The Most Open Shotgun Chokes: Cylinder, Improved Cylinder, and Skeet Chokes

When it comes to shotguns, the diameter at which the shot is released into the air can significantly impact the pattern they form and the accuracy of the shot. Specifically, cylinder chamfered barrels and certain shotguns chokes are considered the most open, allowing for the least restriction on the shot. This article explores these chokes to help shooters understand their unique characteristics and benefits.

Understanding Open Chokes

A cylinder choke is one of the most open forms of a shotgun choke. In simpler terms, this type of choke has an internal diameter that remains almost the same as the barrel itself. As a result, it does not restrict the spread of the shot pattern at all. This means that the pattern of the shot is not significantly narrowed down upon release.

One might wonder, 'Why do we even have cylinder chokes then?' The primary reason is to protect the internal threads of the barrel, ensuring they remain intact and undamaged as the pellets exit the barrel.

Skeet Shooters Can Appreciate the Benefits of Improved Cylinder Choke

Improved cylinder chokes are another highly open option, particularly favored in skeet shooting. Skeet involves both Skeet No. 1 and No. 2 targets, and during their development, the use of new plastic shot cups made the difference even more pronounced. The plastic wads serve two crucial functions:

Protecting the shot from becoming out of round by rubbing against the walls of the barrel. Molding the shot to prevent them from being flattened out during the rapid acceleration in the barrel.

Both these functions result in a more consistent and precise shot pattern, which is essential for accurate skeet shooting.

The Range of Shotgun Chokes

Shotgun chokes are not limited to just cylinder and improved cylinder. They range from extra full to full, improved modified, modified, and improved cylinder, with Skeet chokes typically being one of the most open.

The accuracy of each choke is typically measured by the percentage of the pattern that falls into a 30-inch circle at different ranges, such as 45 yards for extra full, 40 yards for full, 35 yards for improved modified, 30 yards for modified, and 25 yards for improved cylinder. For Skeet, the reference is often at a more proximate 20 yards.

Actual Performance vs. Movie Misrepresentations

Contrary to what some may believe, shotguns do not merely scatter shots in a wide, disorganized manner. In reality, precision is key. When shooting at moving targets in skeet, the goal is to hit a small clay disk traveling anywhere from 60 to 90 mph, depending on whether you are shooting American or International skeet. Trap shooting presents a different challenge, with American birds traveling around 60 mph and International birds at a much higher speed of 120 mph.

Conclusion

Understanding the different types of chokes, particularly the cylinder and improved cylinder chokes, can greatly enhance a shooter's performance in various types of shotgun sports. From skeet to trap, the open nature of these chokes helps create a more precise and effective shot pattern, contributing to better accuracy and greater success on the field.