I’m not sure, but I think fittings in either scale are readily available from Sirmar and Feetscale and possibly other outlets fo modern and less modern naval ships.
The scale to which you build, only you can decide, as to which you would feel most comfortable at modelling in.
Just as an instance….I started modelling kits many years ago at 1:96 scale, but over the years through preference of detailing(nothing to do with handling such small parts) I now model at either 1:32 or 1:12 scale.
so am afraid, your choice on scale to build at.
neil.,