where did the term point blank come from
Point-blank range The term point-blank is of French origin, deriving from pointé à blanc, "pointed at white", with the word blanc used to describe a small white aiming spot formerly at the center of shooting targets. Point-blank range denotes the distance a marksman can expect to fire a specific weapon and hit a desired target without adjusting its sights. If a weapon is sighted correctly and ammunition reliable, the same spot should be hit every time at point-blank range.