How is "maximum effective range" of a pistol defined?

The concept of "maximum effective range" of a pistol is specifically related to the distance at which a shooter can reliably hit a target with sufficient accuracy. This distance is not merely about the farthest point from which a bullet can travel when fired but focuses on the shooter's ability to place shots on target consistently.

To determine this range, factors such as the pistol's caliber, the shooter's skill level, and environmental conditions are all taken into account. The effective range is a practical measurement rather than a theoretical one, as it considers the realistic scenarios a shooter might encounter. This means that, while a pistol may technically shoot farther, the maximum effective range identifies the distance where the likelihood of hitting a target satisfactorily decreases.

In contrast, the longest distance a pistol can be fired does not consider accuracy and includes a broader context that is more theoretical than practical. Similarly, the distance at which a gun functions reliably focuses on mechanical operation rather than marksmanship, and the maximum distance a shooter should be from a target is more about safety and practical shooting considerations rather than effectiveness in hitting a target.