Safety First - Intro to Shooting

NOV 15, 2008

The Scouts have been memorizing and reciting the four primary rules of Firearm Safety every meeting for a month now. These rules are:

1. All guns are always loaded!
2. Never let the muzzle cover anything you are not willing to destroy!
3. Keep your finger off the trigger until your sights are on the target!
4. Always be sure of your target!

We have covered proper handling, loading and unloading, and basic operation and maintenance of firearms. Finally it was time to get the boys out and do some shooting!

We first shot with a .22 rifle, covering shooting stances and accuracy techniques. I am happy to report that all the boys are excellent shots, and two of them had never even shot a firearm before! Throughout the event, I would randomly test them on their knowledge and comprehension of the safety rules, and they always knew the right answer.

Following some target shooting, we went on a short walk where the Scouts had to identify targets and whether or not they were safe to shoot. If safe, the boys shot. If not, we moved on. This walk was very pleasing to me as the Scouts all knew the proper targets to shoot, and the reasons behind each one.

We returned to the range and the boys were able to shoot a few other rifles of various calibers and styles, all the while learning additional techniques. They learned about malfunctions and the proper method for clearing them, as well as general range safety.

All in all they had a good time, and I look forward to the next opportunity that I can take them out shooting.