Capitani Romani firepower and Italian quality control

The Capitani Romani class carried respected 135 mm weapons, but Italian quality-control problems and limited combat contact make simple comparisons with British 5.25-inch guns difficult.

Question

How did the Capitani Romani class's 135 mm guns compare with British 5.25-inch weapons?

Short answer

They were good and respected weapons, but Italian quality control limited performance and direct combat comparison was scarce.

Notes

The Capitani Romani class carried capable guns that should not be dismissed on calibre alone. They were respected by the British, although British ships did not encounter them often enough to build a large combat record. As with other Italian naval ammunition, inconsistent quality control could prevent the weapon from realizing its design potential. The gun's underlying merits therefore have to be separated from the manufacturing and ammunition system that supported it.