Q&A for How to Choose Shotgun Shells and Chokes

For home defense, you should avoid using the double-ought buck shells because their projectiles can penetrate more than two layer walls, which can cause damage beyond your intended target. Instead, choose shotgun shells with smaller pellets, like #4 or #6 birdshot. These types of shells are less likely to penetrate multiple walls, reducing the risk of unwanted harm to people on the other side.

It is the weight of the shot. The most common are 7/8th of an ounce, 1 ounce, or 1 1/8th ounce.

Use a full-choke 12-gauge, #4 buckshot should work perfect for that. if you use a 20-gauge, go full-choke and #3 buckshot.

Yes, there is a choke called modified. In order of increasing construction, the common types are: Cylinder (no constriction), Improved Cylinder, Modified, Improved Modified, and Full. There are also a variety of specialty chokes, such as Turkey, or Skeet.

Most people will use either #9 skeet or 7 1/2 for clay pigeons, as #9 will have the most pellets, giving you the best chance of hitting the clay at least twice for it to break. However, 7 1/2 are often what is in the 100-round value packs, which are the cheapest. For quail and dove, try high brass, and nothing bigger than #6, which is a pretty universal shot.

Steel shot larger than BB’s (.180” dia) should not be used in chokes tighter than modified. Steel shot BB’s and smaller may be used up thru a Full Choke.

Yes, you can use any choke for shooting clay pigeons.

The type of shell depends on what you are shooting at, whether you are hunting or defending, what size chamber, etc.

Any shotgun is good for home defense, but only as a last resort when all options are off the table. With that said, the sound of a pump action shotgun being racked is one of the most recognized sounds in the world and will most likely send an intruder running. 12-gauge 2 3/4" 000-00 buck shot is great for home defense.

I think the best shot size is between 5 and 9, but it's your preference. The 5 give you fewer pellets but will provide a cleaner, much more humane kill. I see pretty consistently good results with 7 1/2 (7.5"). My recommendation would be to train on one type and stick with it so you are consistent and predictable.

The article states that the "rifled" slug, used in smooth-bore shotguns, has rifling or ribs on the slug. These ribs are designed to prevent damage to the gun if fired through a barrel with a choke. The other option, Sabot slugs, need a rifled barrel to be shot accurately, so most likely you will be using a rifled slug in your shotgun.

You may actually want to consider large bird shot, as buckshot and especially slugs will go through just about any home material. Go for a lower grain count, as you will not need the shot to travel far.

Some shotguns have removable chokes that can be swapped out for different shooting scenarios. A fixed choke cannot be removed from the barrel.