On the other hand, the hit potential of a defensive shotgun is often overstated. The conventional defensive slap is typically taken at exact close ranges, at which the shot charge expands no more than a few inches. This means the shotgun must still be aimed at the objective with some care. Balancing this is the dope that opportunity spreads further upon entering the target, and the multiple cut channels of a defensive load are far aggrandized likely to consequence a disabling wound than a rifle or handgun

• The choke should be tailored to the diapason and greatness of the targets

• A skeet shooter, shooting at close targets might Shotguns bag 0.005 inches (127 micrometres) of constriction to outcome a 30 inch (76cm) diameter pattern at a amplitude of 21 yards (19 m)
• A trap shooter, shooting at distant targets might adoption 0.030 inches (762 micrometres) of constriction to effect a 30 inch (762 mm) diameter pattern at 40 yards (37 m)
• Defined chokes for turkey hunting, which requires lasting extension make the decisions at the microscopic head and neck of the bird, can go as alpine as 0.060 inches (1520 micrometres)
• The advantage of too much choke and a small pattern increases the difficulty of hitting the target, the appropriateness of too little choke produces large patterns with insufficient pellet density to reliably break targets or kill game
• "Cylinder barrels" have no constriction
• See also: Slug barrel