1
general::
Very nearby, as in At close range, the rock band was unbearably loud. Derived from shooting?range denotes the distance that missile or projectile can be made to travel? this expression soon came to mean anything in close proximity.
American Heritage Idioms
2
general::
Phrase(s): at close range
very near; in close proximity. (Usually used in regard to shooting.) • The hunter fired at the deer at close range. • The powder burns tell us that the gun was fired at close range.
McGrawhill's American Idioms And Phrasal Verbs