Q&A · 1:01:07-1:01:21

Could a modern 4-inch gun defeat an age-of-sail first rate?

Range and explosive shells give a modern ship with 4-inch guns a likely advantage over an age-of-sail first rate.

4-inch Guns Explosive Shells Naval Gunnery Ships of the Line Weapons Comparison

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Question

Could a modern ship armed only with 4-inch guns quickly destroy an age-of-sail first rate?

Short answer

Probably, because of the range advantage, especially when firing explosive shells.

Notes

A modern ship armed only with 4-inch guns probably could destroy an age-of-sail first rate quickly. Greater range is the main reason given for that tentative answer. Firing explosive shells would strengthen its advantage.