Q&A ยท 3:38:27-3:38:54

Why naval guns retain rifling

A comparison with tank guns turns on the much longer ranges at which naval artillery must preserve accuracy.

Question

Why have naval guns not returned to smoothbores as tank guns have?

Short answer

Naval guns must remain accurate over much longer ranges, though guided ammunition could eventually change that tradeoff.

Notes

Naval guns are expected to fire accurately at much longer ranges than tank guns. That range difference is the reason given for retaining rifled naval weapons. Greater use of guided shells is suggested as a development that could bring smoothbores back. The prediction remains conditional on changes in ammunition.