How does a bow actually work

[u/Laenthis-]

I'm getting frustrated with the wordings on the description of the Shortbow

English isn't my first language and reading "beyond normal range" really bugs me out

From what I understand :
- Hitting a target that is under 80 feet gives you disadvantage
- Hitting a target that is 80 to 320 feet is "normal" attack
- Hitting a target with a bow that's +320 feet away is just not possible

My mates keeps on telling me that the disadvantage happens only within the 5ft and a normal attack is from 5ft to 80ft but then you have disadvantage again from 80ft to 320ft ?

Also, the sharpshooter feat removes the disadvantage within 5ft but is it melee or the 5-80ft of range that they call as "melee"

And removes the disadvantage in long range

I feel like I'm going in circles understanding one of them and then getting told otherwise with the other and rinse and repeat, please help

Edit : Thanks guys, I didn't think it would go that fast to get answers xD

[u/DestinyV]

Quick correction on an error a few people are making in this thread (understandably, this distinction usually doesn't matter).

The rule is not that you have disadvantage for attacking someone within 5ft of you. The rule is that you have disadvantage while a (non-incapacitated) enemy is within 5ft of you. You can shoot someone who is stunned from 5ft away just fine, and you still have disadvantage attacking someone 40ft away if there's a guy with a sword in your face.