Why Do Howitzers Have Short Barrels?

A howitzer 12-pounder Howitzer had a shorter barrel and could throw shots or shells at a shorter range but at higher elevation with smaller powder charges. Howitzers were lighter, more maneuverable weapons than guns. Mortars were stubby weapons which fired heavy projectiles in a high arc.

Why do mortars have short barrels?

The shells are known as (mortar) bombs. They are fired at targets which are close, as mortars do not have long range. It has a short barrel which fires the mortar bomb at a low speed high into the air to reach its target.

Why do tanks have long barrel?

Rifling of the barrel imparts spin on the projectile, improving ballistic accuracy. ... For longer ranges high explosive anti-tank rounds are more effective, but accuracy is limited; for extremely long ranges cannon-launched guided projectiles (CLGPs) are considered more accurate.