RANDOM SHOT. A shot, or coup perdu, made when the muzzle is highly elevated; the utmost range may be at an angle of 45°, which is supposed to carry about ten times as far as the point blank; but improved gunnery has now put the term out of use.

RANGE. Placed in a line or row; a term hydrographically applied to hills, as "the coast-range." Also, galley-range, or fire-grate.

RANGE, To. To sail in a parallel direction, and near to; as "we ranged the coast;" "the enemy came ranging up alongside of us."

RANGE-HEADS. The [windlass-bitts] (which see).

RANGE OF A GUN. The horizontal distance which it will send a shot, at a stated elevation, to the point of its first graze. Also, a place where gun-practice is carried on. Also, a level range implies the gun lying horizontal. The various positions between this and 45° are called intermediate ranges.

RANGE OF CABLE. A sufficient quantity of cable left slack to allow the anchor to reach the ground before the cable is checked by the double turns round the bitts, the object being to let the anchor hook the bottom quickly, and to prevent the heavy shock which would be caused if its weight were suddenly brought upon the bitts.

RANGES, Horned. Pieces of timber containing belaying pins, inside a ship. Also, pieces of oak placed round the hatchways to contain shot.

RANK. Degree of dignity; officers of the navy rank with those of the army according to the following table:—

1.The Admirals of the Fleetrank withField-marshals.
2.Admirals"Generals.
3.Vice-admirals"Lieutenant-generals.
4.Rear-admirals"Major-generals.
5.
6.		}Captains of the Fleet
Commodores		"Brigadier-generals.
7.Captains of 3 years"Colonels.
8.Captains under 3 years"Lieutenant-colonels.
9.Commandersnext toDo.
10.Lieutenants, 8 yearsrank withMajors.
11.Lieutenants, under 8 years"Captains.
12.Sub-lieutenants"Lieutenants.
13.Midshipmen"Ensigns.

Also, the order or straight line made by men drawn up side by side.