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Reference.org
Point-blank range
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<p>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 <a href="/facts/Bullet_drop/cF2PHJ4W">bullet drop</a>, i.e. the gun can be pointed horizontally at 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 maximum point-blank range of a firearm will depend on a variety of factors such as muzzle velocity and the size of the target. </p><p>In popular usage, point-blank range has come to mean extremely close range with a <a href="/facts/Firearm/GuHx4aGE">firearm</a>, yet not close enough to be a <a href="/facts/Contact_shot/DRzYuft7">contact shot</a>. Point-blank (when describing a person) means direct or blunt. </p>