In firearm terms, what does 'maximum range' indicate?

'Maximum range' refers to the furthest distance that a projectile can travel when fired from a firearm. This term encompasses the concept of the projectile reaching its highest point in the trajectory before descending back to the ground, often influenced by factors such as angle of fire, velocity, and environmental conditions. In this context, it is essential to recognize that maximum range indicates the absolute limits of the projectile's travel rather than any effectiveness in hitting a target.

Understanding maximum range is crucial for various applications, from military tactics to recreational shooting, as it informs the shooter about the limits of their weaponry in various scenarios. Additionally, maximum range is typically not the same as effective range, which involves the distance at which a firearm can reliably hit a target with accuracy. Consequently, while a bullet may travel a great distance, this does not imply it is suitable for hitting targets effectively at that range, which distinguishes maximum range from other considerations such as effective range, which focuses on accuracy and combat effectiveness.