Balancing shell power against volume of fire

A very large weapon offers destructive power and perhaps longer range, but fewer barrels and slower firing reduce the number of chances to hit. A numerical example compares six hypothetical 22-inch guns firing one round every forty seconds with sixteen 14-inch guns firing twice per minute. The larger weapon receives an opening period when only it is in range, yet the numerous smaller guns overtake its shell count as the engagement continues. The comparison is illustrative rather than a complete ship design, because armor, accuracy, and damage per hit would also affect the outcome. Turret count also changes resilience: losing one of three turrets costs a larger fraction of firepower than losing one of four.