Projectile motion affects all firearms. A bullet begins to fall due to gravity the moment it leaves the barrel. At shorter distances, like 25 yards, the effect on a 9mm projectile is minimal but measurable, often amounting to a fraction of an inch. Understanding this vertical deviation is crucial for accurate shot placement.
Accurate shooting requires compensating for this drop. For target shooting or self-defense scenarios, awareness of this ballistic characteristic can mean the difference between hitting the intended target and missing. Historically, military and law enforcement personnel have understood and accounted for projectile drop across various distances to improve accuracy and effectiveness. This knowledge is equally valuable for civilian shooters seeking to improve their skills.