First Thoughts on the KICKS GOBBLIN THUNDER 12GA
The quest for the perfect turkey choke is a rabbit hole. It’s a journey filled with promises of tighter patterns, longer ranges, and more birds in the freezer. That’s why the KICKS GOBBLIN THUNDER 12GA choke tube from Kicks Chokes immediately caught my eye.
For years, I’ve chased gobblers across the South, wrestling with inconsistent patterns from factory chokes. I needed something that could consistently deliver a dense, lethal pattern at reasonable distances. The promise of a .660 diameter exit piqued my interest, hinting at the extreme constriction needed for tight, long-range shots.
I’ve used extended ported chokes before, finding some success but always feeling like something was missing. Upon unboxing, the KICKS GOBBLIN THUNDER 12GA felt solid, well-machined, and ready for business. Its black oxide finish looked durable and functional, not flashy, which I appreciated.
Compared to a Carlson’s Long Beard XR Choke Tube and a Patternmaster Code Black Turkey Choke, the KICKS GOBBLIN THUNDER 12GA appeared more aggressively ported. This suggested a focus on recoil reduction and pattern consistency. My initial excitement was tempered with a healthy dose of skepticism, as many chokes promise the world but underdeliver in the field. This one felt different, though; it had a serious, no-nonsense vibe.
Real-World Testing: Putting KICKS GOBBLIN THUNDER 12GA to the Test
First Use Experience
My first test with the KICKS GOBBLIN THUNDER 12GA was at my local shooting range. I mounted it in my trusty Benelli Super Black Eagle II and patterned it with a variety of 12-gauge turkey loads, from #4 to #6 shot, including Winchester Long Beard XR and Federal Premium TSS. I wanted to see what this choke was truly capable of.
The weather was a typical humid Georgia spring day, with temperatures hovering around 75 degrees. The most noticeable thing was the recoil reduction; the porting definitely helped tame the 3.5″ magnums. Patterns at 40 yards were incredibly dense, with consistently high pellet counts in a 10-inch circle.
After the initial range session, I was eager to get it in the woods. The first hunt revealed the KICKS GOBBLIN THUNDER 12GA‘s true potential. A tom strutted into range at 35 yards, and the resulting pattern dropped him in his tracks. No flopping, no second shot needed – just a clean, ethical kill.
Extended Use & Reliability
After an entire turkey season and countless range sessions, the KICKS GOBBLIN THUNDER 12GA has proven its worth. It has become my go-to choke for serious turkey hunting.
The finish has held up remarkably well, showing only minor signs of wear despite being exposed to rain, mud, and general abuse. Cleaning is simple; a quick scrub with a brass brush and some solvent is all it takes. Compared to previous chokes, the KICKS GOBBLIN THUNDER 12GA has consistently delivered tighter, more reliable patterns, giving me the confidence to take longer shots when necessary.
Breaking Down the Features of KICKS GOBBLIN THUNDER 12GA
Specifications
- Caliber: 12 Gauge
- Choke Diameter: .660″
- Construction: Heat-treated 17-4 stainless steel. This provides excellent strength and corrosion resistance, ensuring longevity.
- Porting: Aggressively ported design. This helps reduce recoil and muzzle jump, improving shot-to-shot recovery.
- Compatibility: Fits most shotguns with standard WinChoke threads. Always confirm compatibility before purchasing.
Performance & Functionality
The KICKS GOBBLIN THUNDER 12GA excels at delivering extremely tight patterns at extended ranges. The .660″ constriction is specifically designed for maximizing pellet density.
The ported design significantly reduces felt recoil, making it more comfortable to shoot magnum loads. Its only weakness is that it may be too tight for very close-range shots (inside 20 yards), potentially leading to overly dense patterns and damaged birds.
It definitely met and exceeded my expectations, consistently providing lethal patterns at distances I previously wouldn’t have considered.
Design & Ergonomics
The KICKS GOBBLIN THUNDER 12GA is built from durable 17-4 stainless steel with a non-reflective black finish. It has a solid feel in hand and installs easily with a choke tube wrench. The extended design makes it easy to identify.
It requires no modifications to the shotgun and has a straightforward, user-friendly design.
Durability & Maintenance
The KICKS GOBBLIN THUNDER 12GA is built to last. The stainless steel construction resists corrosion and wear, even under harsh conditions. Regular cleaning with a solvent and choke tube brush is all that’s needed to keep it in top condition.
Accessories and Customization Options
The KICKS GOBBLIN THUNDER 12GA doesn’t require any specific accessories. A choke tube wrench is recommended for easy installation and removal. It’s compatible with any 12-gauge shotgun with WinChoke threads.
Pros and Cons of KICKS GOBBLIN THUNDER 12GA
Pros
- Delivers incredibly tight, consistent patterns at long ranges.
- Noticeably reduces recoil, especially with magnum loads.
- Durable stainless steel construction ensures long-lasting performance.
- Easy to install and maintain.
- Great value for the price.
Cons
- May produce patterns that are too tight for very close-range shots (under 20 yards).
- The aggressive porting can create slightly louder report.
Who Should Buy KICKS GOBBLIN THUNDER 12GA?
The KICKS GOBBLIN THUNDER 12GA is perfect for serious turkey hunters who prioritize long-range performance and are comfortable taking shots at 40+ yards. It’s also ideal for hunters who use magnum loads and want to reduce felt recoil.
Hunters who primarily hunt in thick brush or call birds in close (within 20 yards) should consider a choke with a more open constriction. A choke tube wrench is a must-have accessory for easy installation and removal.
Conclusion on KICKS GOBBLIN THUNDER 12GA
The KICKS GOBBLIN THUNDER 12GA is a game-changer for serious turkey hunters. It consistently delivers tight, lethal patterns at extended ranges, giving you the confidence to take those longer shots.
At $44.99, it’s an excellent value, providing performance comparable to chokes costing twice as much. I wholeheartedly recommend the KICKS GOBBLIN THUNDER 12GA to anyone looking to maximize their shotgun’s potential and put more gobblers in the freezer. Add it to your cart now and get ready for a successful turkey season!