What is the maximum effective range of the M-16A4 against an area target?

• A. 600 meters
• B. 800 meters
• C. 1,000 meters
• D. 900 meters

Answer: (B)

Area targets require fire that can influence a broad, open space rather than precise, single-point hits. For the M16A4 firing standard 5.56mm ammunition, the maximum effective range against such targets is about 800 meters. At or near that distance, the weapon still delivers a practical chance to hit and affect a larger area; beyond that, trajectory, drop, and wind drift reduce hit probability to levels that aren’t considered effective for area targets. Shorter ranges like 600 meters are still workable, but they’re not the maximum effective range. The options around 900–1,000 meters exceed what the M16A4 is rated to reliably affect an area target.