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The firing mechanism for the 16-inch guns involves a two-step process utilizing a series of triggers. The gunner begins by pulling the left-hand mouse trigger three times to sound an alarm that notifies the crew of an impending gunfire. Subsequently, the gunner pulls the center pineapple trigger, which activates the firing sequence.
However, the firing of the gun does not commence immediately. This delay is intentional and is controlled by the gyroscope within the system. The gyroscope must verify that the ship has stabilized back to a level position before the firing circuit is closed. This level of precision is especially critical for Iowa-class battleships, characterized by their narrow and long design, which results in greater rolling motion compared to other battleships.