Analytical formulas and experimental proof of the echo broadening effect in active range-gated imaging, including atmospheric interference, currently exist. We investigate the impact of this effect on target detection. Our research demonstrates that the echo broadening effect affects the energy profile of the depth of view and collects only part of the signals of targets in head and tail zones. Under bad weather conditions, the effect weakens the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of images, especially in cases with large laser pulse width. Fortunately, by modifying the laser pulse width, the effect can be controlled. These results are valuable to the applications of active range-gated imaging.