Why have naval guns not returned to smoothbores as tank guns have?
Short answerNaval guns must remain accurate over much longer ranges, though guided ammunition could eventually change that tradeoff.
NotesNaval 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.