This rule applies to the use of firearms as defined in law. This term includes shot guns and airguns.
Before engaging in shooting as an activity Leaders should take account of local feelings on shooting.
Shooting at targets representing human beings or animals is not permitted as a part of any Scout activity, nor on property owned or leased by, or used in the name of, the Scout Movement.
For each young person under the age of 18 years of age, the leader of the activity must obtain written permission from each young person's parent/guardian before undertaking the activity, or series of activities.
The parent/guardian should be supplied with detailed information on the nature of the activity when permission is sought. An example Consent Form is attached to the factsheet FS120004 Shooting. Where other forms are used they should at least include this information.
No firearms, may be acquired, held or used by any Scout unit or campsite unless the Group Scout Leader, District Explorer Scout Commissioner or Campsite Manager as appropriate has ascertained, understands and complies with any statutory requirements or bye laws relating to their possession and use.
Firearms may be taken on to Scout premises, camp sites, camps or on Scout projects or expeditions for use in accordance with these Rules provided that:
prior permission in writing has been obtained, both from the home District/County Commissioner and from the person authorised to be in charge of the premises, camp site, camp, project or expedition;
adequate arrangements for the security of the firearms when not in use (including whilst in transit) have been made.
In no circumstances may any person handling any firearm at any Scout premises, camp site, camp or a Scout project or expedition, indulge in indiscriminate firing.
In every case, shooting must be supervised by a competent and appropriately qualified Range Officer who must have a knowledge of the correct use of the firearms being used and shall be responsible for ensuring compliance by all persons in the range with the relevant range safety and other rules.
Wherever practical, shooting ranges should be out of bounds, except during the specified times for shooting.
Members may practise target shooting with firearms, whether requiring a Firearms Certificate or not, under any of the following circumstances:
as a member or guest of a club approved for this purpose by the Secretary of State for the relevant Government Department;
on Service premises under the supervision of an authorised member of the armed forces;
if the firearms are shotguns, clay pigeon shooting under the standards and controls of the Clay Pigeon Shooting Association;
Members may practise shooting with air weapons of .177 inch (4.5 mm) calibre or less which do not require a Firearms Certificate [except that in Northern Ireland a Firearms Certificate is always required] as follows:
the ranges must have been properly constructed to comply with guidelines issued by the National Small-Bore Rifle Association or the National Rifle Association and with any bye laws relevant to the location of the range;
the guns used must not be of an automatic nature;
the pellets used must be 'diablo shaped' and of soft deformable metal such as lead;
the Range Officer must hold one of the qualifications listed in the current issue of the factsheet FS120004 Shooting and, if any of those shooting is under the age of 14, the Range Officer or another person supervising participants in the activity must be aged not less than 21;
for a temporary range, the Range Officer shall prescribe appropriate range safety and other rules, taking account of the particular circumstances of the range.
Guidance for Leaders to assist with discussion with young people on the morality of the activity is available in the factsheet FS120004 Shooting.
