What does full choke mean on a shotgun?

What Does Full Choke Mean on a Shotgun?

When it comes to shotguns, one of the most important and confusing terms for many shooters is "choke." The term "choke" refers to the constriction of the shotgun barrel, which affects the pattern of the shot spread. In this article, we will dive into the world of chokes and answer the question: what does full choke mean on a shotgun?

What is a Shotgun Choke?

A shotgun choke is a type of constriction that occurs at the end of the barrel, usually around 1-2 inches from the muzzle. The choke can be internal (built into the barrel) or external (attached as a choke tube). Its purpose is to focus and concentrate the shot pattern, increasing the accuracy and effectiveness of the shotgun.

Choke Types

There are several types of shotgun chokes, each with its own characteristics and uses:

• Full Choke: This is the most constricted type of choke, which means it reduces the barrel diameter to approximately 0.725 inches (18.5 mm). This choke is ideal for close-range shots (less than 20 yards) and small, dense targets, such as clay targets, game birds, or skeet shooting.
• Improved Modified Choke: This choke is less constricted than a full choke, with a barrel diameter of approximately 0.750 inches (19.1 mm). It’s suitable for medium-range shots (20-30 yards) and medium-sized targets, like upland game birds or small game.
• Modified Choke: This choke is less constricted than an improved modified choke, with a barrel diameter of approximately 0.775 inches (19.7 mm). It’s ideal for longer-range shots (30-40 yards) and larger targets, like turkey or deer hunting.
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• Skeet Choke: This is a very loose choke, with a barrel diameter of approximately 0.800 inches (20.3 mm). It’s designed specifically for skeet shooting, where large, fast-moving targets need to be hit quickly.
• Cylinder Bore: This is a non-choked barrel with no constriction, often used for indoor shooting or trapping.

Full Choke Characteristics

Now that we’ve covered the basics of shotgun chokes, let’s dive deeper into the characteristics of a full choke:

• Tight Pattern: Full chokes produce a tight, consistent pattern with fewer pellets dispersed outside the core. This makes them ideal for close-range shots where accuracy is paramount.
• Increased Effective Range: While full chokes are designed for close-range shooting, they can still be effective at medium ranges (up to 20 yards) if properly aimed.
• Limited Spread: The reduced spread of a full choke makes it more challenging to hit larger targets or targets that are moving at speed.
• Less Pellet Drop: With a full choke, pellets tend to drop less and maintain their velocity, resulting in a more consistent shot pattern.

Full Choke Pros and Cons

Here are some pros and cons to consider when using a full choke:

Pros:

• Improved accuracy: Tighter patterns mean more pellets hit the target, resulting in improved accuracy.
• Increased stopping power: The concentrated shot pattern makes it easier to take down targets quickly and humanely.
• Better performance in close range: Full chokes are designed for close-range shots, making them ideal for home defense, hunting, or clay target shooting.

Cons:

• Limited effective range: Full chokes are designed for close-range shooting and become less effective at longer ranges.
• Challenging to hit larger targets: The tight pattern and reduced spread make it difficult to hit larger targets or targets that are moving at speed.
• Pellet penetration issues: With a full choke, pellets tend to spread less, which can lead to poor penetration in some situations.

Conclusion

In conclusion, a full choke is a type of shotgun choke that is ideal for close-range shots and small, dense targets. It produces a tight, consistent pattern with fewer pellets dispersed outside the core, making it suitable for clay target shooting, hunting, or home defense. While it has some limitations, such as a reduced effective range and difficulty hitting larger targets, it remains a popular choice among shotgun enthusiasts.

Comparison Table: Shotgun Choke Types

Remember to always choose the right choke for your shooting application and practice regularly to become proficient with your shotgun.