Let’s Talk About Kicks Industries Kicks Gobblin Thunder 12ga Win Choke .660 Dia
The Kicks Industries Kicks Gobblin Thunder 12ga Win Choke .660 Dia promises a revolution for shotgun owners, especially those wrestling with ported barrels or older shotguns needing a performance boost. Kicks Industries is a name synonymous with quality aftermarket shotgun chokes, and the Gobblin Thunder aims to deliver tighter patterns and reduced recoil, specifically targeting turkey hunters and those seeking enhanced control. This choke tube, designed for Winchester-style threads, boasts a .660″ exit diameter and a ported design intended to tame even the wildest 12-gauge loads.
I’ve been chasing the perfect turkey load for years, struggling with inconsistent patterns from my older Winchester 1300. I needed a choke that could deliver tight, consistent patterns at longer ranges without punishing my shoulder, and the Gobblin Thunder’s promise of reduced recoil caught my eye.
Upon unboxing, the Kicks Industries Kicks Gobblin Thunder 12ga Win Choke .660 Dia immediately felt solid. The stainless steel construction gave it a reassuring weight, and the black finish looked durable and well-applied. The porting was clean and precise, suggesting attention to detail during manufacturing.
I considered the Carlson’s Long Beard XR choke and the Primos Jelly Head Max, both popular choices for turkey hunting. Ultimately, I chose the Kicks Industries Kicks Gobblin Thunder 12ga Win Choke .660 Dia due to its focus on recoil reduction and the Kicks Industries reputation for quality. The promise of taming my somewhat temperamental Winchester was too tempting to resist.
My initial excitement was cautiously optimistic. I’ve tried other aftermarket chokes with varying degrees of success, but the combination of tight constriction and porting in the Kicks Industries Kicks Gobblin Thunder 12ga Win Choke .660 Dia piqued my interest. Could this be the solution I’ve been searching for?
Real-World Testing: Putting Kicks Industries Kicks Gobblin Thunder 12ga Win Choke .660 Dia to the Test
First Use Experience
My first test of the Kicks Industries Kicks Gobblin Thunder 12ga Win Choke .660 Dia took place at my local shooting range, focusing on pattern density at 30 and 40 yards. I tested it with a variety of turkey loads, including Winchester Long Beard XR, Federal Premium Grand Slam, and some hand-loaded recipes. The conditions were clear and relatively mild.
The Kicks Industries Kicks Gobblin Thunder 12ga Win Choke .660 Dia proved easy to install and remove with a standard choke tube wrench. The immediate difference was noticeable with recoil; even with the heavier loads, the kick felt significantly reduced compared to the factory full choke. The patterns were noticeably tighter than with my previous choke, especially at 40 yards, providing a denser and more consistent spread.
There were no immediate issues, but I noticed slightly more muzzle rise than anticipated, possibly due to the gas escaping through the ports. This was a minor inconvenience compared to the improved patterns and reduced recoil.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of consistent use, the Kicks Industries Kicks Gobblin Thunder 12ga Win Choke .660 Dia has held up admirably. I’ve used it in various conditions, including a wet and muddy spring turkey season and several range sessions in dusty environments. It has proven to be a durable and reliable choke tube.
There are minimal signs of wear and tear, with only minor surface scratches on the exterior finish. Cleaning is straightforward. I simply remove the choke after each use, wipe it down with a bore brush, and apply a light coat of oil.
Compared to my previous experiences with other aftermarket chokes, the Kicks Industries Kicks Gobblin Thunder 12ga Win Choke .660 Dia significantly outperforms them in terms of pattern density and recoil reduction. It’s a noticeable upgrade that has improved my confidence in the field.
Breaking Down the Features of Kicks Industries Kicks Gobblin Thunder 12ga Win Choke .660 Dia
Specifications
- Manufacturer: Kicks Industries
- Gauge: 12
- Choke Tube System: Winchester Choke
- Diameter: 0.66 inches
- Material: Stainless Steel
- Color: Black
- Gun Make: Winchester
- Additional Features: Ported Cylinder
These specifications are crucial for several reasons. The Winchester Choke compatibility ensures it fits a wide range of Winchester shotguns. The .660 inch diameter provides a tight constriction ideal for turkey hunting, maximizing pattern density at longer ranges. The stainless steel construction guarantees durability and resistance to corrosion, essential for outdoor use. The ported cylinder is the key to recoil reduction, diverting gas upward to counteract muzzle rise.
