Which shotgun choke is the most open?

The cylinder choke, often referred to as "unchoked," is designed to have the most open pattern when shot. This means that it allows the shot to spread out more widely as it travels, making it ideal for shooting at close-range targets, such as birds in flight or during upland game hunts. The unchoked configuration enables the shooter to maintain a wider spread, which increases the chances of hitting quick-moving or close targets.

In contrast, other chokes such as full, modified, and improved cylinder have varying degrees of constriction, which tighten the shot pattern as it leaves the barrel. This constriction helps to deliver more concentrated shot patterns for longer-range shooting, making those chokes less suitable for extremely close or fast-moving targets than the cylinder choke. The cylinder choke recognizes the need for versatility in close-range shooting scenarios, making it a valuable choice for hunters looking to maximize their effectiveness in those situations.