HUNTINGsmart! USA Knowledge Base

Module 04 - SHOTGUNS 101

CHOKE TYPES

Shotguns have the following choke options:

Illustration showing a multiple shotguns, each having fired a different choke pattern. The fire patterns of a full choke, modified choke, improved choke and cylinder bore are shown.

1) FULL CHOKE:

 ‘Full choke’ is a choke setting that is best used for long range shooting. The pattern produced with a full choke would be too dense and too small for close range shooting but it’s perfect for shooting at game birds in flight. Remember: 40 yards is often the maximum effective range when firing with full choke.

2) MODIFIED CHOKE:

‘Modified choke’ is a choke setting that is best used for medium range shooting (from a distance of 30-40 yards) and is often used for upland game.

3) IMPROVED CYLINDER:

‘Improved cylinder’ is a choke setting that is most suitable for shorter or close range shooting (from a distance of 20-30 yards). The pattern will become too thin to ensure hits at a longer range than this.

4) CYLINDER BORE:

‘Cylinder bore’ is a choke setting that is best used for close range shooting (from a distance of 20-30 yards). The pattern will become too thin to ensure hits at a longer range than this.

Check This Out: It’s Like Working in a Ball Glove…

Hunting with a shotgun of any kind is like learning to throw and catch a baseball. It takes practice, but once you get the hang of it, the ‘wind up-and-throw’ procedure becomes increasingly smoother. But a slug will definitely do more damage than a baseball, so… that’s different.

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