The spelling of the word "chokebore" may seem unusual, but it can be understood through its phonetic transcription: /tʃəʊkbɔː(r)/. The first part of the word, "choke," is pronounced with the vowel sound of "o" as in "goat" followed by a "k" sound. The second part, "bore," is pronounced with a long "o" sound as in "more," followed by a "b" sound. Together, the word refers to a type of gun barrel with a narrowed internal diameter, creating high-pressure that improves accuracy.
A chokebore refers to a specialized attachment or constriction at the muzzle end of a firearm's barrel that narrows the bore's diameter. This reduction in diameter, achieved through the application of a choke, alters the pattern and dispersion of pellets or bullets fired from the firearm. The purpose of a chokebore is to enhance the accuracy and effectiveness of the projectile, primarily for shotguns.
Typically, chokebores are installed in shotguns and are designed to control the spread of shot, tightening the pattern for improved precision. They achieve this by restricting the pellet dispersion as it exits the barrel, which results in a smaller shot pattern at longer distances. This narrowing effect is particularly useful during pursuits like hunting or sport shooting, where having a focused and controlled spread of shot is advantageous.
Chokebores come in various types, including cylinder, improved cylinder, modified, improved modified, full, and extra full. Each type offers a different level of constriction, impacting the spread of the shot pattern differently. The selection of a chokebore depends on factors such as the desired distance of the target, the type of ammunition used, and the shooter's preferences.
In summary, a chokebore is a muzzle attachment that reduces the diameter of a firearm's barrel, primarily found in shotguns. It manipulates the projectile's dispersion, leading to a tighter shot pattern and increased accuracy, particularly over longer distances.
The word "chokebore" comes from the combination of two separate terms: "choke" and "bore".
The term "choke" has its origins in Old English, where it was derived from the word "cecce", meaning a jaw or a throat. Over time, the meaning of "choke" evolved to refer to the act of obstructing the passage of air or fluid, hence suggesting suffocation or constriction.
On the other hand, "bore" is derived from the Old English word "bor", which referred to drilling or digging a hole. This word is further connected to the Proto-Germanic root "*buron" and the Proto-Indo-European root "*bher". Both these roots convey the idea of piercing or drilling.
Therefore, when combined, the term "chokebore" refers to a firearm barrel with a constriction, typically near the muzzle.