Hey friend! As a ballistics nerd, I want to share some insider info on where the term “point-blank” comes from and what it really means. Grab a beer and let’s get into it.
Point-blank shooting has always fascinated me. There’s something badass about hitting your target dead-on from close range. But as with most things ballistic, there’s actually some complex physics and marksmanship technique behind executing perfect point-blank shots.
First off, where does the odd phrase “point-blank” even come from?
Origins of Point-Blank – From French Musketeers to American Westerns
The term traces back to around 1570s France. It comes from the French words “pointé à blanc”, meaning “pointed at white”.
Back in the day, shooting targets would have a white center spot for musketeers and riflemen to aim at. When you shot with your musket touching the bullseye, this was “pointed at white” or “pointé à blanc” in French.
Over time it evolved into the English point-blank that we know today. Makes sense right? You’re firing from so close that you just point right at the white spot to hit it.
This concept of firing when almost touching the target carried over to the Wild West. Cowboys with six-shooters would draw at lightning speed and fire from the hip point-blank into an opponent’s chest in iconic Western films.
Now we use point-blank more broadly to mean extremely close range shooting in all sorts of contexts – from hunting to military CQB (close quarters battle).
What’s the Max Range for Point-Blank?
So how close do you actually need to be for it to count as point-blank range?
Well, it depends…
For most handguns firing FMJ rounds, point-blank is within 3-10 feet.
With shotguns and buckshot, you can stretch that out to around 20-45 feet and still be point-blank.
High velocity rifles firing spitzer bullets have the longest practical point-blank range, from 200-300+ feet.
The unifying factor is that point-blank shots travel in an essentially straight line, without gravity substantially impacting the trajectory like at longer ranges.
Let me break it down for you based on time of flight:
Handgun Point-Blank Ranges
| Distance | Time of Flight |
|---|---|
| 3 feet | 8 milliseconds |
| 7 feet | 13 milliseconds |
| 10 feet | 16 milliseconds |
Shotgun Point-Blank Ranges
| Distance | Time of Flight |
|---|---|
| 15 feet | 10 milliseconds |
| 25 feet | 14 milliseconds |
| 45 feet | 18 milliseconds |
So those are the ballpark numbers you’re working with for true point-blank shot opportunities.
Point-Blank Wounding Effects
Now let’s talk about what happens when you actually hit a target at these close ranges.
At point-blank range, you’re looking at massive temporary cavitation and hydrostatic shock effects in the body from the bullet or shot column. This causes severe tissue damage and massive wound channels that are often fatal.
Here are some examples of point-blank wounding capacity:
Handgun:
-
9mm FMJ to chest – penetration 12-18 inches
-
.357 Magnum JHP to chest – penetration 14-22 inches
-
.45 ACP FMJ to chest – permanent cavity >5 inches across
12 Gauge Shotgun:
-
00 Buckshot to chest – penetration 12-15 inches, temporary cavity >15 inches
As you can see, point-blank shot placement with adequate ammunition will likely be an instant fight-stopper.
Point-Blank Shooting in Training and Combat
Extensive training is required to effectively and accurately deliver point-blank fire on targets. It takes thousands of repetitions to ingrain the hand-eye coordination and muscle memory required.
Police and military units like SWAT teams or Special Forces spend countless hours at the range honing their CQB skills on targets just feet away.
Point-blank shooting with handguns usually involves a two-handed grip and "bowling pin" isosceles shooting stance for stability. The goal is to rapidly fire 2-3 rounds into vital areas like the chest or head before the threat can respond.
Techniques like the Mozambique Drill (two to chest, one to head) and Failure Drill (shots to central chest followed by headshot if needed) are trained extensively.
Historical Point-Blank Executions
There are also grim examples of point-blank shots being used for executions by firing squad historically. Prisoners have been executed at ranges under 10 feet by squads armed with rifles or carbines.
At such close range, multiple bullets to the heart and brain result in nearly instantaneous death. There is controversy around whether this is humane compared to other execution methods.
Alright my friend, I think I’ve given you the complete lowdown on point-blank ballistics! Let me know if you have any other topics you want me to nerd out about. Shooting the breeze on ammo and weapons is what I live for. Stay safe out there and watch your background!
