↬ Choke tubes come in many different diameters, but only 5 types of shotgun chokes are considered the standard when it comes to shooting sports.
The 5 Types of Shotgun Chokes Are:
- Cylinder
- Improved Cylinder
- Modified
- Light Full
- Full
These 5 choke sizes are the most common diameters for hunting waterfowl and other game. In this guide, we’ll discuss these 5 choke sizes in more detail, including what they are used for and how they apply to waterfowl hunting.
What are the 5 shotgun chokes?
The five most popular shotgun chokes are cylinder, improved cylinder, modified, light full, and full. These 5 types of chokes are abbreviated as follows:
C – Cylinder (5 notches)
IC – Improved Cylinder (4 notches)
M – Modified (3 notches)
LF – Light Full (2 notches)
F – Full (1 notch)
The are upwards of 11 different types of shotgun choke sizes, but these 5 are the most common. Several of these chokes are typically included when you purchase a new shotgun.
1) Cylinder Choke
Cylinder choke tubes are the least constrictive chokes that you can get. The diameter of a cylinder choke measures 0.729 inches on a fixed choke 12 gauge. Cylinder chokes measure close to that of the actual diameter of the shotgun barrel itself.
Choke tubes in cylinder are used for applications where the shot column needs to open up quickly, such as sporting clays. They are also used for buckshot and slugs where choke constriction isn’t needed and for TSS shotshells where the shot column is overly tight due to the material density.
2) Improved Cylinder Choke
Improved cylinder choke tubes are designed to provide a slight constriction increase over cylinder, but still retain the openness for close shots. Choke tubes in improved cylinder have a diameter of 0.716 inches in 12 gauge fixed choke shotguns.
Chokes in improved cylinder are used for upland game hunting, dove, and ducks over decoys. Small pellet sizes work well through improved cylinder chokes.
3) Modified Choke
Modified choke tubes are considered the best all-around choke tube due to its versatility to work with most ammo types and ranges. The diameter of a modified choke tube is 0.705 inches on a 12 gauge fixed choke shotgun.
Chokes in modified work great for combo duck and goose hunts. Modified chokes are just tight enough for shots out to 50 yards, but not too tight for up close decoying action. Most shotguns come with modified choke tubes direct from the factory.
4) Light Full Choke
Light full choke tubes are specialty chokes that provide dense long-range patterns. Chokes in light full have a diameter of 0.690 inches on 12 gauge fixed choke shotguns. The tightness of the light full choke helps to compact the shot column and increase effective range.
Light full is a choke that works well for goose hunting situations that require added range and pattern density. For late season geese, it’s a way to reach out and touch them.
5) Full Choke
Full choke tubes are the tightest choke of the top 5 chokes. A choke in full measures 0.685 inches in diameter on a 12 gauge fixed choke shotgun. Full chokes aren’t compatible with all shot types and should only be used as directed.
Chokes in full diameter are designed for turkey hunting where small malleable pellets, such as lead, are used to put dense patterns downrange at up to 60 yards. A full choke is one of the tightest chokes you can buy and excels at long ranges.
Which of the 5 chokes is best for ducks and geese?
Choosing the right choke size is dependent on the field conditions you plan to hunt in. For close range timber hunting, an improved cylinder works well for shots within 30 yards.
If you’re on a combo duck and goose hunt in a flooded flat or field hunt, then a modified choke is versatile enough to provide good patterns up close and at mid ranges out 50 yards.
For pass shooting or hunting weary late season geese, a light full is the best choke to reach out to 50 yards with BB shot. As conditions change on a hunt, having multiple chokes with you and the ability to change them out can save a hunt.
When should you use a cylinder or full choke?
Cylinder chokes are used for skeet shooting and upland game hunting. They are also ideal for use with buckshot and slugs. Any scenario where constriction isn’t needed is ideal for cylinder chokes.
Full chokes are used for turkey hunting where the goal is to put as many small lead pellets in a 10-inch diameter circle as possible. A Full choke should only be used with the shot type and pellet sizes it’s designed for.
SUMMARY
Cylinder chokes should only be used for close range shots with small pellets. For large pellets such as buckshot that don’t require much constriction to be effective at long ranges, a cylinder choke is also the top choice.
Do you need all 5 shotgun chokes?
The versatility of having all 5 sizes of choke tubes can’t be matched. You are literally capable of modifying your set up for any hunting situation. Choke sets can be carried easily and conveniently when stored in a choke case.
If you would rather only have one choke tube, then the modified size is the best choice since it’s the middle ground of all choke tubes and will handle almost everything. For hunting between 30 and 45 yards, the modified choke is a proven workhorse for waterfowl hunting over many decades.
5 Types of Shotgun Chokes FAQ
What are the 4 most common shotgun chokes?
The four most common shotgun chokes are cylinder, improved cylinder, modified, and full. These choke tube sizes are included with most new shotguns, so naturally they are most commonly found.
Modified is one of the most versatile choke tubes due to its medium constriction that allows it to perform well for both close and medium range shots. The four most common shotgun chokes still make for a multipurpose set of chokes for most situations. Read More: The 4 Most Common Choke Sizes
What are the types of chokes?
The types of chokes from open to tight are cylinder, skeet, improved cylinder, light modified, modified, improved modified, light full, full, extra full, and turkey.
The two choke tube design types are flush and extended. Flush choke tubes sit even with the barrel of the shotgun when fully installed. Extended choke tubes protrude beyond the barrel by 1-2” when completely seated. The benefits of extended choke tubes are that they receive the performance increases from being ported and are also removable by hand. Read More: What are the types of chokes?
What choke has 5 notches?
A choke tube with 5 notches is a “Cylinder” choke. 5 notches are the most notches that any choke tube can have. A cylinder choke diameter is essentially “no choke” or close to bore diameter.
The notches on a choke tube can be found at the top of the choke and resemble etch marks in the lip. Counting the notches will tell you what diameter the choke tube is without having to remove it from the barrel.
More notches on a choke tube signifies an open choke tube while fewer notches mean it’s tighter. Three notches is the middle ground which is generally labeled as a modified choke. Read More: What choke has 5 notches?
Which shotgun choke is the most open?
The most open choke tube is a “Cylinder” choke. Cylinder choke tubes are slightly larger than the bore diameter of the shotgun. 12 gauge cylinder choke tubes range from 0.726” to 0.740” in diameter.
20 gauge cylinder choke tubes range from 0.618” to 0.630”. 10 gauge cylinder choke tubes measure 0.775”.
Cylinder choke tubes are used for hunting inside ranges of 15-25 yards. They are popular for sporting clay shooting and upland game birds. Read More: What shotgun choke is most open?
Bottom Line
The 5 types of shotgun chokes are cylinder, improved cylinder, modified, light full, and full. Cylinder is the least restrictive with a 0.729 inch diameter and the full choke is the most restrictive at 0.685 inches. There are 11 choke sizes in total, but these are the 5 most popular chokes.
Modified is the best all around choke size that can handle many different hunting situations. Improved cylinder is best used for upland game hunting. Light full makes a good long distance choke tube on late season geese.
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