Let’s Talk About Kicks Industries Kicks Gobblin Thunder 12ga Win Choke .655 Dia
The Kicks Industries Kicks Gobblin Thunder 12ga Win Choke .655 Dia isn’t just another choke tube; it’s a specialized piece of equipment designed with one thing in mind: delivering devastatingly tight patterns for turkey hunting. Kicks Industries has a solid reputation, and this choke promises performance without relying on ported designs like their older models, and it has me intrigued. Its flush-fit design and constriction are aimed squarely at serious turkey hunters.
I was looking for a choke tube to maximize my shotgun’s effective range on spring gobblers. I had been using a more general-purpose modified choke, but I consistently found myself wishing for tighter patterns at longer distances. The stories I’d heard about the Gobblin Thunder’s ability to consistently put a high number of pellets in a small circle at 40 yards and beyond were compelling.
My first impression upon receiving the Kicks Industries Kicks Gobblin Thunder 12ga Win Choke .655 Dia was positive. The stainless steel construction felt robust, and the knurled section for easy installation was a welcome touch. It felt like a quality piece of gear.
Compared to a standard extended choke and a Carlson’s ported turkey choke, the Gobblin Thunder stood out with its flush-fit design and more subtle porting at the rear. I chose it because I wanted something that offered excellent performance without the aggressive look of some extended, ported chokes, hoping for minimal disturbance to game. My goal was tighter patterns, with minimal recoil increase, and the flush fit was also a factor in its maneuverability.
My initial excitement was high, tempered by a little skepticism. I’ve been burned by hyped-up gear before. I hoped this choke would live up to its name and reputation, but I was ready to put it through its paces.
Real-World Testing: Putting Kicks Industries Kicks Gobblin Thunder 12ga Win Choke .655 Dia to the Test
First Use Experience
I tested the Kicks Industries Kicks Gobblin Thunder 12ga Win Choke .655 Dia at my local gun range, using a variety of 12-gauge turkey loads, from Winchester Long Beard XR to Federal Premium TSS. I shot at paper targets set at 20, 30, 40, and 50 yards, carefully documenting the patterns. The range provided a controlled environment to eliminate external factors like wind and uneven terrain.
The choke tube performed exceptionally well, consistently producing tight, dense patterns. Even in slightly windy conditions, the patterns held together better than with my previous choke. This was a pleasant surprise.
Installation was a breeze, thanks to the knurled section. I was able to quickly swap out my old choke without needing any special tools, which is a huge plus when you are in the field.
The only surprise was how much tighter the patterns were with certain loads compared to others. I discovered that my shotgun preferred the Federal Premium TSS loads over the Winchester Long Beard XR.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of regular use, the Kicks Industries Kicks Gobblin Thunder 12ga Win Choke .655 Dia continues to perform flawlessly. It has been through several range sessions and one turkey hunting trip in mixed weather conditions. It has quickly proven to be a reliable piece of my hunting kit.
The choke tube shows no signs of wear and tear. The stainless steel construction is holding up great, even after repeated cleanings. Its solid build inspires confidence.
Maintenance is simple. A quick cleaning with a bore brush and solvent after each use is all it takes to keep it in top condition. The flush fit design also makes it easier to clean.
The Kicks Industries Kicks Gobblin Thunder 12ga Win Choke .655 Dia outperforms my previous turkey choke by a significant margin. The tighter patterns at extended ranges have increased my confidence in the field. This choke has elevated my turkey hunting setup.
Breaking Down the Features of Kicks Industries Kicks Gobblin Thunder 12ga Win Choke .655 Dia
Specifications
- Manufacturer: Kicks Industries.
Kicks Industries is known for producing quality aftermarket choke tubes, and this lives up to its reputation. This adds value to the purchase. - Color: Black.
The black finish is non-reflective and blends well with most shotgun barrels, making it ideal for hunting situations. The finish also appears to be quite durable, helping the choke tube resist corrosion and scratches. - Fabric/Material: Stainless Steel.
Stainless steel provides excellent corrosion resistance and durability, ensuring that the choke tube can withstand harsh hunting conditions. The choice of material makes it a long-term investment. - Gauge: 12.
This choke tube is specifically designed for 12-gauge shotguns, a common and versatile gauge for turkey hunting. It’s important to ensure it fits your particular shotgun model. - Choke Tube System: Winchester Choke.
The Kicks Industries Kicks Gobblin Thunder 12ga Win Choke .655 Dia is designed to fit shotguns that use the Winchester choke system, making it compatible with a wide range of models. This compatibility simplifies installation. - Diameter: 0.655 in.
