Patterning a Shotgun


Testing how a shotgun’s pellets spread at various distances to find the optimal choke and load combination.

Related Terms

Gauge (Shotgun)


The measure of a shotgun’s bore diameter (e.g., 12-gauge, 20-gauge); lower numbers signify larger...


View Term: Gauge (Shotgun)

Over-Under Shotgun


A double-barreled shotgun with barrels stacked vertically; popular for upland birds and clay shoo...


View Term: Over-Under Shotgun

Shot Pattern


The spread of pellets as they exit a shotgun barrel; tested on paper at known distances to find a...


View Term: Shot Pattern

Shotgun Choke


A constriction at the muzzle end of a shotgun barrel controlling pellet spread (e.g., cylinder, m...


View Term: Shotgun Choke

12-Gauge


One of the most common shotgun gauges, versatile for waterfowl, upland birds, and deer (with slug...


View Term: 12-Gauge

28-Gauge


A smaller shotgun gauge known for low recoil and lighter firearm weight, popular among experience...


View Term: 28-Gauge

Copper-Plated Shot


Pellets coated with copper to reduce deformation and improve pattern consistency, often used in u...


View Term: Copper-Plated Shot

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