Tashkent's enclosed gun mounts and limited protection

Tashkent was a Project 20 destroyer leader of about 2,900 tons standard displacement. Its six 130 mm (5.1-inch) guns occupied three twin enclosed mounts. Enclosure justified calling them turrets, but their thin steel is criticised as offering little protection. The exaggerated image of pushing a thumb through the plating expresses that criticism rather than reporting a physical test. A proposed alternative would leave the rear open and concentrate more material at the front. That arrangement would also expose the crews to greater cold.