Can You Shoot Tss Out Of Any Choke

So, there I was, out in the field with my old hunting buddy, Charlie. We'd been chasing pheasants all morning, and I was feeling pretty smug about my new shotgun. I'd just upgraded to a fancy one, you see, with a promise of better performance. Charlie, ever the skeptic, was giving me that sideways look of his, the one that says, "We'll see about that, won't we?"

Now, I'd been bragging about this new shotgun's versatility, claiming it could handle any choke. Charlie, he just chuckled and said, "We'll see about that, won't we?" I should've known right then that he was planning something.

What's the Deal with Chokes?

For those of you new to the game, let me give you a quick rundown. A choke is a constriction at the muzzle of a shotgun. It's designed to control the spread of the shot, making it tighter or wider depending on what you're hunting. There are different types - cylinder, improved cylinder, modified, full, and extra full. Each has its own purpose, and a good shotgun should be able to handle them all.

But can you really shoot every type of choke out of any shotgun? That's what I was about to find out.

Charlie's Challenge

After a quick lunch, Charlie pulls out a bag of chokes. He's got every type imaginable. He looks at me, grins, and says, "Alright, hotshot. Let's see what your new shotgun can do."

And so, the challenge begins. We start with the cylinder choke, the widest spread. I'm feeling confident, so I take the shot. The pheasant goes down with a satisfying thud. Charlie raises an eyebrow, but he's not impressed yet.

5 Best Chokes for Turkey Hunting in 2026 [+ Buyers Guide]

Next up, improved cylinder. I'm still feeling good, but I can see Charlie's starting to doubt his doubts. Then comes modified, and I'm really starting to sweat. But my new shotgun handles it like a dream. I'm feeling pretty proud of myself at this point.

Then Charlie pulls out the full choke. Now, I've never shot a full choke before, but I'm not about to back down now. I take the shot, and the pheasant falls. Charlie's looking at me like he's seeing me in a whole new light.

But then, Charlie pulls out the extra full choke. He's got a wicked grin on his face, and I know I'm in trouble. I take the shot, but the pheasant just flies away, laughing at me. Charlie laughs too, and I can't help but join in. I might've met my match.

Testing Carlson’s .410 TSS Choke Tube - The National Wild Turkey Federation

So, Can You Shoot Every Choke?

Here's the thing, folks. While my new shotgun handled most of the chokes like a champ, it struggled with the extra full. It's not that it can't handle it, it's just that I can't handle it. I need more practice, more experience.

So, can you shoot every choke out of any shotgun? The answer is yes, but it depends on the shooter, not just the gun. A good shotgun can handle any choke, but a good shooter knows their limits. It's about finding the right balance between the two.

And that, my friends, is a lesson I won't soon forget. Thanks, Charlie.