Q&A · 3:20:32-3:20:56

Arranging the guns of a 170-gun first rate

The lowest deck would carry 32-pounders, the middle decks variants of the 18-pounder, and the upper deck lighter 12-pounders.

12-Pounder Guns 18-Pounder Guns 32-Pounder Guns Age Of Sail First Rate Ships Ships of the Line

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Question

How might a British 170-gun, four-deck first rate distribute 32-, 18-, and 12-pounder guns?

Short answer

The lowest deck would carry 32-pounders, the middle decks variants of the 18-pounder, and the upper deck lighter 12-pounders.

Notes

For the hypothetical four-decker, the suggested lowest-deck battery is 32-pounders. The next two decks would carry variants of the 18-pounder. Twelve-pounders would occupy the upper deck.