Professional guide on the use of polichokes for hunting and clay pigeon shooting
.The polychokes, also known as chokes, are one of the most decisive accessories in the performance of a hunting or sporting shotgun. These devices, located in the muzzle of the barrel, allow you to modify the degree of dispersion of the pellets when shooting, directly influencing the accuracy, range and density of the shot.
At CarbinStore we offer you a wide selection of polychokes for shotguns adapted to different disciplines, calibres and brands. This guide is designed to help you understand how they work, what types there are and which one is best suited to your type of shooting.
What is a polichoke and what is its function?
A polichoke is an interchangeable part that is screwed into the muzzle of the shotgun barrel. Its purpose is to modify the concentration of the shot according to the distance and type of target. By changing the choke, you can open or close the dispersion pattern of the pellets.
- 🔹 A closer choke (full, extra full) concentrates the shot more, ideal for long shots.
- 🔸 A more open choke (cylindrical, ¼) offers greater coverage at short distances.
- 🔸 A more open choke (cylindrical, ¼) offers greater coverage at short distances.
Brief history of the choke in shotguns
The concept of modifying shot dispersion is not new. As early as the mid-19th century, the first choke barrel designs emerged. However, it was in the 20th century that the use of interchangeable chokes (polichokes) became standard, giving the shooter greater versatility. Today, most modern shotguns allow the use of threaded polychokes.
Most modern shotguns allow the use of threaded polichokes.
Types of polichokes: table of apertures and recommended uses
| Type of Choke | Percentage of impact at 35 m | .Recommended use | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cylindrical (Cyl) | ~40% | Short distances and undergrowth | Short distances and undergrowth |
| ¼ (Improved Cylinder) | ~50% | Fast game: quail, rabbit | Quail, rabbit |
| ½ (Modified) | ~60% | Partridge, pheasant, chuck | |
| ¾ (Improved Modified) | ~70% | Dish second round, aquatics | Perdizán, plate |
| Full | ~75-80% | Waterfowl, long-range | Waterfowl, long range |
| Extra Full | 80-90% | Pigeon, turkey choke | Pigeon, turkey choke |
Internal, External and Mixed Chokes: Key Differences
- Internal: Hidden, more discreet
- Internal: Hidden, more discreet.
- External: Protruding, allows for greater strangulation.
- Mixed: Inner and outer part. Balanced.
Which choke to choose according to the modality?
- Low mount: Cylinder or ¼
- Partridge on flat: ½ or ¾
- Aquatic: Full or Extra Full
- Pit: ½ and ¾ in first round, Full in second
- Pit: ½ and ¾ in first round, Full in second
- Skeet: Open Chokes
Maintenance and recommendations for use
- Lubricate the threads with anti-seize grease.
- Clean after each use with a soft brush.
- Clean after each use with a soft brush.
- Clean after each use with a soft brush.
- Never fire without choke installed.
- Never fire without choke installed.
- Do not change chokes.
- Do not change chokes with a hot barrel.
- Do not change chokes with a hot barrel.
Visual comparisons of dispersion and range
Discover all the polichokes at CarbinStore
Access the complete collection of polychokes for shotguns. We have compatibility with Beretta, Benelli, Browning, Hatsan, Fabarm and many others. Choose from internal, external, complete kits and sporting or hunting chokes, sharpen your shot with Carbin!
Carbin chokes for shotguns.
Conclusion
Polychokes are essential to optimise the performance of your shotgun. Understanding their types, functions and applications is key to improving your results. At CarbinStore we are here to help you with quality products and technical advice.