The maximum point-blank range of a firearm will depend on a variety of factors such as muzzle velocity and the size of the target. For targets beyond-blank range, the shooter will have to point the barrel of their firearm at a position above the target, and firearms that are designed for long range firefights usually have adjustable sights to help the shooter hit targets beyond point-blank range.

The Story Behind Point Blank

This distance was considered the point-blank range: any target within it required the gun to be depressed; any beyond it required elevation, up to the angle of greatest range at somewhat before 45 degrees. It is thought the word blanc may be used to describe a small white aiming spot formerly at the center of shooting targets. Point-blank (when describing a person) means direct or blunt.

Any errors in range estimation are effectively irrelevant, as a well-aimed shot will hit the torso of the enemy soldier. The current trend for elevated sights and flatter shooting higher-velocity cartridges in assault rifles is in part due to a desire to further extend the maximum point-blank range, which makes the rifle easier to use. The term point-blank dates to the 1570s and is probably of French origin, deriving from , "pointed at white".

How Point Blank Plays

The height of the sights has two effects on point blank range. Vermin such as prairie dogs require a much smaller deviation, less than an inch (about 2 cm). If the sights are lower than the allowable deviation, then point blank range starts at the muzzle, and any difference between the sight height and the allowable deviation is lost distance that could have been in point blank range.

The second point occurs as the projectile is descending through the line of sight and is called the far zero. Point-blank (when describing a person) means direct or blunt. The term point-blank dates to the 1570s and is probably of French origin, deriving from , "pointed at white".

Why Players Still Load It Up

If the sights are lower than the allowable deviation, then point blank range starts at the muzzle, and any difference between the sight height and the allowable deviation is lost distance that could have been in point blank range. Raising the sight line over the bore axis, introduces an inherent parallax problem as the projectile path crosses the horizontal sighting plane twice. Known also as "battle zero", maximum point-blank range is crucial in the military.

Point-blank range is any distance over which a certain firearm or gun can hit a target without the need to elevate the barrel to compensate for bullet drop, i.e. the gun can be pointed horizontally at the target. Other considerations include sight height and acceptable drop before a shot is ineffective. This distance was considered the point-blank range: any target within it required the gun to be depressed; any beyond it required elevation, up to the angle of greatest range at somewhat before 45 degrees.

Point Blank — Frequently Asked Questions