Cast Off

[horseman]

 I think that I know what it is, but what is its purpose?  Yup, green.  Thanks.

[coutios]

   The cast off allows your eye to lineup with the sights alittle easier...Dave

[pushboater]

If you draw a center line straight down the length of the barrel and extend that line through to the buttplate, for a right handed shooter, the center of the butt plate will typically be 1/4" to 3/16" to the right of the centerline of the barrel. This allows you to line up the sights a little easier without having to smash the side of your face down into the cheek piece.

Capt. David

[smart dog]

Hi Horseman,
As others described, it helps bring the cheek rest or stock to your face rather than you cocking your head to make contact.  It is a nice feature on rifles but not as critical as it is for shot and fowling guns.  The sights on rifles give you reference points to position your face properly on even a relatively ill-fitting gun (within limits of course).  A fowler needs a more natural fit that brings your eyes in line with the barrel automatically and enables quick wing-shooting at moving targets.  Height of the comb, drop of the heel, length of pull, and degree of cast off (and balance of the gun) are measurements to which I pay close attention when fitting a fowler.  I want the fit to be such that I can sight down the barrel properly without cocking my head, close my eyes, lower the gun and then raise it to shooting position without opening my eyes. When I open my eyes I am still properly sighted.

dave     

[northmn]

Also depends upon the buttplates.  Nearly worthless for those rifles with thin narrow buttplates like later Golden age rifles and somewhat helpful for those with the early wide 2" wide plates.  Makes for a good conversation piece and a way to impress other builders.  More often than not it is not needed.  Also needs to be done properly or it can hit the cheek on a heavy recoiling rifle.

DP

[horseman]

 Gentlemen, thank you all for your replies and information.  I appreciate them.