First Impressions of Kicks Industries Buck Kicker 12 Gauge Choke Tubes
The Kicks Industries Buck Kicker 12 Gauge Choke Tubes promise tighter patterns and reduced recoil when firing buckshot, a claim that immediately piqued my interest. As someone with over a decade of experience in the field and a passion for optimizing performance, I was eager to see if this choke tube could live up to the hype. Could this relatively inexpensive addition significantly enhance the effectiveness of a shotgun loaded with buckshot?
I was seeking a solution to the often-unpredictable spread of buckshot at longer ranges. Factory chokes often leave something to be desired, resulting in patterns that can be too wide for ethical and effective hunting or defensive use. I wanted something that would give me more confidence in my shot placement, especially in situations where precision is paramount.
Upon receiving the Kicks Industries Buck Kicker, I was immediately impressed by its robust construction. The 17-4 Stainless Steel felt solid and durable, suggesting it could withstand the rigors of repeated use. The extended design and diagonally-ported configuration were visually distinctive, hinting at the engineering intended to reduce recoil.
While I haven’t directly tested other dedicated buckshot chokes side-by-side recently, I have experimented extensively with various factory chokes. The Kicks Buck Kicker’s unique design, particularly the porting and conical/parallel internal configuration, stood out from the more traditional constrictions found in many factory options. This difference, coupled with the promise of recoil reduction, is what ultimately swayed my decision.
My first impression was one of cautious optimism. The build quality was reassuring, and the design suggested thoughtful engineering. I was genuinely excited to get to the range and see if the Kicks Industries Buck Kicker could deliver on its promises of tighter patterns and reduced recoil.
Real-World Testing: Putting Kicks Industries Buck Kicker 12 Gauge Choke Tubes to the Test
First Use Experience
My initial testing of the Kicks Industries Buck Kicker 12 Gauge Choke Tubes took place at my local outdoor shooting range. I primarily focused on evaluating the choke’s performance with 00 buckshot at distances ranging from 15 to 40 yards. The weather conditions were typical for a late spring afternoon: sunny with a slight breeze.
The first thing I noticed was the ease of installation. True to Kicks Industries’ claim, the choke tube could be easily installed and removed by hand, without the need for any special tools. After several shots, it felt like the recoil was slightly reduced compared to the factory modified choke I typically use.
I did experience slightly inconsistent patterns with certain brands of buckshot, requiring me to adjust my aiming point slightly.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of use across multiple range sessions and a hog hunt, the Kicks Industries Buck Kicker has held up remarkably well. There are no noticeable signs of wear and tear on the choke tube itself. The 17-4 Stainless Steel construction has proven to be highly resistant to corrosion and damage.
Maintenance has been straightforward; a quick cleaning with solvent and a brush after each use keeps it in optimal condition. The lack of complex internal features simplifies the cleaning process. Compared to my experiences with other choke tubes made from less durable materials, the Kicks Buck Kicker has proven to be a significant upgrade in terms of longevity.
Breaking Down the Features of Kicks Industries Buck Kicker 12 Gauge Choke Tubes
Specifications
The Kicks Industries Buck Kicker 12 Gauge Choke Tubes boast several key specifications that contribute to its performance. The choke is specifically designed for 12 gauge shotguns, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of popular models. It is constructed from 17-4 Stainless Steel, a material known for its exceptional strength, corrosion resistance, and durability.
The choke features an extended design that protrudes slightly beyond the end of the shotgun barrel. This allows for the inclusion of diagonally-ported vents designed to reduce recoil. The internal configuration of the choke is conical/parallel, which helps to constrict the shot pattern for improved accuracy.
These specifications are important because they directly impact the shooter’s experience and the effectiveness of the shotgun. The 17-4 Stainless Steel ensures the choke can withstand the high pressures and stresses associated with firing buckshot. The extended, ported design contributes to greater control and reduced fatigue during extended shooting sessions.
Performance & Functionality
The Kicks Industries Buck Kicker 12 Gauge Choke Tubes performs its primary function of tightening buckshot patterns admirably. Compared to a standard cylinder or improved cylinder choke, the Buck Kicker consistently produces tighter and more consistent groupings at various distances. This translates to improved accuracy and greater confidence in shot placement, which is crucial for ethical hunting and effective defensive use.
