The Kick’s Gobblin Thunder Turkey Choke Tube for 12 ga Browning Invector Plus .670 Made a Bold First Impression
For years, I’ve chased thunderous gobbles through dense woods and across open fields, always searching for that perfect pattern that brings down a tom with unmatched precision. My quest for the ultimate turkey choke led me to the Kick’s Gobblin Thunder Turkey Choke Tube for 12 ga Browning Invector Plus .670, a name that resonated with the promise of superior performance. The Kick’s reputation for producing high-quality chokes, coupled with the Gobblin Thunder’s success in NWTF competitions, piqued my interest.
I’d previously struggled with inconsistent patterns from factory chokes and even some aftermarket options, leaving me frustrated and occasionally empty-handed. This inconsistency wasn’t just about missed shots; it was about the ethical responsibility to ensure a clean, quick harvest. The claim that the Gobblin Thunder could transform a standard shotgun into a “turkey hunting specialist” was a claim I was eager to test.
Upon receiving the Kick’s Gobblin Thunder, I was immediately struck by its robust construction. The blackened steel finish exuded durability, suggesting it could withstand the rigors of turkey season. Compared to the ported chokes I’d used before, the angled ports on the Kick’s Gobblin Thunder appeared more precisely engineered.
Other chokes I considered included the Primos Jelly Head and the Carlson’s Long Beard XR choke, both popular options. I chose the Kick’s Gobblin Thunder because of its proven track record in competition and the unique directional port design. The price point of $44.99 felt reasonable for a choke promising such a significant performance boost.
My initial impression was one of cautious optimism. Could this relatively inexpensive choke truly deliver the tight, consistent patterns I craved? The answer, as I discovered, was a resounding yes.
Real-World Testing: Putting Kick’s Gobblin Thunder Turkey Choke Tube for 12 ga Browning Invector Plus .670 to the Test
First Use Experience
My first test with the Kick’s Gobblin Thunder Turkey Choke Tube for 12 ga Browning Invector Plus .670 took place at my local shooting range. I was preparing for the upcoming spring turkey season. The weather was typical for early spring – damp and slightly chilly, with a light drizzle threatening to turn into a full-blown downpour.
I patterned my Browning Silver Hunter using various turkey loads, ranging from standard 2 3/4-inch shells to high-velocity 3-inch magnums. Immediately, the difference was noticeable. The Gobblin Thunder delivered significantly tighter and more consistent patterns than the factory choke.
Recoil, surprisingly, felt slightly reduced, likely due to the directional porting redirecting gases. I needed no time to adjust; the improved pattern was evident from the first shot. The only initial surprise was the slightly louder report due to the ported design, but this was a minor trade-off for the enhanced performance.
Extended Use & Reliability
After a full season of turkey hunting across various terrains, the Kick’s Gobblin Thunder continues to impress. It has endured dusty trails, muddy fields, and even a few accidental bumps against trees. The choke tube shows minimal signs of wear.
Cleaning is a breeze. A quick scrub with a bore brush and solvent removes any powder residue, ensuring optimal performance. Compared to previous chokes, the Kick’s Gobblin Thunder has proven to be far more reliable and consistent across a wider range of ammunition types.
It has consistently outperformed my expectations, delivering clean kills at ranges I previously considered unethical with other chokes. The increased confidence in my pattern has undoubtedly translated into more successful hunts.
Breaking Down the Features of Kick’s Gobblin Thunder Turkey Choke Tube for 12 ga Browning Invector Plus .670
Specifications
The Kick’s Gobblin Thunder Turkey Choke Tube is designed for 12-gauge Browning Invector Plus shotguns. This ensures a proper and secure fit, crucial for safety and performance.
It has a .670 constriction, optimized for tight patterns at typical turkey hunting ranges. This specific constriction provides the ideal balance between pattern density and effective range.
The choke features Kick’s signature conical parallel design. This design combines a traditional cone of constriction with a parallel section, maintaining consistent pressure on the shot column.
Unique directional diagonal ports are incorporated. These ports are angled at 135 degrees away from the shooter, reducing recoil and side blast while stabilizing the wad for faster separation.
