Which shotgun choke is the most open?

The most open shotgun choke is referred to as "cylinder" or "unchoked." This choke allows for the widest shot spread, which is ideal for short-range shooting and hunting scenarios where accuracy is less critical than the ability to cover a larger area. With no constriction, the shot spreads out quickly after leaving the barrel, making it effective for targets that are close in range, such as in upland game bird hunting or when shooting at moving targets.

Having a more open choke facilitates a greater margin for error in terms of aiming, which can be beneficial for beginners or when targeting fast-moving game. This choke configuration is particularly useful in situations where one might need a quick follow-up shot or where the target may be moving unpredictably. The other choke options, such as full or modified chokes, create more constriction, producing tighter shot patterns that are more effective at longer distances but less forgiving for close-range shooting.