The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 11 letter word POINT-BLANK
I've seen this crossword clue in The Times
P
O
I
N
T
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B
L
A
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K
More clues leading to the result POINT-BLANK
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "at close range" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case at close range = point-blank.The cryptic/wordplay part
In cryptic crossword there's often an wordplay/cryptic part as well.This part involves a more complex hint, such as an anagram, homophone, hidden word, etc.
Sadly, We don't have an explanation for this specific crossword clue yet.
What does POINT-BLANK mean?
POINT-BLANK adjective- (forensics) very close; not touching but not more than a few metres (yards).
- The distance between a firearm and a target where a projectile in flight is expected to strike the centre of the target without adjusting the elevation of the firearm.
- Disconcertingly straightforward or blunt; outright.
- In a direct manner, without hesitation.