Can you explain to me the basics of how a shotgun choke tube works? Thanks.
A shotgun choke is a screw-in attachment to the muzzle of a shotgun that regulates the constriction of the shot pattern. The tighter the constriction (or “choke”), the more focused and less dispersed the shot will be.
Why would someone want to use a choke? There are several reasons. In hunting, a tightly-choked shotgun can be valuable for getting clean, ethical kills at a longer range than would be possible with an open-choked gun. In clay target shooting sports such as skeet and trap, chokes are often used to fine-tune the spread of the shot so that it better breaks targets. So here are some other questions, answered:
How does a choke tube work? The most simple explanation is that it acts as a constriction point at the muzzle end of the barrel, thereby narrowing and shaping the shot pattern.
What is the difference between “full” and “modified” chokes? The terms “full” and “modified” refer to how tight the choke is. A full choke will have the tightest constriction, while a modified choke will be slightly less constricted. There are also “improved” and “extra-full” chokes, which are even more tightly constricted than a full choke.
What is the difference between “internal” and “external” chokes?
Internal chokes are built into the barrel of the shotgun, while external chokes screw onto the end of the barrel.