Req 1j — Sources of Information on Firearms

This requirement asks you to think about where you would go for reliable, trustworthy information about firearms—not random internet searches, but established sources with genuine expertise.

Categories of Reliable Sources

Organizations

• National Rifle Association (NRA): Training programs, safety courses, instructor certifications, and publications. The NRA’s education division is the most widely recognized source of firearms training curricula in the United States.
• National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF): The trade association for the firearms industry. Publishes safety materials, maintains the “Where to Shoot” range finder, and promotes responsible firearm ownership.
• USA Shooting: The national governing body for Olympic and Paralympic shooting sports. Manages competition programs, coaching education, and the Junior Olympic Development Program.
• Civilian Marksmanship Program (CMP): A federally chartered program promoting marksmanship training, particularly for youth. Offers clinics, competitions, and educational materials.
• 4-H Shooting Sports and Scholastic Clay Target Program (SCTP): Youth-focused programs with trained adult leaders and structured curricula.

Government and Regulatory Sources

• Your state’s fish and wildlife agency: Authoritative source for hunting laws, seasons, license requirements, and hunter education.
• Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF): Federal agency that regulates firearms commerce, manufacturing, and importation. Publishes federal firearms laws and regulations.

Local Sources

• Your merit badge counselor: A certified NRA shotgun instructor with hands-on expertise.
• Local gun clubs and ranges: Staffed by experienced shooters who can answer questions about equipment, technique, and local regulations.
• Hunter education instructors: Trained and certified by your state wildlife agency.
• Sporting goods stores with firearms departments: Staff at reputable stores can answer equipment questions and point you to local resources.

Publications

• NRA publications (American Rifleman, Shooting Sports USA): Cover equipment reviews, safety articles, competition results, and legislative updates.
• Scouting America’s National Range and Target Activities Manual: The definitive reference for shooting sports programs within Scouting.

The Counselor Conversation

Come prepared with a written list of at least five or six specific sources. For each, be ready to explain what kind of information that source provides and why you consider it reliable. Your counselor is looking for critical thinking—not just a list, but an understanding of what makes a source trustworthy.