What does the choke in a shotgun barrel do?

The choke in a shotgun barrel is specifically designed to control the spread of the shot as it exits the barrel. When a shotgun is fired, the shot spreads out from the point of discharge. The choke, which is a constriction at the muzzle end of the barrel, influences this spread.

Different types of chokes can tighten or loosen the shot pattern. A tighter choke will reduce the spread, allowing shot to remain more concentrated over a longer distance, which is ideal for shooting at distant targets. Conversely, a more open choke will result in a wider spread, useful for shooting at closer ranges or for hunting birds in flight where a broader coverage is advantageous. Thus, the primary function of a choke is to fine-tune the dispersion of shot, adapting the shotgun's effectiveness for various shooting conditions.