The external ported section extends approximately 1 3/4 inches from the muzzle. This extension is noticeable but doesn’t significantly impact maneuverability and aids in pattern development.
Performance & Functionality
The Kick’s Gobblin Thunder Turkey Choke Tube for 12 ga Browning Invector Plus .670 excels at producing exceptionally tight and consistent patterns at 40 yards and beyond. This allows for ethical and effective shots on gobblers at extended ranges. The choke’s performance is noticeably superior to factory chokes and many other aftermarket options.
Its primary strength is its ability to maintain pattern density and reduce the impact of the wad on shot dispersion. Areas needing improvement are minimal, perhaps a slightly less aggressive porting design to further reduce noise. The Gobblin Thunder exceeds expectations, delivering on its promise of transforming a standard shotgun into a turkey hunting specialist.
Design & Ergonomics
The build quality is excellent, with durable steel construction and a corrosion-resistant finish. The choke’s weight is negligible, not affecting the balance of the shotgun. Installation is simple, requiring only a choke tube wrench.
The design is functional and effective, prioritizing performance over aesthetics. There is a slight learning curve to understanding the optimal ammunition for this choke, but this is typical with any specialized choke tube.
Durability & Maintenance
The Kick’s Gobblin Thunder Turkey Choke Tube is built to last. Its robust construction can withstand the rigors of extensive hunting use. Maintaining it is straightforward; regular cleaning with a bore brush and solvent is sufficient to prevent fouling and ensure consistent performance.
The choke’s durable finish resists rust and corrosion, even in harsh weather conditions. With proper care, this choke tube should provide many seasons of reliable service.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Kick’s Gobblin Thunder Turkey Choke Tube for 12 ga Browning Invector Plus .670 does not come with any additional accessories. However, it is compatible with most standard choke tube wrenches designed for Browning Invector Plus shotguns.
While not a customization option in itself, the choke’s performance can be optimized through careful selection of ammunition. Experimenting with different brands and shot sizes is crucial to finding the perfect load for your shotgun and hunting conditions. There are no specific modifications available for the choke itself.
Pros and Cons of Kick’s Gobblin Thunder Turkey Choke Tube for 12 ga Browning Invector Plus .670
Pros
- Consistently tight and dense patterns at extended ranges.
- Noticeably reduces recoil and muzzle jump.
- Durable construction built to withstand harsh conditions.
- Easy to install and maintain.
- Proven performance with multiple NWTF competition wins.
Cons
- Ported design increases noise level.
- Requires careful ammunition selection for optimal performance.
Who Should Buy Kick’s Gobblin Thunder Turkey Choke Tube for 12 ga Browning Invector Plus .670?
The Kick’s Gobblin Thunder Turkey Choke Tube for 12 ga Browning Invector Plus .670 is perfect for serious turkey hunters seeking to maximize the effective range and pattern density of their Browning Invector Plus shotgun. It’s ideal for hunters who prioritize performance and reliability above all else, and who are willing to experiment with different ammunition to find the perfect match. Experienced hunters looking for an edge will appreciate the Gobblin Thunder’s competitive pedigree and proven track record.
Those who should skip this product include casual turkey hunters who only occasionally pursue gobblers, or hunters who are highly sensitive to increased noise levels. If a hunter primarily hunts in very close quarters, a more open choke may be more suitable. A must-have accessory is a high-quality choke tube wrench for easy installation and removal.
Conclusion on Kick’s Gobblin Thunder Turkey Choke Tube for 12 ga Browning Invector Plus .670
The Kick’s Gobblin Thunder Turkey Choke Tube for 12 ga Browning Invector Plus .670 is a game-changer for serious turkey hunters. For $44.99, the improved pattern density and reduced recoil make it an exceptional value. I wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone looking to transform their Browning shotgun into a dedicated turkey hunting machine.
The performance speaks for itself, having delivered cleaner kills at longer ranges than I ever thought possible. Take your turkey hunting to the next level and experience the thunderous performance of the Kick’s Gobblin Thunder!