A shotgun choke is a constriction at the muzzle end of a shotgun barrel designed to control the spread of shot. Matching the proper choke to the anticipated range of the target is crucial for successful clay target shooting. For instance, a tighter choke concentrates the shot pattern for longer-range targets, while a more open choke produces a wider spread for closer targets.
Optimizing shot pattern density is essential for consistently breaking clay targets. Selecting the appropriate choke improves accuracy and effectiveness, enabling shooters to achieve higher scores and greater success. The development and refinement of choke designs have played a significant role in the evolution of shotgun shooting sports.