Best naval gun depends on the metric

Was the US 5-inch/38 the best naval gun of the twentieth century?

The US 5-inch/38 has a strong case, but the result depends on the metric; personal preference leans toward the British 4.5-inch in some comparisons.

The US 5-inch/38 has a strong claim because of its results and wide use. Different metrics can nevertheless produce different winners. Reliability, ubiquity, and dual-purpose performance do not always point to the same weapon. Personal preference also makes the British 4.5-inch a serious competitor in some comparisons.