Shotgun Shooting Merit Badge

Requirement 2 is the range, and it states its own conditions

Requirement 2 is done under the supervision of a certified National Rifle Association (NRA) Shotgun instructor and a certified range safety officer, at a nationally authorized camp property or a commercial firearm range (as defined in the Scouting America National Range and Target Activities Manual). Both people, and one of those two kinds of range, whichever option you choose.

The badge page adds that Scouting America has set standards for approved equipment and materials, ranges, qualified supervision, training, technique and discipline, and that the details are in the current Guide to Safe Scouting and the National Range and Target Activities Manual.

Requirement 2: ONE of two options, each done in full

Each option says "Do ALL of the following". Both ask for the parts of the shotgun, the rules for safely storing and handling it, failure to fire (misfire, hangfire and squib fire, with preventive measures), safe shooting on a range (including range procedures and commands), the safety rules and materials for cleaning, cleaning it, and what to consider in selecting one. Then:

Both are moving targets, shot using the four fundamentals of firing a shot: position, mount, vision and movement. The two groups need not be shot in consecutive order.

The shooting skill rules

Each option's score comes with rules of its own, quoted on the step. In short: scores may be fired in formal competition or in practice, but only under approved supervision and at an approved range as noted in the National Range and Target Activities Manual. Option A allows modern, age-appropriate target shotguns in 12, 16 or 20 gauge and only commercially manufactured ammunition, no reloads. Option B rules out matchlock, wheellock and flintlock firearms. Each sets how targets are thrown and which trap or skeet station to shoot from.

Requirement 1: ten explanations

Projectiles and why they demand care; the basic rules of safe gun handling; how you would react if a visiting friend asked to see a firearm in your home; eye and hearing protection; the gun laws of your community and state; hunting and wildlife; your state's hunting laws; hygiene while shooting; three shotgun sports and where you could practice them; and sources of information on firearms.

1(g) has two ways in: complete a state hunter education course, or obtain a copy of your state's hunting laws. Either way you then explain the main points of the hunting laws, including any special laws on guns and ammunition, and list the wildlife that can legally be hunted in your state.

Requirement 3: a career or a hobby

How you could apply what you learned about the safe and responsible use of firearms to a career or a personal hobby: the training, experience, expenses and organizations involved, discussed with your counselor along with your short- and long-term goals.

What this page is

The Shotgun Shooting merit badge, drawn so requirement 2's supervision and range conditions stand out, with its two options drawn as a question, every part of the chosen option shown, and the shooting skill rules quoted on the score they govern. It is not a copy of the requirements: each step is a short label with a link to the official requirements, which are what actually governs and which change from year to year. The free official pamphlet is the fuller guide.