Let’s Talk About Kicks Industries Kicks Gobblin Thunder 20ga Rem Choke .570
The Kicks Industries Kicks Gobblin Thunder 20ga Rem Choke .570 is a specialized choke tube designed to deliver tight, dense patterns with lead shot out of a 20-gauge shotgun. Marketed primarily to turkey hunters, this choke promises to turn your scattergun into a gobbler-stopping machine. Kicks Industries aims to provide hunters with the confidence to take longer shots, ethically and effectively.
My pursuit of the perfect turkey hunting setup led me to this choke. I was struggling to get consistent, tight patterns with my current full choke, resulting in missed or poorly hit birds. I needed a solution that would maximize the performance of my 20-gauge.
Upon unboxing, the Kicks Gobblin Thunder has a robust and solid feel. The black stainless steel construction inspires confidence, promising durability in the field. It’s heavier than the flush-mounted choke it would replace, which initially raised concerns about balance.
Compared to a standard full choke and a Carlson’s Long Beard XR choke, the Kicks Industries choke stood out due to its ported design and tighter constriction. The Carlson’s choke, while good, didn’t consistently produce the super-tight patterns I was seeking for longer-range shots. I chose the Kicks Gobblin Thunder hoping for the edge it promised in pattern density and downrange energy.
My first impression was cautiously optimistic. The build quality seemed excellent, and the ported design intrigued me. I was eager to hit the range and see if the Kicks Industries hype matched its real-world performance.
Real-World Testing: Putting Kicks Industries Kicks Gobblin Thunder 20ga Rem Choke .570 to the Test
First Use Experience
I tested the Kicks Industries Kicks Gobblin Thunder at my local shooting range. The range offered a safe and controlled environment to evaluate pattern density and point of impact. I set up targets at 20, 30, and 40 yards to simulate typical turkey hunting distances.
Testing occurred on a slightly overcast day with minimal wind. I used a variety of 20-gauge lead turkey loads, including Winchester Long Beard XR, Federal Premium, and some older Remington loads. The Kicks Gobblin Thunder performed admirably across the different ammunition types.
The choke installed easily and securely, and the ported design noticeably reduced felt recoil and muzzle jump. This reduction helped maintain sight picture for quicker follow-up shots, if needed. The initial patterns were impressively tight, especially at 30 and 40 yards.
My only issue after the first range session was that the choke seemed to slightly impact the balance of the shotgun. It made the gun feel a little muzzle-heavy, which could become tiring during a long day in the woods.
Extended Use & Reliability
After a full turkey season, the Kicks Industries Kicks Gobblin Thunder has proven to be a reliable performer. The stainless steel construction has resisted rust and corrosion, even after exposure to wet and muddy conditions. It’s been subjected to morning dew, light rain, and even a brief dunk in a creek without any signs of degradation.
There are no noticeable signs of wear and tear beyond minor scratches. The choke maintains its tight fit and consistent pattern performance. Cleaning has been straightforward.
Compared to my previous full choke, the Kicks Industries Kicks Gobblin Thunder delivers consistently tighter patterns at longer ranges. This has translated to cleaner kills and increased confidence in the field. It has lived up to my expectations and improved my turkey hunting success.
Breaking Down the Features of Kicks Industries Kicks Gobblin Thunder 20ga Rem Choke .570
Specifications
- The Kicks Industries Kicks Gobblin Thunder 20ga Rem Choke .570 is designed for 20-gauge shotguns with Remington choke threads. This ensures compatibility with a wide range of popular 20-gauge models.
- The choke has a .570-inch diameter constriction. This tight constriction helps squeeze the shot cloud into a dense, effective pattern at longer ranges.
- It is constructed from stainless steel. Stainless steel offers excellent corrosion resistance and durability for use in harsh hunting environments.
- The choke features a ported design. The ports help to reduce recoil and muzzle jump, improving shooter comfort and control.
- The choke is designed for use with lead shot. This restriction is crucial as using steel shot can damage the choke due to its tight constriction and lack of steel shot compatibility.
- It has a black finish. The black finish helps reduce glare and provides a tactical look.
- This Manufacturer, Kicks Industries is well known for producing high quality aftermarket chokes.
These specifications are crucial because they directly impact the choke’s performance. The tight constriction and ported design work together to create dense patterns and reduce recoil.
Performance & Functionality
The Kicks Industries Kicks Gobblin Thunder 20ga Rem Choke .570 excels at producing extremely tight, dense patterns with lead turkey loads. This translates to increased effective range and improved downrange energy on the target.
The choke’s greatest strength is its ability to consistently deliver lethal patterns at 40 yards. Its only weakness is that at very close ranges (inside 15 yards), the pattern can be too tight, potentially resulting in a miss if not precisely aimed. It exceeds expectations for pattern density.
Design & Ergonomics
The Kicks Industries Kicks Gobblin Thunder is a well-built choke tube. It is constructed from high-quality stainless steel, giving it a solid and durable feel.
The choke installs easily using a standard choke tube wrench. There’s no significant learning curve beyond understanding the optimal load for your specific shotgun and hunting conditions.
Durability & Maintenance
The Kicks Industries Kicks Gobblin Thunder is built to last. Its stainless steel construction ensures excellent corrosion resistance.
Cleaning and maintenance are simple. After each use, the choke is easily cleaned with a standard shotgun cleaning kit.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Kicks Industries Kicks Gobblin Thunder 20ga Rem Choke .570 does not come with any additional accessories. It is a standalone choke tube designed to work with existing 20-gauge shotguns that utilize the Remington choke system.
The choke is compatible with a variety of aftermarket choke wrenches designed for Remington-style choke tubes. It is also compatible with different brands and sizes of lead turkey loads.
Pros and Cons of Kicks Industries Kicks Gobblin Thunder 20ga Rem Choke .570
Pros
- Delivers exceptionally tight and dense patterns.
- Significantly extends effective range for turkey hunting.
- Noticeably reduces felt recoil and muzzle jump.
- Durable stainless steel construction.
- Easy to install and maintain.
Cons
- Pattern can be too tight at very close ranges.
- May slightly affect shotgun balance due to added weight.
Who Should Buy Kicks Industries Kicks Gobblin Thunder 20ga Rem Choke .570?
The Kicks Industries Kicks Gobblin Thunder 20ga Rem Choke .570 is perfect for turkey hunters who prioritize long-range performance and tight patterns. It is also well-suited for hunters who are recoil-sensitive, as the ported design helps to mitigate kick.
Hunters primarily hunting in dense woods where shots are typically very close (inside 15 yards) might want to skip this product, or at least be aware of the potential for overly tight patterns. A quality choke tube wrench is a must-have accessory for easy installation and removal.
Conclusion on Kicks Industries Kicks Gobblin Thunder 20ga Rem Choke .570
Overall, the Kicks Industries Kicks Gobblin Thunder 20ga Rem Choke .570 is an excellent choke tube that delivers on its promise of tight, dense patterns and reduced recoil. Its durable stainless steel construction ensures long-lasting performance in the field.
The price is justified given the improved performance and increased confidence it provides. I would definitely recommend it to any serious turkey hunter looking to maximize the potential of their 20-gauge shotgun.
If you’re tired of missed opportunities and want to extend your effective range, the Kicks Gobblin Thunder is a worthy investment. Take your turkey hunting to the next level and get yours today!