Canadian Firearms Safety Course (CFSC) Practice Exam

The best choice for short-range shooting is an improved cylinder choke. This choke offers a wider shot pattern than tighter chokes, such as full or modified. Improved cylinder allows for a spread of projectiles that increases the likelihood of hitting a target at close range, which is particularly effective for types of shooting where quick, rapid engagements are required, such as in bird hunting or clay shooting.

With an improved cylinder choke, the restriction is minimal, allowing more pellets to disperse effectively over shorter distances. This broader pattern compensates for minor aiming inaccuracies that can happen when shooting at targets that are closer, making it a preferred choice for scenarios where quick follow-up shots are needed, or when the target is moving quickly.

In contrast, the other types of chokes, like full choke and modified choke, create tighter shot patterns that are more suited for longer range shooting. These tighter configurations provide greater accuracy at distance, but they can be less forgiving in close-range scenarios, where the chance of missing is greater if the shooter does not have perfect aim. Cylinder bore, while having no constriction, is also a viable option for short-range, but improved cylinder offers a slight advantage in patterning for specific close-range shooting situations.