Option B Overview
Option B takes you back to the roots of shotgun shooting. You will learn to load, fire, and clean a percussion-cap muzzleloading shotgun using black powder, wads, and loose shot—the same basic process used for centuries before modern shotshells were invented. This option has thirteen sub-requirements that cover history, safety, loading, shooting, maintenance, and scored target work.
What You’ll Complete
- Req 2B-a — History of the Muzzleloading Shotgun: Discuss the development of the muzzleloading shotgun with your counselor.
- Req 2B-b — Principal Parts and How They Work: Identify the principal parts and explain their functions.
- Req 2B-c — Safe Storage and Handling: Know and demonstrate safe storage and handling rules.
- Req 2B-d — Grades of Black Powder: Identify the various grades and explain their proper use.
- Req 2B-e — Black Powder Storage Safety: Discuss how black powder must be stored safely.
- Req 2B-f — Components of a Load: Learn what goes into a muzzleloading shotgun charge.
- Req 2B-g — Loading Procedures and Accessories: Identify the procedures and accessories for safely loading.
- Req 2B-h — Misfires, Hangfires, and Squib Fires: Understand firing failures and the correct response for a muzzleloader.
- Req 2B-i — Range Procedures and Commands: Demonstrate safe behavior and follow commands on the range.
- Req 2B-j — Cleaning Safety Rules and Materials: Learn the rules and materials for cleaning a muzzleloader.
- Req 2B-k — Clean a Muzzleloader Properly: Demonstrate the full cleaning process.
- Req 2B-l — Selecting a Muzzleloading Shotgun: Discuss what to consider when choosing a muzzleloading shotgun.
- Req 2B-m — Shooting Moving Targets: Break clay targets with a muzzleloader and meet the minimum score.
Preparation Tips
Option B has three additional sub-requirements compared to Option A because muzzleloading requires you to understand the propellant (black powder), its safe storage, and the manual loading process—none of which apply to modern shotshells.
Study the knowledge requirements (2B-a through 2B-l) before your range day. Loading a muzzleloader on the firing line takes significantly longer than inserting a modern shotshell, so the more familiar you are with the sequence beforehand, the smoother your range session will go.