Scattergun Science! Testing Diverter and Duckbill Chokes

Published on February 27, 2021
Duration: 9:28

This video from Forgotten Weapons, featuring Ian McCollum and tactical instructor Matt Haught, provides an expert-level analysis of diverter and duckbill chokes. Through a structured 'Crossing Dog' drill using seltzer bottles as targets, they experimentally demonstrate how these specialized muzzle devices can improve horizontal pellet spread for engaging fast-moving targets. The testing methodology and detailed analysis highlight the practical application of these chokes for tactical scenarios.

Quick Summary

Specialized duckbill and diverter chokes flatten shotgun pellet patterns horizontally, improving engagement with moving targets. Tested via a 'Crossing Dog' drill using seltzer bottles, these chokes showed more centered hits than standard cylinder bores, with Sellier & Bellot #4 Buckshot noted as optimized ammunition.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction and Theory
  2. 01:01The Crossing Dog Drill
  3. 02:04Equipment and Ammunition
  4. 02:50Live Fire Testing
  5. 05:00Data Analysis
  6. 08:11Conclusion and Final Demo

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the purpose of duckbill and diverter chokes?

Duckbill and diverter chokes are specialized shotgun muzzle devices designed to flatten the pellet pattern horizontally. This increases the effective width of the shot cloud, theoretically providing more leeway when leading and engaging fast-moving targets.

How were the diverter and duckbill chokes tested in the video?

The chokes were tested using a 'Crossing Dog' drill where 2-liter seltzer bottles were pulled across a 10-yard range via a pulley system. This simulated a fast-moving target to compare the specialized chokes against a standard cylinder bore.

What ammunition was used for the shotgun choke test?

The test utilized Sellier & Bellot #4 Buckshot. The video notes that this specific buckshot size is optimized for use with duckbill and diverter chokes, potentially enhancing their performance.

What were the results of the choke comparison?

Analysis of the seltzer bottle impacts showed that the diverter and duckbill chokes resulted in more centered hits and higher pellet density on the moving targets compared to the cylinder bore, which tended to hit the trailing edge.

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