What does a choke do?

A choke is an essential part of a shotgun's design, influencing how the shot disperses as it exits the barrel. Specifically, a choke affects the shot pattern by constricting the spread of the pellets. This is important for ensuring that the shot remains concentrated on a target, increasing the likelihood of hitting it. Different types of chokes can create tighter or wider patterns, which helps hunters select the appropriate choke for various hunting situations, whether they're aiming for small, fast-moving birds or larger game.

The other options describe characteristics that are not influenced by the choke. For instance, bullet speed is determined by the shell design and powder load rather than by the choke; recoil is influenced by the shotgun's weight and the shells being used, not the choke; and while a choke can help improve accuracy through better shot placement, it does not inherently enhance long-range precision, as accuracy can also depend on the shooter’s skill and other factors.