What is the narrowing towards the end of a shotgun barrel called?

The narrowing towards the end of a shotgun barrel is called a choke. A choke is a crucial design feature that affects how the shotgun patterns its shots. By constricting the shot spread as it exits the barrel, chokes enable more effective and precise shooting at varying ranges. For instance, a tighter choke results in a tighter shot pattern, making it more suitable for longer-distance shooting.

Using a choke allows shooters to adapt their shotgun's performance to different situations, whether for hunting or sports shooting. It essentially enhances accuracy and effectiveness by controlling the dispersion of the shot pellets. This is fundamental knowledge for anyone handling a shotgun, particularly in a non-restricted firearms context where proper usage can impact safety and effectiveness.

Other choices, while related to firearms and shooting, do not describe this specific aspect of a shotgun’s design.