The generic term for a ship’s main gun, a muzzle-loading, smoothbore piece firing solid round shot to batter an enemy hull, mast, or rigging at range. Pirate and privateer vessels typically carried fewer, lighter guns than dedicated warships, relying more on speed and boarding than sustained bombardment. A ship’s total number and weight of guns broadly determined its combat power in the age of sail.
Quick Facts
| Weapon Type | Artillery |
|---|---|
| Era Used | 15th-19th century |
| Range / Use | Ship-to-ship artillery |
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