Matching Choke to Your Quarry

As described in detail on the previous page, a choke allows you to fine-tune your shotgun for the type of game you're hunting. Built-in or attached to the muzzle end of the barrel, the choke can be constricted to create a tighter pattern of shot, thus controlling pattern density at various distances.The tighter the constriction, the longer the cluster of shot stays together. The looser the constriction, the faster the shot pattern spreads.

The chart below suggests choke and shot sizes for a variety of game. It is intended only as a guide—choice of choke and shot size may vary depending on ammunition, target distance, and hunting conditions.