Naval gun calibre, rate of fire, and the case for larger weapons

Would returning from five-inch to seven-inch or larger naval guns make a useful difference?

Larger guns add effect, but six inches best preserves rate of fire; their value must be judged within layered offensive and defensive systems.

Larger naval guns offer more effect per projectile, but retaining a useful rate of fire limits how far to increase the calibre. Six inches is suggested as the upper end for maintaining current heavy-gun firing rates. A 9.2-inch gun is a heavier compromise with a lower but still useful rate, while a much greater increase in power points toward twelve inches or more. Future railgun performance could change the calculation if it provides enough range to make gunfire a cheaper alternative to missiles. These are design judgments about possible future systems, not a claim that a particular new weapon has achieved those results.