What is the maximum effective range of the M-16A4 against a point target?

• A. 450 meters
• B. 550 meters
• C. 600 meters
• D. 650 meters

Answer: (B)

The main idea here is how far a trained shooter can reliably hit a small target with this rifle under typical conditions. For the M16A4, using standard ammunition and sights, that reliability for a point target—the small silhouette of a person—peaks at about five hundred fifty meters. Beyond that distance, bullet drop and wind drift accumulate enough that hit probability on a small target falls below what is considered reliable fire, even though the rifle can physically shoot farther. This distinction between effective range and maximum range is key: maximum range is how far the bullet can travel, but effective range is where you can consistently hit a specific target type under normal conditions.