The Collaborative International Dictionary
Point-blank \Point`-blank"\, a.
Directed in a line toward the object aimed at; aimed directly toward the mark.
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Hence, direct; plain; unqualified; -- said of language; as, a point-blank assertion.
Point-blank range, the extent of the apparent right line of a ball discharged.
Point-blank shot, the shot of a gun pointed directly toward the object to be hit.
Wikipedia
Point-blank range is any distance over which the trajectory of a given projectile fired from a given weapon remains sufficiently flat that one can strike a target by firing at it directly. Point-blank range will vary by a weapon's external ballistics characteristics and target chosen. A weapon with a flatter trajectory will permit a longer maximum point-blank range for a given target size, while a larger target will allow a longer point-blank range for a given weapon.
In popular usage, point-blank range has come to mean extremely close "can't miss" range with a firearm, within four feet of its muzzle at moment of discharge yet not close enough to be a contact shot.
Usage examples of "point-blank range".
Why, Nylan couldn't hit someone with a slug-thrower at nearly point-blank range.
The energy blast hit the beast at point-blank range, and its head exploded, showering him with foul-smelling blood.
No chips pelted them this time, but the maneuver meant sailing closer to the Reckless and its weapon, now almost at point-blank range.
Guerilla fighters get close enough to toss octocellulose bombs at him, from point-blank range.
His Skin's nine-millimeter pistol deployed through the carapace, and he shot the ape-thing at point-blank range.
Our gun spoke again, at point-blank range, right into the inner Palace.