How can shooters counteract gravity and air resistance when aiming?

Increasing the angle of departure and imparting spin to the bullet are effective methods for counteracting the effects of gravity and air resistance when aiming. When a shooter aims higher than the target (increasing the angle of departure), it compensates for the bullet drop caused by gravity over distance. This is crucial for longer-range shooting, where gravity will significantly affect the bullet's trajectory.

Additionally, imparting spin to the bullet through rifling stabilizes its flight path, which helps maintain accuracy over distance. The spin creates gyroscopic stability, allowing the bullet to resist deviations caused by air resistance, wind, and other environmental factors.

Overall, this approach ensures that the bullet remains on a more predictable path, effectively reaching the target despite the challenges posed by gravity and the atmosphere.