#3: Rifle Cant | Top 5 Reasons You Miss

Published on October 27, 2023
Duration: 1:00

This instructional video from Gunwerks explains the critical concept of rifle cant and its impact on shooting accuracy, particularly at extended ranges. Instructor demonstrates how cant, the tilting of a rifle off a vertical plane, introduces windage errors that can be mistaken for poor wind calls. The video emphasizes the use of a bubble level as an essential tool to ensure proper rifle alignment, with clear visual aids illustrating the difference between a level and canted shot. Proper cant correction is presented as a fundamental technique for improving shot placement.

Quick Summary

Rifle cant is the tilting of a firearm off a vertical plane, causing the crosshairs to be misaligned with gravity. This error is a significant contributor to windage misses, especially at longer ranges, and is often mistaken for poor wind calls. Utilizing a bubble level is crucial for ensuring proper rifle alignment and preventing canted shots.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Defining Rifle Cant
  2. 00:11Cant Causes Windage Error
  3. 00:20Using a Bubble Level
  4. 00:27Illustration: No Cant
  5. 00:50Illustration: With Cant

Frequently Asked Questions

What is rifle cant and why is it a problem for shooters?

Rifle cant is when the rifle is tilted off a vertical plane, meaning the crosshairs are not parallel to gravity. This introduces windage error, especially at longer ranges, causing shots to miss the intended target to the side, often mistaken for a bad wind call.

How can a shooter prevent rifle cant?

The most effective way to prevent rifle cant is by using a bubble level. This can be integrated into the scope mount or used as a standalone accessory. Ensuring the bubble is centered during your shot confirms the rifle is held perfectly vertical.

At what range is rifle cant most noticeable?

Rifle cant becomes increasingly problematic at longer ranges. While minor cant might not significantly affect accuracy at very close distances, its impact on shot placement becomes pronounced as the bullet travels further downrange.

What are the visual cues for rifle cant?

Visually, rifle cant means the vertical crosshair in your scope is not aligned with the force of gravity. Illustrations show that with cant, the bullet's trajectory deviates horizontally from the intended point of aim due to the tilted launch angle.

More Training & Techniques Videos You Might Like

More from Gunwerks

View all →