What is the purpose of a choke in a shotgun?

The purpose of a choke in a shotgun is to narrow down how tightly the shot spray stays together as it exits the barrel. Chokes are designed to control the spread of the shot, which allows the shooter to achieve better patterns at various distances. By constricting the shot as it leaves the barrel, a choke can increase the density of the shot at longer ranges, making it more effective for hitting targets.

Different types of chokes can create various spread patterns, from wider spreads ideal for shooting moving targets at closer ranges to tighter spreads that are more suitable for longer distances. This control over shot dispersion is essential for hunting and target shooting, directly impacting the effectiveness of each shot. The other options describe features or outcomes that are not the primary function of a choke.