Let’s Talk About Kicks Industries Kicks Gobblin Thunder 12ga Rem Choke .655
The Kicks Industries Kicks Gobblin Thunder 12ga Rem Choke .655 is a specialized choke tube designed for the serious turkey hunter. This aftermarket choke promises tighter patterns and extended range, transforming your 12-gauge Remington shotgun into a true gobbler-getter. Its ported design and tight .655 diameter aim to maximize the effectiveness of your shot, and Kicks Industries has built a reputation for quality, so I was eager to test this out.
I’ve been chasing spring gobblers for over a decade, and I’ve always strived to find that perfect balance between pattern density and range. Like many hunters, I’ve struggled with inconsistent patterns from factory chokes, leading to missed opportunities on pressured birds. The Kicks Gobblin Thunder seemed like a potential solution.
Upon unboxing, I was immediately impressed by the robust stainless-steel construction and the aggressive porting. The black finish is sleek and durable. It feels solid in your hand, and the knurled locking ring provides a secure grip for easy installation and removal.
I was considering the Carlson’s Long Beard XR choke and the Primos Jelly Head Max, both popular options for turkey hunting. However, the Kicks Gobblin Thunder’s reputation for consistent patterns and recoil reduction ultimately swayed my decision. The aggressive porting really stood out as a feature that could make a difference on follow-up shots.
My initial excitement was high. I hoped the Kicks Industries Kicks Gobblin Thunder 12ga Rem Choke .655 would deliver on its promise of tighter patterns and longer range, finally giving me the edge I needed to bag that elusive longbeard. If it didn’t perform as expected, I would be disappointed.
Real-World Testing: Putting Kicks Industries Kicks Gobblin Thunder 12ga Rem Choke .655 to the Test
First Use Experience
I tested the Kicks Industries Kicks Gobblin Thunder 12ga Rem Choke .655 at my local shooting range and later in the spring turkey woods of southern Missouri. The range allowed me to pattern the choke with various loads at different distances, while the hunt provided the ultimate test of its effectiveness in a real-world hunting scenario. I patterned the choke with Winchester Long Beard XR, Federal Premium TSS, and Hevi-Shot Magnum Blend.
The weather during my testing ranged from dry and sunny to damp and overcast. The choke performed consistently regardless of the weather conditions. I also noticed a slight reduction in recoil, which was a welcome bonus.
Installation was simple, requiring only a choke tube wrench. After a few shots, I felt completely comfortable and confident with the new setup. There were no initial issues.
My first time using the Kicks Industries Kicks Gobblin Thunder 12ga Rem Choke .655 was eye-opening. The patterns were noticeably tighter and more consistent than with my factory choke, especially at distances beyond 40 yards. I was impressed.
Extended Use & Reliability
After using the Kicks Gobblin Thunder for an entire turkey season and several range sessions, I can attest to its durability and reliability. The stainless-steel construction has held up exceptionally well, showing no signs of rust or corrosion despite exposure to various weather conditions. It’s performed flawlessly over the past few months.
There is only minor wear on the knurled locking ring from repeated installation and removal. Cleaning is straightforward, requiring only a quick wipe-down with a bore brush and solvent. The stainless steel resists fouling buildup effectively.
Compared to my previous experiences with factory chokes and other aftermarket options, the Kicks Industries Kicks Gobblin Thunder 12ga Rem Choke .655 has been a significant improvement. The consistent patterns and extended range have instilled confidence in my setup. It definitely outperforms the factory choke.
Breaking Down the Features of Kicks Industries Kicks Gobblin Thunder 12ga Rem Choke .655
Specifications
The Kicks Industries Kicks Gobblin Thunder 12ga Rem Choke .655 is specifically designed for 12-gauge Remington shotguns. The choke tube is constructed from high-quality stainless steel, ensuring durability and resistance to corrosion. The internal diameter is .655 inches.
This tight diameter is intended to produce extremely dense patterns at extended ranges, crucial for cleanly harvesting turkeys. The choke also features strategically placed ports to reduce recoil and muzzle jump, allowing for quicker follow-up shots. These specifications make the Kicks Gobblin Thunder a specialized tool for turkey hunters seeking maximum performance.
