink can. According to the target used, each shot in the group must meet the following minimum score: at 25 yards using NRA A-23 or NMLRA 50-yard targets: 7; at 50 yards using NRA A-25 or NMLRA 100-yard targets: 7. Note: Other suitable NRA targets may be used based on availability.

This is the final shooting performance exercise for Option C. Fire three groups of five shots each, with each shot scoring 7 or better on the specified NRA or NMLRA targets.

Distances and Targets

Distance	Target	Minimum Score per Shot
25 yards	NRA A-23 or NMLRA 50-yard target	7
50 yards	NRA A-25 or NMLRA 100-yard target	7

Your instructor will specify the distance and target. Note that these distances—25 and 50 yards—are longer than the 50 feet used in the first grouping exercise. At 25 yards you are at approximately 75 feet; at 50 yards you are at 150 feet. The step up in distance is significant.

Sight Adjustment

Using the group centers from Req 2cm as a reference, your instructor will help you adjust the sights to center the group. For muzzleloaders with adjustable rear sights, the same rear-sight adjustment rule applies: move the rear sight in the direction you want the group to move.

If sights cannot be adjusted, explain the process to your counselor and use the soft drink can base standard instead of the scored target.

Execution at Distance

At 25–50 yards, small errors in sight alignment become much more visible. Focus especially on:

Consistent cheekweld at every shot—even a few millimeters of variation in your eye position relative to the rear sight notch changes where the shot lands.
Natural point of aim—let the rifle settle on aim naturally between shots.
Swabbing consistently between each shot to keep bore conditions uniform.
Applying the five fundamentals on every shot without rushing.

Fifteen Total Shots

Three groups of five = fifteen individual shots, each requiring a clean load, seat, and trigger press. Pace yourself through the exercise. This is a test of your consistency and discipline as much as your marksmanship.