4.5-inch Gun

A 4.5-inch gun is a naval artillery piece, meaning it’s a large, powerful cannon mounted on ships or coast defenses. The “4.5-inch” refers to the diameter of the main projectile or shell it fires—about the width of a tennis racket. These guns are designed for long-range targeting, capable of hitting ships or land targets with high precision and destructive force. They were widely used in the early 20th century, especially during World War I and II, for surface combat, shore bombardment, and naval defense. Their size balances firepower with manageability, making them effective major weapons in maritime warfare.