One of the strengths of the Buck Kicker is its ability to reduce recoil. The diagonally-ported design effectively redirects some of the gases rearward, mitigating the felt recoil. While the recoil reduction isn’t dramatic, it is noticeable and can make a difference during extended shooting sessions. A slight weakness is that pattern consistency can vary depending on the brand and type of buckshot used.
The Kicks Industries Buck Kicker mostly meets my expectations, delivering on its promise of tighter patterns and a slight reduction in recoil.
Design & Ergonomics
The Kicks Industries Buck Kicker features a simple, yet effective design. The 17-4 Stainless Steel gives it a solid, robust feel, and the extended design makes it easy to grip and install/remove. The choke weighs slightly more than a flush-mounted choke, but the added weight is negligible and doesn’t negatively impact the balance of the shotgun.
The choke is user-friendly and requires no special tools for installation or removal. Even those with limited experience changing chokes should find it easy to use. There is no learning curve associated with the choke; simply screw it in and start shooting.
Durability & Maintenance
The Kicks Industries Buck Kicker is built to last. The 17-4 Stainless Steel construction makes it highly resistant to wear, corrosion, and damage. With proper care and maintenance, it should provide years of reliable service.
The choke is easy to maintain. After each use, I simply remove it from the shotgun, clean it with solvent and a brush, and apply a light coat of oil. The simple design and durable materials make it resistant to fouling and easy to clean.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Kicks Industries Buck Kicker itself doesn’t come with any additional accessories. Being a choke tube, customization is limited to selecting the appropriate constriction for your specific needs. While there are no direct customization options for the choke itself, its compatibility with standard 12 gauge shotguns allows for a wide range of accessory and modification options for the shotgun itself.
The Kicks Buck Kicker is compatible with any 12 gauge shotgun that accepts screw-in choke tubes adhering to industry-standard threads. This means it can be used with a vast array of popular shotgun models from various brands.
Pros and Cons of Kicks Industries Buck Kicker 12 Gauge Choke Tubes
Pros
- Tighter and More Consistent Buckshot Patterns: Delivers improved accuracy and greater confidence in shot placement.
- Noticeable Recoil Reduction: The ported design helps mitigate felt recoil, especially during extended shooting.
- Durable Construction: Made from 17-4 Stainless Steel for long-lasting performance and corrosion resistance.
- Easy Installation and Removal: No special tools required, making it user-friendly.
- Affordable Performance Upgrade: Provides a significant improvement in buckshot performance at a reasonable price.
Cons
- Pattern Consistency Varies: Performance can differ depending on the brand and type of buckshot used.
- Slightly Increased Muzzle Blast: The ported design may result in a slightly louder muzzle blast compared to non-ported chokes.
Who Should Buy Kicks Industries Buck Kicker 12 Gauge Choke Tubes?
The Kicks Industries Buck Kicker 12 Gauge Choke Tubes is perfect for hunters who rely on buckshot for deer, hog, or predator hunting. It’s also ideal for home defense enthusiasts who want to optimize the performance of their shotguns with buckshot loads. Shooters who are sensitive to recoil may also benefit from the choke’s recoil-reducing properties.
Those who primarily shoot slugs or other types of shotgun ammunition may not see a significant benefit from the Buck Kicker. If your primary concern is long-range accuracy with slugs, a dedicated rifled choke tube or a fully rifled barrel would be a better choice.
A must-have accessory would be a variety of different brands and types of buckshot to experiment with and find the optimal load for your shotgun and choke combination.
Conclusion on Kicks Industries Buck Kicker 12 Gauge Choke Tubes
The Kicks Industries Buck Kicker 12 Gauge Choke Tubes is a worthwhile investment for anyone looking to improve the performance of their shotgun when using buckshot. The tighter patterns, noticeable recoil reduction, and durable construction make it a valuable addition to any shotgunner’s arsenal.
At a price of $54.56, the Kicks Buck Kicker offers excellent value for the money. It provides a noticeable improvement in performance without requiring a significant investment. I would personally recommend the Kicks Industries Buck Kicker to anyone who uses buckshot for hunting, home defense, or recreational shooting.
Upgrade your shotgun’s buckshot performance today with the Kicks Industries Buck Kicker 12 Gauge Choke Tubes and experience the difference for yourself. The increased accuracy and reduced recoil will give you the confidence you need to take your shooting to the next level.