Larger Shot (No. 6-8), Open Choke (IC/Modified)
For upland bird hunting -- larger, faster-moving targets at typically closer range favor a more open choke with moderate shot size for a forgiving, wider pattern.
Runner-up: Small Shot, Extra Full Choke · Retake the quiz
Why this fits you
- You're hunting upland birds like pheasant, quail, or grouse.
- Targets are typically fast-moving and encountered at closer range than waterfowl or turkey.
- A wider, more forgiving pattern matters more than maximum density for your typical shots.
Upland bird hunting (pheasant, quail, grouse, and similar) typically involves fast-moving targets at closer range than waterfowl or turkey hunting, favoring a more open choke (Improved Cylinder or Modified) that produces a wider, more forgiving pattern -- easier to connect with a quickly flushing, close-range bird than an extremely tight pattern would be.
How it compares
| Setup | Shot size | Choke |
| Small Shot (No. 4-6) | No. 4-6 (small, dense) | Extra Full |
| Medium Shot (No. 2-4 Steel/Bismuth) | No. 2-4 steel/bismuth | Modified/Improved Modified |
| Larger Shot (No. 6-8) | No. 6-8 | Improved Cylinder/Modified |
Buying checklist
- Open chokes suit the close, fast shooting typical of upland hunting -- a tight choke can actually hurt hit probability here
- Shot size varies somewhat by specific bird (smaller shot for quail, sometimes larger for pheasant) -- check species-specific guidance
- Lead shot is often still legal for upland hunting (unlike waterfowl), but always confirm your specific state and land regulations
When this isn’t the right fit
An open choke with mid-size shot is not right for turkey, where a tight, dense pattern on a small vital area matters, or for waterfowl, which needs non-toxic shot. Check that lead shot is legal where you hunt.
Other results from this quiz may suit your situation better:
- Small Shot (No. 4-6), Extra Full Choke: for turkey hunting
- Medium Shot (No. 2-4 Steel/Bismuth), Modified/Improved Modified Choke: for waterfowl hunting
Hunting regulations, legal calibers, shot types and seasons are set by your state or country, and they change. Check the current rules and take a hunter education course before you hunt.
Run the numbers
Frequently asked questions
Why use a more open choke for upland birds instead of a tighter one?
Upland shots are typically close and fast, so a wider pattern from an open choke gives more margin for aim error on a quickly flushing bird, whereas an overly tight pattern at close range can actually reduce hit probability.
Is lead shot legal for upland hunting?
Often yes, unlike waterfowl -- but always confirm your specific state and the specific land you're hunting (some public lands or specific areas may have their own non-toxic shot requirements).
Does shot size vary much within upland hunting?
Somewhat -- smaller, faster birds like quail sometimes call for smaller shot, while larger birds like pheasant may use slightly larger sizes, though the difference is less dramatic than between, say, turkey and waterfowl loads.
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