Define "range" in the context of shooting.

In the context of shooting, "range" refers specifically to the effective distance a shooter can engage a target. This involves not just the maximum distance a projectile can travel (which could include considerations of elevation and conditions beyond practical shooting scenarios), but also factors such as the shooter's ability to accurately aim and hit a target at various distances.

Understanding the concept of range is crucial for both the shooter and the evaluation of firearm performance. Effective range takes into account various factors like bullet drop, wind influence, and the shooter's skill, all of which contribute to determining how far away a target can be while still allowing for a reasonable likelihood of a successful hit.

Therefore, while other definitions might touch on different aspects of distance — like the sheer maximum distance of a projectile's flight or the absolute distance from the shooter to the target — what truly matters in shooting practice is how well a shooter can engage and hit a target consistently at a given distance, which is captured by the concept of effective range.