Why is it "point blank" range?

Question

Like most of you I know 'what' it means. The question is; why?

Answer 1

in shooting, point is the target.
the distance between the target
and the weapon is the range.

if there is none, or very little range
then the distance is negligible or blank.

if you shoot from point blank range
the target is unmissable

Answer 2

The term point blank range originated with the techniques used to aim muzzleloading cannon. The barrels of the cannon tapered down from breech to muzzle, so that when the top of the cannon was held horizontal, the bore actually sat at an elevated angle. In addition, the firing of the gun caused the muzzle to elevate slightly due to recoil, and this would result in an upward movement by the shot even in a cylindrical cannon. This caused the shot to rise above the natural line of sight very soon after leaving the muzzle, and later dropping below the line of sight due to the curved trajectory of the shot.

Answer 3

Like most people, I just automatically assumed that I knew what it means. Your question led me to some very interesting research.
The spin of the Earth gives rise to the so-called "Coriolis Effect" whereby a missile (or air current) will appear (in the Northern Hemisphere) to deflect to the left. In fact it hasn't deflected at all - the target moved to the right. This is well known to artillerymen and, I imagine, target-shooters.
"Point blank" means that the weapon is so close to the target that the Coriolis Effect does not have time to operate, and the missile appears to have travelled in a straight line as it has indeed done.

Answer 4

point blank range is mainly used with shooting a weapon at close range. 0 to 12 inches

Answer 5

Perhaps from French point (de tir), (firing) point, or point (visé), (aiming) point (from Old French; see point) + French blanc, bullseye, target (from Old French, white; see blank).

Best I could find anyway :)

Answer 6

coz you dont have to point?