Issue link: https://read.uberflip.com/i/1544971
30 PULLUSA MAGAZINE SPRING 2026 THE FIELD C OAC H K ELV IE'S C ORNER common question I hear from athletes, parents, and coaches is what choke they should use on their shotguns. There's no simple answer to this question, as it depends on what type of clay target sport they're shooting and the personal preferences of the shooter. In this issue we'll go over what a shotgun choke is, how it works, and what factors to consider when choosing one for your sport. WHAT IS A 'CHOKE?' At the most basic level, a shotgun barrel is a tube from which shotgun pellets (shot) are ejected. While they are traveling through the barrel, the pellets are kept together in loose formation until they exit—at which time they begin to spread out farther and farther away from each other as they continue towards the target. As the shot spreads out, spaces develop between pellets and the likelihood of the pellets hitting a target becomes less and less—even if you've aimed perfectly! A choke is a metal constriction at the end of the barrel that forces those pellets closer together before they exit the barrel. By forcing the pellets closer together, they will maintain a tighter formation (pattern) for a longer period of time. A choke that is 'tighter' (more constrictive) will keep the shot closer together for a longer distance than a choke that is 'looser' (less constrictive). DIFFERENT SIZES FOR DIFFERENT USES Chokes come in a variety of sizes, which are measured in the amount of constriction they apply. Each increase in the size of the constriction increases the average percentage of pellets that will hit a 30-inch target at 40 yards. A THE RIGHT CHOKE TARGET DISTANCE AND PERSONAL PREFERENCE DETERMINE THE RIGHT FIT by JASON KELVIE illustrations by TOM RICHMOND CHOOSING As the shot spreads out, spaces develop between pellets and the likelihood of the pellets hitting a target becomes less and less— even if you've aimed perfectly! JAS O N KE LVIE / USACTL C OACH EDUCATION AND SUPP ORT MANAGER