Performance & Functionality
The Kicks Industries Kicks Gobblin Thunder 12ga Win Choke .660 Dia excels at delivering tight, consistent patterns at extended ranges, making it perfect for turkey hunting or any situation where a focused shot is required. The recoil reduction is a significant benefit, allowing for quicker follow-up shots and less fatigue during extended shooting sessions.
The primary strength is its ability to tighten patterns significantly compared to factory chokes. The slight increase in muzzle rise can be mitigated with proper shooting technique. The product meets expectations and enhances the shooting experience.
Design & Ergonomics
The Kicks Industries Kicks Gobblin Thunder 12ga Win Choke .660 Dia is built from durable stainless steel with a black finish, providing a robust and corrosion-resistant design. The choke is well-weighted and feels substantial in hand, inspiring confidence in its build quality.
The design is user-friendly, requiring no special tools or modifications for installation. Simply screw it in using a standard choke tube wrench.
Durability & Maintenance
Given its stainless steel construction, the Kicks Industries Kicks Gobblin Thunder 12ga Win Choke .660 Dia is built to last. Regular cleaning and lubrication will ensure it remains in top condition for years to come.
Maintenance involves removing the choke after use, cleaning it with a bore brush and solvent, and applying a light coat of oil. The robust design minimizes the risk of damage or the need for repair.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Kicks Industries Kicks Gobblin Thunder 12ga Win Choke .660 Dia doesn’t require any additional accessories for basic functionality, but a quality choke tube wrench is essential for easy installation and removal. There are no specific customization options for the choke itself.
It is compatible with any Winchester-style choke tube wrench. Aftermarket sling attachments or optics mounts for the shotgun itself would compliment the enhanced choke’s performance.
Pros and Cons of Kicks Industries Kicks Gobblin Thunder 12ga Win Choke .660 Dia
Pros
- Delivers exceptionally tight and consistent patterns, especially at longer ranges.
- Noticeably reduces recoil, allowing for faster follow-up shots and less shooter fatigue.
- Durable stainless steel construction ensures long-lasting performance and resistance to corrosion.
- Easy to install and remove with a standard choke tube wrench.
- Great value for money, providing significant performance gains at an affordable price.
Cons
- May cause a slight increase in muzzle rise due to the ported design.
- The tight constriction may not be ideal for closer-range shooting scenarios.
Who Should Buy Kicks Industries Kicks Gobblin Thunder 12ga Win Choke .660 Dia?
The Kicks Industries Kicks Gobblin Thunder 12ga Win Choke .660 Dia is perfect for turkey hunters seeking to maximize their effective range and pattern density. It is also an excellent choice for shooters with ported barrels looking to improve pattern consistency and reduce recoil. Anyone with a Winchester shotgun can benefit from the tighter patterns and improved control this choke tube offers.
Those who primarily hunt in close-range environments or prefer a more open choke for versatility should skip this product. Also, those sensitive to any increase in muzzle rise might want to consider a non-ported option.
A quality choke tube wrench is a must-have accessory. A good set of hearing protection is also important, as ported chokes can increase the perceived noise level.
Conclusion on Kicks Industries Kicks Gobblin Thunder 12ga Win Choke .660 Dia
The Kicks Industries Kicks Gobblin Thunder 12ga Win Choke .660 Dia is a fantastic aftermarket upgrade that delivers on its promises of tighter patterns and reduced recoil. The Kicks Industries reputation for quality is well-earned, and this choke tube is a testament to their commitment to performance and durability.
The price is certainly justified given the noticeable improvement in pattern density and shooting comfort. For serious turkey hunters or shotgun enthusiasts looking to enhance their firearm’s performance, this choke tube is a worthwhile investment.
I would wholeheartedly recommend the Kicks Industries Kicks Gobblin Thunder 12ga Win Choke .660 Dia to anyone seeking to improve their shotgun’s performance and reduce recoil. It is a reliable and effective product that has significantly enhanced my shooting experience. Upgrade your shotgun today and experience the difference!