Season 4 - Episode 81: The Misunderstood Shotgun Choke - a podcast by Heidi Lyn Rao

The shotgun’s choke is probably the most misunderstood component of the shotgun itself.  By understanding a shotgun’s choke, you can dramatically improve your marksmanship.  This translates to more broken clays, more game in the bag, and the best part, more confidence.

First of all, what is a choke?   A choke is a threaded device that is screwed into the end of the barrel that controls your shot pattern diameters through degree of constriction. Basically, the more constriction, the further the shot will travel before it “opens up.” Older shotguns have a choked barrel, in which the entire barrel is of a certain choke constriction. Modern shotguns have threading on the inside of the barrel at their muzzle-end to accept removable and interchangeable chokes.

Age is a factor, whether the barrel is choked or not, and if you are using lead or non-toxic shot.  By using the proper choke and maintaining it like any other piece of equipment, you can achieve your goals without any mishaps—at least from any choke issues!

Enjoy!

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