Going Long-Range with a Canted Scope Base Rail

A canted scope base rail, also known as a tilted or inclined scope mount, serves a specific purpose in the realm of long-range shooting. This specialized mount is designed to provide a slight angle to the scope, allowing for compensation when shooting at long distances or in uneven terrain. The primary advantage of a canted scope base rail lies in its ability to counteract the effects of bullet drop and increase the effective elevation range of scopes, extending the rifle’s range and performance.

One common scenario where a canted scope base rail proves beneficial is in long-range shooting. As bullets travel over extended distances, they experience gravitational pull, causing them to drop. A canted mount compensates for this drop by aligning the scope’s reticle with the trajectory of the bullet, enabling more accurate shot placement.

Taking .22 LR to 400 Yards

For example, I mounted an Arken SH4 6x24x50 scope on my Savage B22 Precision, and I wanted to test the setup out to 500 yards. The Arken provides 32 mils of elevation range, which typically means you have half or 16 mils of actual height adjustment with a non-canted base rail. However, shooting Lapua Super Long Range .22 LR ammo out to 400 yards requires 19.3 mils of elevation adjustment. Adding an MDT 40 MOA canted rail provides the equivalent of an additional 12 mils of elevation range from the scope for a total of 28 mils. I tested this setup successfully at 400 yards, which is quite a feat for .22 LR. 

It’s worth noting that you should consider the elevation range of your scope when choosing a canted scope rail. Avoid exceeding half of your scope’s elevation range as a general rule to avoid potential zeroing issues. In the example above, 50 MOA would be the maximum cant that I could use with that setup. For scopes with a smaller elevation range, consider using a 30- or 40-MOA rail.

Other Benefits

When shooting on uneven ground or from elevated positions, a canted scope base rail helps account for the angle and provides a level sight picture. This is particularly helpful for precision shooters and hunters who frequently encounter varied terrains. Tactical situations, where rapid target acquisition is essential, also benefit from canted scope mounts. The angled scope allows for quicker adjustments, especially when engaging multiple targets at different distances without the need for excessive turret adjustments.

Wrap Up

In essence, the decision to use a canted scope base rail depends on the shooter’s specific needs and the conditions in which they anticipate using their firearm. Whether for long-range accuracy, adapting to challenging terrains or optimizing for tactical scenarios, a canted scope base rail can be a valuable tool in enhancing shooting performance.

This article originally appeared at RimfireAddiction.com and is reprinted here with permission. 

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