312 CHOKE-BORES. 



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even to the outermost edge opposite where they start- 

 ed, or it may simply counteract in a greater or less 

 degree some other force tending to divert certain pel- 

 lets outward. But let us see how our theory agrees 

 with practice. 



It has been proven by experiment that the constric- 

 tion of the bore must be near the muzzle, to produce 

 the best results ; and why ? Because after the rotary 

 motion has been once imparted to the pellets, further 

 contact with the barrel only tends to impair and de- 

 stroy it. 



Recess-bores or jug-bores cannot equal true chokes 

 in regularity and close shooting qualities ; because the 

 charge expands when the enlargement is reached and 

 the pellets in consequence meet the constriction at the 

 muzzle with uneven motion and in irregular order. 

 Another cause, less likely, may be that the wads, when 

 loose in the recess, become canted. 



From choke-bores hard shot make closer and more 

 even patterns than soft ones ; because in meeting with 

 the resistance at the muzzle their superior tenacity en- 

 ables them to better withstand it, and thus the rotary 

 motion is more surely and readily imparted to them, 

 while the material of the softer shot gives way, their 

 spherical shape is thus destroyed, and the rotary mo- 

 tion is established with more difficulty. 



