3.12 Choke

Shotguns generally shoot small pellets, called shot. The muzzle end of the shotgun barrel has a choke, which is used to control the spread of the shot. The choke in a shotgun is very much like the nozzle on a garden hose. You can make the water shoot in a narrow stream, or you can make the water shoot in a wide stream.

Some shotguns have fixed chokes. That means there is only one type of choke in the barrel. To change the choke, you must change the barrel. Other types of shotguns have adjustable chokes, or changeable choke tubes. The four most common types of chokes are listed below.

Full Choke: This choke is very tight and keeps the pellets close together. Used for longer distance shots, from 35-45 yards.

Modified Cylinder Choke: This choke is tight, but not as tight as the full choke. Used for medium range hunting, from 25-35 yards.

Improved Cylinder Choke: This choke is not very tight at all. Used for close-range hunting, from 20-30 yards.

Cylinder Choke: This is no choke at all. Used for very close-range hunting, from 15-25 yards. Also used for shotgun slugs.

Make sure that the choke on your shotgun is suitable for the game animals, waterfowl, or upland bird species that you are hunting. Also, be sure that your barrel and choke are suitable for using non-toxic shot if you are hunting where non-toxic shot is required. Check with the manufacturer or a qualified gunsmith if you have questions.

Interchangeable Choke Tube Some types of shotguns have screw-in, interchangeable choke tubes.