Performance & Functionality
The Kicks Industries Kicks Gobblin Thunder 12ga Rem Choke .655 excels at producing extremely tight and consistent patterns with various turkey loads. It significantly extends the effective range of my shotgun, allowing me to confidently take shots at distances beyond 40 yards. Accuracy and reliability are excellent.
Its strengths lie in its ability to deliver devastating patterns at longer ranges and its recoil reduction. A minor weakness might be that it is very specialized; it’s ideal for turkey hunting but may not be suitable for other types of shotgun shooting. It certainly meets and exceeds expectations for its intended purpose.
Design & Ergonomics
The build quality is exceptional. The stainless-steel construction feels robust and durable, assuring that it will withstand the rigors of hunting. It is surprisingly lightweight.
The Kicks Gobblin Thunder is incredibly user-friendly. The knurled locking ring provides a secure grip, making installation and removal easy, even in the field. There is no learning curve.
Durability & Maintenance
The stainless-steel construction ensures that the Kicks Industries Kicks Gobblin Thunder 12ga Rem Choke .655 is built to last. With proper care, it should provide many years of reliable service. Regular cleaning will prevent fouling buildup and maintain optimal performance.
Cleaning is a breeze, requiring only a bore brush, solvent, and a few minutes of time. No special tools are needed for maintenance or repair.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Kicks Industries Kicks Gobblin Thunder 12ga Rem Choke .655 does not come with any additional accessories, as it is a standalone product. However, it’s compatible with any standard choke tube wrench designed for Remington shotguns. There are no specific customization options.
It’s also compatible with a wide range of turkey loads from various manufacturers. Experimenting with different loads is recommended to find the optimal combination for your specific shotgun.
Pros and Cons of Kicks Industries Kicks Gobblin Thunder 12ga Rem Choke .655
Pros
- Extremely tight and consistent patterns at extended ranges. This is the choke’s primary strength and what makes it worth buying.
- Noticeable recoil reduction due to the ported design. Reduces shoulder fatigue during long days in the field.
- Durable stainless-steel construction. Ensures years of reliable performance.
- Easy installation and removal with the knurled locking ring. Simplifies changing chokes in the field.
- Improved confidence in shot placement. Leads to cleaner harvests and fewer missed opportunities.
Cons
- The Kicks Industries Kicks Gobblin Thunder 12ga Rem Choke .655 is specifically designed for turkey hunting and may not be ideal for other shooting applications.
- The extremely tight patterns may require careful aiming at close ranges to avoid missing the target completely.
Who Should Buy Kicks Industries Kicks Gobblin Thunder 12ga Rem Choke .655?
The Kicks Industries Kicks Gobblin Thunder 12ga Rem Choke .655 is perfect for serious turkey hunters who want to maximize the effective range and pattern density of their 12-gauge Remington shotgun. It’s also great for those seeking to reduce recoil for quicker follow-up shots. This product is suitable for experienced hunters.
This choke may not be ideal for hunters who primarily hunt turkeys at close range or those who use their shotgun for a variety of shooting disciplines. Those who want a more versatile choke should look elsewhere. A quality choke tube wrench is a must-have accessory for easy installation and removal.
Conclusion on Kicks Industries Kicks Gobblin Thunder 12ga Rem Choke .655
Overall, the Kicks Industries Kicks Gobblin Thunder 12ga Rem Choke .655 is an excellent investment for serious turkey hunters seeking to improve their patterns and extend their range. It delivers on its promise of tight, consistent patterns and offers a noticeable reduction in recoil. The price of $69.99 is justified by its performance and durability.
I would definitely recommend the Kicks Gobblin Thunder to anyone looking to upgrade their Remington 12-gauge for turkey season. If you’re tired of inconsistent patterns and missed opportunities, this choke tube could be the game-changer you’ve been searching for. Upgrade your shotgun and increase your chances of bagging that trophy gobbler!