The art of shooting a shotgun has been debated since shot shell was invented. In 1868 Sylvester Roper invented the choke and things became really interesting. Hopefully this guide will help those looking for an answer on what a choke is what to use in particular situations.
Since shotshell is subject to spread, it only makes sense that someone would invent a way to manipulate the spread so we have options depending on the type of shooting we are doing. Spread compensates for some of our inaccuracies, and we all have them no matter how good of a wing shooter we are.
What is a full Choke Pattern?
A full Choke Pattern is essentially 70% of your shot in a 30″ diameter at 40 yards. These are your optimum parameters for shooting a shotgun. Unfortunately, birds and targets aren’t always at 40 yards.
Shotgun Choke Spread Pattern
Which Choke Delivers at least a 70% Pattern At A Given Yardage?
Extra Full – 45 yards.
Full – 40 yards.
Improved Modified – 35 yards.
Modified 32.5 yards.
Improved Cylinder – 30 yards.
Cylinder – 25 yards.
Skeet – 22.5 yards.
How do I know which choke is in my gun without taking it out
Every choke has a marking on the end of the choke. Each manufacture varies slightly but as a general rule you will see the following:
Super-Full and Extra-Full Chokes – This has very tight constriction and a dense pattern, delivering approximately 80 per cent of a cartridge’s total pellets in a 30″ circle at 40 yards. Bit of overkill.
Full Choke – This has tight constriction and a dense pattern, delivering approximately 70 per cent of a cartridge’s total pellets in a 30″ circle at 40 yards. Spot on.
Modified Choke – The modified is characterized by less constriction than full choke, delivering approximately 60 per cent of a cartridge’s total pellets in a 30″ circle at 40 yards. Little bit of luck needed.
Improved Cylinder Choke – Even less constricted than modified, the improved cylinder distributes approximately 50 per cent of a cartridge’s total pellets in a 30″ circle at 40 yards. Little bit of luck needed.
Improved Cylinder Choke – Even less constricted than modified, the improved cylinder distributes approximately 50 per cent of a cartridge’s total pellets in a 30″ circle at 40 yards. Getting a bit patchy. Significant number of missed kills.
Cylinder Bore – This has no constriction and distributes approximately 40 per cent of a cartridge’s total pellets in a 30″ circle at 40 yards. Very patchy with more luck than judgment. Skeet Choke – This is a specialty choke that sends approximately 50 per cent of a cartridge’s total pellets in a 30″ circle at 25 yards. This type is designed to deliver optimum patterns for close-range skeet shooting. Sparse – total luck if you hit anything alive.
Do’s and Dont’s
Pattern test your shotgun at 40 yards. Every choke and gun is a little different, don’t trust the packaging and marketing.
The above references are based on lead shot. Steel will shoot slightly tighter. Pattern with the shot you intend to shoot with.
