Improve Your Aim: Learning to Pattern a Shotgun for Hunting
Rifles, shotguns, and handguns differ mostly based on their intended uses and ammunition. Shotguns, specifically, fire multiple projectiles or “shot” making them useful for hunting birds and other small, fast moving targets.
To pattern your shotgun effectively for hunting, you’ll first need to choose the right choke and ammunition. Choke tubes refer to the constriction at the end of the shotgun barrel which controls the spread or “pattern” of the shot. Different chokes are used for different purposes, with tighter chokes creating a denser, longer-range pattern and wider chokes producing a broader, closer-range spread.
For bird hunting, a modified or improved choke is typically recommended. This provides a good balance of pattern density and effective range. You’ll also want to choose the proper shot size, with #4 or #5 shot often used for dove and quail hunting and #6 and #8 shot preferred for upland game birds.
Once you have your choke and ammunition,take your shotgun to a range to test fire different loads and chokes. Adjust your point of aim based on where the majority of shots hit the target. Make minor adjustments to your stance, hold and swing path as needed to tighten up the pattern.
With enough practice firing different loads through your chosen choke, you’ll develop a “feel” for how your shotgun patterns and be able to hit targets with reliable accuracy on hunts. Keep notes on the ammunition and choke that work best and refer them before heading afield.
In summary, proper shotgun patterning involves:
Choosing the right choke tube for your intended use.
Selecting the shot size and ammunition load.
Test firing different choke tubes and ammunition loads at the range.
Adjust your shooting form based on where the majority of shots hit the target.
Finding the ammunition brand and specific load that patterns the best through your shotgun barrel.
With the right equipment, ammunition and practice, you’ll be able to make ethical, first-shot kills on game birds and other small targets with your shotgun.