The 0.655-inch diameter provides an extra-full constriction, creating extremely tight patterns at extended ranges, maximizing effective range on turkey. This is where the magic happens. - Gun Make: Winchester.
While designed with Winchester shotguns in mind, it’s compatible with any shotgun utilizing the Winchester choke system, broadening its user base. Be sure to check compatibility before purchasing. - Additional Features: Ported.
The ported rear section is designed to reduce recoil and muzzle rise, improving follow-up shots and overall shooting comfort. This is a significant advantage in a hunting scenario.
Performance & Functionality
The Kicks Industries Kicks Gobblin Thunder 12ga Win Choke .655 Dia excels at producing extremely tight and dense patterns, making it highly effective for turkey hunting at longer ranges. Its primary function is to increase the effective range of a shotgun on turkey, and it does this exceptionally well.
Its strengths lie in its ability to consistently deliver lethal patterns, even at distances of 40 yards or more. The only real weakness is that it’s a specialized choke; it is not ideal for closer-range shots or other types of game. Knowing its limitations is key.
The choke tube definitely meets and exceeds expectations. I was impressed with the patterns it produced, and it has noticeably improved my performance in the field. This is a serious upgrade.
Design & Ergonomics
The Kicks Industries Kicks Gobblin Thunder 12ga Win Choke .655 Dia features a flush-fit design, which means it doesn’t extend beyond the end of the barrel, maintaining the shotgun’s original balance and aesthetics. The stainless steel construction provides a solid and durable feel, while the knurled section allows for easy installation and removal.
The design is user-friendly, with no learning curve. Swapping out the old choke for the new one is a simple process that can be done in seconds. Its ease of use is refreshing.
Durability & Maintenance
The stainless steel construction ensures that the Kicks Industries Kicks Gobblin Thunder 12ga Win Choke .655 Dia is built to last. It can withstand the rigors of hunting in various weather conditions. Proper care ensures longevity.
Maintenance is straightforward, requiring only a simple cleaning after each use to remove any residue. This is essential for maintaining consistent performance.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Kicks Industries Kicks Gobblin Thunder 12ga Win Choke .655 Dia doesn’t come with any specific accessories, as it’s a standalone choke tube. However, it is compatible with any standard choke tube wrench designed for Winchester chokes. These are readily available.
There are no customization options for the choke itself, but it can be used with different types of turkey loads to fine-tune the patterns for your specific shotgun and hunting conditions. Experimentation is key to finding the optimal load.
Pros and Cons of Kicks Industries Kicks Gobblin Thunder 12ga Win Choke .655 Dia
Pros
- Incredibly tight patterns at extended ranges, maximizing effective shooting distance.
- Durable stainless steel construction ensures long-lasting performance, even in harsh conditions.
- Flush-fit design maintains shotgun balance and aesthetics.
- Easy installation with the knurled section, requiring no special tools.
- Ported rear section helps reduce recoil and muzzle rise for better follow-up shots.
Cons
- The extremely tight constriction makes it unsuitable for close-range shots or other types of game.
- Requires experimentation with different loads to find the optimal pattern for your specific shotgun.
Who Should Buy Kicks Industries Kicks Gobblin Thunder 12ga Win Choke .655 Dia?
The Kicks Industries Kicks Gobblin Thunder 12ga Win Choke .655 Dia is perfect for serious turkey hunters who want to maximize their shotgun’s effective range and consistently deliver lethal patterns at longer distances. It is ideal for those who hunt in areas where longer shots are often necessary.
This choke is not suitable for hunters who primarily take close-range shots or who hunt other types of game besides turkey. Its specialized design makes it unsuitable for general-purpose shooting.
A must-have accessory is a good quality choke tube wrench for easy installation and removal, as well as a selection of different turkey loads to experiment with and find the optimal pattern for your shotgun. Proper ammunition selection is key.
Conclusion on Kicks Industries Kicks Gobblin Thunder 12ga Win Choke .655 Dia
The Kicks Industries Kicks Gobblin Thunder 12ga Win Choke .655 Dia is a highly effective and well-built choke tube that delivers on its promise of extremely tight patterns for turkey hunting. It’s a specialized tool designed for a specific purpose, and it excels at that purpose.
At a price of $69.99, the Kicks Industries Kicks Gobblin Thunder 12ga Win Choke .655 Dia offers excellent value for serious turkey hunters who are looking to improve their performance and increase their chances of success. It’s an investment in better patterns.
I would highly recommend the Kicks Industries Kicks Gobblin Thunder 12ga Win Choke .655 Dia to any turkey hunter looking for a reliable and effective choke tube that will consistently deliver lethal patterns at extended ranges. If you want tighter patterns, give this choke a shot!