What is the term for the narrowing at the muzzle end of a shotgun barrel?

The term for the narrowing at the muzzle end of a shotgun barrel is "choke." A choke is a constriction in the shotgun's barrel that influences the spread of the shot as it exits. This feature allows hunters and shooters to control the pattern of the shot, which can be useful for different types of shooting situations, such as hunting various game or shooting at targets. Different chokes can produce tighter or more open patterns, enabling customization according to the shooting requirement.

Understanding the choke is crucial for effective shooting because it directly affects accuracy and the ability to hit targets at varying distances. Each type of choke serves specific purposes, whether it's for shooting clay pigeons, waterfowl, or other game. The effectiveness of the choke can significantly enhance the shooter’s performance.

The other terms refer to different components of a shotgun and do not apply to the narrowing of the barrel. The chamber is where the cartridge is loaded, the suppressor is a device that reduces noise from the firearm, and the fore-end is the front part of the stock that typically supports the barrel while shooting.