English longbow vs 5.56×45mm NATO (rifle)
The English longbow had an approximate effective range of about 180 metres; the infantry rifle firing 5.56×45mm NATO, a common reference of about 500 metres, almost three times as far. The comparison shows that the great leap of firearms was not just distance but accuracy, rate of fire and how little training they need compared with years of practice with a bow.
English longbow · 180 m — 5.56×45mm NATO (rifle) · 500 m
5.56×45mm NATO (rifle) reaches about 2.8 times farther than English longbow
Both lines start at the same point. Each interval multiplies distance: this is not a trajectory or geographic route.
English longbow *
180 m · reference effective range
Approximate effective-range reference; volleys could exceed it.
5.56×45mm NATO (rifle)
500 m · reference effective range
Common effective-range reference for an infantry rifle.
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* Estimate, variable figure or condition-dependent envelope. It does not indicate accuracy, effectiveness or effects.
Figures used and how reliable they are
- English longbow*: 180 m. Approximate effective-range reference; volleys could exceed it.
- 5.56×45mm NATO (rifle): 500 m. Common effective-range reference for an infantry rifle.
* English longbow: estimated or disputed figure; it does not come from a verifiable official data sheet and should be read as indicative.
Related comparisons
Compare any other pair in the projectile range comparison, with its full method. More context: Weapons · Military history · All tools
Sources / References
- Royal Armouries and The Metropolitan Museum of Art bow and crossbow catalogues.
- U.S. Army public technical manuals for small arms and artillery.
- BAE Systems and KNDS public sheets for the M777 and CAESAR.
- NATO public ammunition standardisation material.