Option B — Muzzleloading Shotgun

Req 2B-m — Shooting Moving Targets

2B-m.
Shoot a moving target with a muzzleloading shotgun using the four fundamentals of firing a shot position, mount, vision, and movement. Shooting score required: Hit at least 5 out of 15 targets in each of two 15-target groups. The two groups need not be shot in consecutive order. A minimum of 30 shots must be fired. Shooting skill rules: Targets may be thrown by a hand trap, manual mechanical trap, or on any trap or skeet field. If using a hand trap or manual mechanical trap, the trap operator should be at least 5 feet to the right and 3 feet to the rear of the shooter. If throwing left-handed with a hand trap, the trap operator should be at least 5 feet to the left and 3 feet to the rear of the shooter. All targets should be thrown at a reasonable speed and in the same direction. Targets should be generally thrown so as to climb in the air after leaving the trap. Scores may be fired at any time, either in formal competition or in practice, but only under approved supervision and at an approved range as noted in the Scouting America National Range and Target Activities Manual. A 10 gauge or smaller muzzleloading rifle in appropriate size for the participant may be used. Matchlock, wheellock, or flintlock firearms are not approved. Standard clay targets customarily used for trap and skeet are to be used. On a standard trap field, the shooter should be positioned 8 yards behind the trap house. The trap should be set to throw only straightaway targets. If using a skeet field, shoot station 7 low house.

This is the scored shooting exercise for the muzzleloading option. The scoring standard and the four fundamentals are the same as Option A, but shooting a muzzleloader adds unique challenges: a longer lock time (the delay between pulling the trigger and the shot leaving the barrel), more recoil, and the need to reload between every shot.

The Four Fundamentals (Review)

The four fundamentals of shotgun shooting apply identically to muzzleloading:

1. Position (Stance)

Feet shoulder-width apart, lead foot slightly forward, weight on the balls of your feet, knees slightly bent. This athletic stance lets you rotate your body smoothly to track the target.

2. Mount

Bring the stock to your cheek and shoulder in one smooth motion. The comb contacts your cheek first, then the buttpad seats into the pocket of your shoulder. Consistency is everything—if the mount changes, the point of impact changes.

3. Vision (Eyes on the Target)

Both eyes open, focused on the target. Do not look at the barrel or the bead. Track the clay target the way you would track a ball thrown to you.

4. Movement (Swing and Lead)

Start the gun moving with the target. Accelerate past it to establish lead. Fire while still moving. Follow through—keep swinging after the shot.

Muzzleloading-Specific Challenges

Longer lock time: From the moment you pull the trigger, the hammer must fall, the cap must fire, the flame must travel through the flash channel, and the powder must ignite. This takes longer than a modern shotgun’s firing sequence. You must maintain your swing through this entire delay. If you stop the gun at the trigger pull, you will miss behind.

Recoil: Black powder loads in a 12-gauge muzzleloader can produce significant recoil. A solid, consistent mount absorbs recoil better than a loose one. Lean into the gun.

Reload time: After each shot, you must reload—powder, wads, shot, over-shot card, cap. This takes 30–60 seconds even for experienced shooters. Use the time to relax, breathe, and mentally rehearse the fundamentals before calling for your next target.

Four-panel sequence showing a shooter mounting, swinging, firing, and following through with a muzzleloading shotgun

The Scoring Standard

Because of the longer lock time and slower reloading, 5 out of 15 is a solid achievement with a muzzleloader. Focus on smooth, consistent fundamentals rather than trying to force hits.

Tips for Success