Option A Overview
Option A covers the modern shotgun from the ground up—how it works, how to handle and store it safely, how shotshells function, how to maintain the gun, and finally how to shoot clay targets. You will work through ten sub-requirements that progress from knowledge to range skills to scored shooting.
What You’ll Complete
- Req 2A-a — Principal Parts and Action Types: Identify the principal parts of a shotgun and explain how different action types work.
- Req 2A-b — Safe Storage and Handling: Know and demonstrate the rules for safely storing and handling a shotgun.
- Req 2A-c — Parts of a Shotgun Shell: Identify the components of a shotshell and explain what each does.
- Req 2A-d — Shotgun Gauges: Learn the various gauges, their uses, and how to choose the right one.
- Req 2A-e — Misfires, Hangfires, and Squib Fires: Understand firing failures and the correct response to each.
- Req 2A-f — Range Procedures and Commands: Demonstrate safe behavior and follow range commands throughout a session.
- Req 2A-g — Cleaning Safety Rules and Materials: Learn the safety rules for cleaning and identify the materials you need.
- Req 2A-h — Clean a Shotgun Properly: Demonstrate the full cleaning process.
- Req 2A-i — Selecting a Shotgun: Discuss the factors that go into choosing a shotgun for a specific purpose.
- Req 2A-j — Shooting Moving Targets: Shoot clay targets using the four fundamentals and meet the minimum score.
Preparation Tips
Study the knowledge requirements (2A-a through 2A-i) 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, gauges, and procedures while you are at the range.
If you have access to an unloaded, verified-safe shotgun at home with a parent’s supervision, practice mounting it to your shoulder smoothly and consistently. A good mount is the foundation of shotgun shooting—the stock needs to come to the same spot on your cheek every time.