First Thoughts on the Kick’s BuckKicker Extra Full Choke Tube for 12 ga Remington .690
I’ve spent over a decade immersed in the world of outdoor and tactical gear, and one constant need I’ve encountered is for tighter, more consistent buckshot patterns. The Kick’s BuckKicker Extra Full Choke Tube for 12 ga Remington .690 promises just that, and I was eager to see if it lived up to the hype. This choke tube is designed to tighten buckshot patterns, reduce recoil, and is made right here in the USA by Kick’s.
My primary reason for seeking out this choke was the inconsistent patterns I was getting with standard factory chokes when deer hunting in thick brush. The hope was a tighter pattern at reasonable distances (25-40 yards) for ethical, clean kills. The Kick’s BuckKicker Extra Full Choke Tube for 12 ga Remington .690 arrived in a simple, no-frills package. The initial impression was positive: the stainless steel felt robust and the ported design looked aggressive yet functional.
Compared to other extended choke tubes I’ve used, like those from Carlson’s or Trulock, the Kick’s BuckKicker Extra Full Choke Tube for 12 ga Remington .690 stood out due to its pronounced porting and the promise of recoil reduction. I opted for this choke specifically because of the extra full constriction and the recoil reduction features advertised. I was cautiously optimistic. The build quality looked solid, but the proof would be in the patterning.
Real-World Testing: Putting Kick’s BuckKicker Extra Full Choke Tube for 12 ga Remington .690 to the Test
First Use Experience
My first range trip with the Kick’s BuckKicker Extra Full Choke Tube for 12 ga Remington .690 was at my local outdoor range. I was using my trusty Remington 870 and a variety of 12-gauge buckshot loads, from 00 buck to #4 buck. The weather was mild, around 60 degrees with a slight breeze, ideal for testing.
The choke screwed in easily by hand, no wrench required, which was a definite plus. I immediately noticed a slight reduction in felt recoil compared to the factory modified choke I usually use. The pattern results at 25 yards were impressive; much tighter than what I was accustomed to, keeping all pellets within a 12-inch circle. There were no malfunctions, and the choke remained securely in place after multiple rounds.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of use, including a deer hunting season and numerous range sessions, the Kick’s BuckKicker Extra Full Choke Tube for 12 ga Remington .690 has held up remarkably well. There are no signs of wear or corrosion on the stainless-steel finish, despite being exposed to rain, mud, and varying temperatures. I’ve primarily used it with Remington and Federal buckshot, and it consistently delivers tight patterns.
Cleaning is simple; a quick wipe-down with solvent and a brush keeps it free of fouling. Compared to my previous experiences with other choke tubes that sometimes loosened after repeated firing, the Kick’s BuckKicker Extra Full Choke Tube for 12 ga Remington .690 has remained firmly in place. It has definitely outperformed my expectations, providing a reliable and consistent performance boost.
Breaking Down the Features of Kick’s BuckKicker Extra Full Choke Tube for 12 ga Remington .690
Specifications
- The Kick’s BuckKicker Extra Full Choke Tube for 12 ga Remington .690 is designed for 12-gauge shotguns with Remington threading. Its extra full constriction (.690″) is specifically engineered for buckshot loads.
- The choke tube has an overall length of 3 9/16 inches, with a ported section measuring 1 1/2 inches. The in-barrel length is 2 1/16 inches, providing ample thread engagement.
- Constructed from 17-4 stainless steel, the Kick’s BuckKicker Extra Full Choke Tube for 12 ga Remington .690 offers exceptional durability and corrosion resistance. The standard bore size is .730 inches.
- This choke features a diagonally-ported design. This design aids in recoil reduction by redirecting gases.
- It’s designed for easy, tool-free installation and removal. This makes it convenient for quick changes in the field.
These specifications are vital for optimizing buckshot performance. The extra full constriction ensures a tight pattern, while the ported design helps manage recoil. The stainless-steel construction ensures longevity.
Performance & Functionality
The Kick’s BuckKicker Extra Full Choke Tube for 12 ga Remington .690 excels at tightening buckshot patterns, which is its primary function. At 25 yards, I consistently achieve patterns within a 12-inch circle, significantly better than the 20-24 inch patterns I was getting with a modified choke. The recoil reduction is noticeable, allowing for faster follow-up shots.
