Shotgun Selection Part 3 - Chokes And Patterning

     When firing a shotgun you should have a pattern of shot that is the proper density to provide a humane and quick kill. This is done by having the appropriate choke setting, and using the ammunition that you will hunt with.

     The choke on a shotgun comes in different sizes, allowing the hunter to determine what percentage of shot (density) they want to hit the target area. Shotguns come in two choke designs; a fixed setting at the end of the muzzle that can not be changed, and a screw in that allows you to change the choke tube sizes.

     So how do you know what setting you have? On a fixed barrel, the type of choke is stamped into the barrel usually a couple of inches above where it meets the receiver. For the screw in tubes, look on the side of them.

The type of choke determines the density and range of the load.

     When patterning, try different load and choke combinations and factor in the distance of your shot. Here's a list of the steps I take when patterning:

          1. Check for an appropriate backstop.

          2. Place 30" circular targets at 10, 20, 30, and 40 yards spaced a few feet to the side of each other so
              that each shot fired won't show on the other targets.

          3. Use the same loads and chokes I will be hunting with.

          4. Fire one shot into each target, aiming at the center point.

          5. Collect the targets and check the density of each group.

     If you have a good grouping of pellets ( I prefer about 3 pellets per sq. inch) in the 30" circle, that is an effective range for that choke and load combination. Remember that at shorter ranges, the diameter of your shot pattern will be smaller and the grouping will be tighter.

     -Thanks for reading,
       Rhody