gun synchronization to fire through propeller arc

[PeterVerney]

AAAH. What I forgot was that we only fired two guns. We carried 50 rounds per gun to make a total of 100. It was the only way pilots could calculate percentages ! No computers in those days, only computOrs, which we navs used.

[Graham Boak]

I don't think there is any argument that concentrating the guns in the nose is a superior solution from the point of view of aiming, or concentration of fire. However, with synchronisation being required it will produce lower rates of fire, and the other design compromises required may not lead to it being a superior solution overall. There's no such thing as a perfect WW2 fighter.

The choice of Finnish pilots is inevitably coloured by what they had available. They might well have preferred 4x20mm Hispano, had they the choice, despite having to accept them in the wings. It would also seem to be a superior armament against these hypothetical B-29s, than one or two cannon plus two machine guns.