A key strength is the consistent pattern density across different buckshot brands. The main weakness is that the extra full constriction is too tight for some ranges; shots inside 15 yards can result in overly dense, potentially damaging patterns. It meets and exceeds my expectations for pattern tightness at typical hunting ranges.
Design & Ergonomics
The Kick’s BuckKicker Extra Full Choke Tube for 12 ga Remington .690 features a robust, no-nonsense design. The 17-4 stainless steel feels solid and well-machined. The weight is negligible, adding no noticeable bulk to the shotgun.
The design is user-friendly; installation and removal are straightforward. There is no learning curve.
Durability & Maintenance
The 17-4 stainless steel construction ensures the Kick’s BuckKicker Extra Full Choke Tube for 12 ga Remington .690 will last for years with proper care. Periodic cleaning to remove plastic wad residue and powder fouling is all that’s required. It is easy to maintain and requires no specialized tools for cleaning or repair.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Kick’s BuckKicker Extra Full Choke Tube for 12 ga Remington .690 doesn’t come with any accessories. There are no customization options directly related to the choke itself. However, its compatibility with Remington-threaded 12-gauge shotguns means it works with a vast array of aftermarket sights, slings, and other accessories.
Pros and Cons of Kick’s BuckKicker Extra Full Choke Tube for 12 ga Remington .690Pros
- Significantly tighter buckshot patterns at 25-40 yards. This improves accuracy and ethical hunting.
- Noticeable recoil reduction allows for faster follow-up shots. This is particularly helpful when hunting running game.
- Easy to install and remove by hand, making it quick to adapt to different hunting situations. No tools required.
- Durable 17-4 stainless steel construction ensures long-lasting performance in harsh conditions. Corrosion resistant.
- Made in the USA by Kick’s, ensuring high-quality manufacturing standards.
Cons
- Patterns may be too tight at very close ranges (under 15 yards), potentially damaging the target. Not ideal for very close-quarters scenarios.
- The extra full constriction is specifically for buckshot, limiting its versatility with other types of shotgun ammunition.
Who Should Buy Kick’s BuckKicker Extra Full Choke Tube for 12 ga Remington .690?
Pros
- Significantly tighter buckshot patterns at 25-40 yards. This improves accuracy and ethical hunting.
- Noticeable recoil reduction allows for faster follow-up shots. This is particularly helpful when hunting running game.
- Easy to install and remove by hand, making it quick to adapt to different hunting situations. No tools required.
- Durable 17-4 stainless steel construction ensures long-lasting performance in harsh conditions. Corrosion resistant.
- Made in the USA by Kick’s, ensuring high-quality manufacturing standards.
Cons
- Patterns may be too tight at very close ranges (under 15 yards), potentially damaging the target. Not ideal for very close-quarters scenarios.
- The extra full constriction is specifically for buckshot, limiting its versatility with other types of shotgun ammunition.
The Kick’s BuckKicker Extra Full Choke Tube for 12 ga Remington .690 is perfect for hunters who primarily use buckshot for deer or other large game in areas with moderate ranges (25-40 yards). It is also suitable for those seeking to reduce recoil for faster follow-up shots. Anyone wanting tighter, more consistent patterns out of their Remington 12ga shotgun will benefit.
This product is not ideal for hunters who frequently engage targets at very close ranges (under 15 yards) or who primarily use birdshot or slugs. Those who prefer a more versatile choke tube for various ammunition types should also skip this product. A bore brush and solvent are must-have accessories for maintaining the choke’s performance.
Conclusion on Kick’s BuckKicker Extra Full Choke Tube for 12 ga Remington .690
Overall, the Kick’s BuckKicker Extra Full Choke Tube for 12 ga Remington .690 is a well-designed and effective choke tube for tightening buckshot patterns and reducing recoil. At $45.49, the price is justified by the noticeable improvement in pattern density and the durable construction. The increase in confidence for hunters ethically harvesting game animals is well worth the cost.
I would definitely recommend the Kick’s BuckKicker Extra Full Choke Tube for 12 ga Remington .690 to anyone looking to enhance the performance of their Remington 12-gauge shotgun with buckshot. Tighten your patterns, reduce recoil, and put more meat in the freezer. Grab yours today!