This is one of those funny things in NF, and isn't limited to the L1. However, the L1 is more noticeable because of its low range, and the fact that spread improves so much eventually - for several other nations, it's still not that good even with 120 gunners. The level requirement mentioned earlier is why it's recommended to get your gunners well ahead of your BO. Getting them 20+ levels ahead by BB3 is one of the best ways to avoid this problem. Others involve EBBs (one way or another, you should get the EBB Vanny), or using lower BBs longer.
Frankly, if you're playing an L1 with level 94 gunners, you'll find that you'll have an L2 well before the L1 guns get a good and tight spread. And the L2 is far better at level than the L1, so you might as well switch then.
