The KICKS GOBBLIN THUNDER 12GA Made a Bold First Impression
Turkey hunting is a game of inches, and for years, I’ve chased that extra edge, that tighter pattern, that guaranteed thump. My quest led me through countless chokes, each promising better results than the last. Then, I stumbled upon the KICKS GOBBLIN THUNDER 12GA.
My current setup was decent, but I was still seeing some frustrating flyers at 40 yards. I wanted a choke that would consistently deliver a denser, more uniform pattern at longer ranges. This search led me to the KICKS GOBBLIN THUNDER 12GA, with its promise of tight patterns and extended range.
The KICKS GOBBLIN THUNDER 12GA arrived in a simple, no-frills package. The first thing I noticed was its robust construction; it felt solid and well-machined. Its matte black finish gave it a tactical look that I appreciated.
I’ve used chokes from Carlson’s and Patternmaster in the past. Those chokes performed adequately, but the KICKS GOBBLIN THUNDER 12GA stood out immediately with its tighter .660 diameter. I was excited to see how that affected the shot pattern. My initial reaction was a definite “yes, this feels like a serious piece of gear!”
Real-World Testing: Putting KICKS GOBBLIN THUNDER 12GA to the Test
First Use Experience
My first test of the KICKS GOBBLIN THUNDER 12GA was at my local gun range, using a 12-gauge pump shotgun with a 28-inch barrel. I tested it with a variety of turkey loads, including Federal Premium Grand Slam and Winchester Long Beard XR. The goal was to see which load patterned best at 40 yards.
The weather was slightly overcast with a light breeze, providing relatively neutral conditions. The KICKS GOBBLIN THUNDER 12GA was simple to install, threading smoothly into the barrel of my shotgun. After the first few shots, I was immediately impressed with the pattern density.
There were no initial problems, and the choke performed as expected. After just a few rounds, I noticed the impact on my pattern immediately.
Extended Use & Reliability
After a full turkey season using the KICKS GOBBLIN THUNDER 12GA, I can confidently say that it has exceeded my expectations. I’ve hunted in conditions ranging from early morning frost to midday heat, and the choke has performed flawlessly every time. There are no signs of wear and tear.
Cleaning the choke is straightforward; a quick scrub with a bore brush and solvent keeps it in top condition. Compared to my previous chokes, the KICKS GOBBLIN THUNDER 12GA provides consistently tighter patterns. It has boosted my confidence when taking those longer shots.
The choke is extremely reliable. The choke outperformed all other previous experiences.
Breaking Down the Features of KICKS GOBBLIN THUNDER 12GA
Specifications
The KICKS GOBBLIN THUNDER 12GA is a 12-gauge choke tube designed specifically for turkey hunting. Its most notable specification is its .660 diameter constriction. This tight constriction is intended to produce extremely dense patterns at extended ranges.
The choke is designed to fit shotguns with Winchester style choke threading. This ensures compatibility with a wide range of popular shotgun models. The robust steel construction of the choke makes it durable. This ensures the choke can withstand the rigors of turkey hunting.
Performance & Functionality
The KICKS GOBBLIN THUNDER 12GA excels at creating exceptionally tight patterns. This is crucial for ethical and effective turkey hunting, especially at longer ranges. The .660 diameter constriction works best with premium turkey loads, maximizing pattern density.
The primary strength of this choke is its ability to deliver consistent, dense patterns, extending the effective range. The only potential weakness is that extremely tight patterns can be less forgiving at close range. This requires precise aiming. The KICKS GOBBLIN THUNDER 12GA significantly exceeds expectations.
Design & Ergonomics
The choke is constructed from high-quality steel. The steel contributes to its durability and resistance to wear. The matte black finish reduces glare, an essential consideration for turkey hunting.
The choke has an extended design. This allows for easy installation and removal with a choke wrench. There is a slight learning curve in understanding the optimal loads. Experimentation is recommended to find the best ammunition for individual shotguns.
Durability & Maintenance
The KICKS GOBBLIN THUNDER 12GA is built to last. Its rugged steel construction is capable of withstanding the harsh conditions of turkey hunting for many seasons. Maintaining the choke is simple. Regular cleaning with a bore brush and solvent is recommended to remove residue and prevent corrosion.
The KICKS GOBBLIN THUNDER 12GA will provide many years of use. It is extremely simple to maintain and clean.
Accessories and Customization Options
The KICKS GOBBLIN THUNDER 12GA does not come with additional accessories. It is a standalone choke tube. While no direct customization is available for the choke itself, pairing it with different turkey loads allows for significant pattern optimization.
The choke is compatible with most standard choke wrenches. It is designed for shotguns with Winchester style choke threading. Finding the best load enhances this KICKS choke.
Pros and Cons of KICKS GOBBLIN THUNDER 12GA
Pros
- Extremely tight and dense patterns at extended ranges.
- Durable steel construction for long-lasting performance.
- Improved confidence in taking longer shots on turkeys.
- Compatible with a wide range of 12-gauge shotguns.
- Simple to install and maintain.
Cons
- Tight patterns can be less forgiving at close range, requiring precise aiming.
- Requires experimentation with different turkey loads to achieve optimal performance.
Who Should Buy KICKS GOBBLIN THUNDER 12GA?
The KICKS GOBBLIN THUNDER 12GA is perfect for serious turkey hunters seeking to extend their effective range and achieve tighter, more consistent patterns. It is also great for hunters who demand durable, reliable equipment. Experienced turkey hunters who are willing to experiment with different loads will benefit greatly.
Hunters primarily hunting in thick cover where shots are typically very close (inside 20 yards) might find a more open choke beneficial. This product is not for casual shooters who do not want to find the correct load for their shotgun. A quality choke wrench is a must-have accessory for easy installation and removal.
Conclusion on KICKS GOBBLIN THUNDER 12GA
The KICKS GOBBLIN THUNDER 12GA has proven to be an invaluable addition to my turkey hunting setup. Its ability to produce incredibly tight and dense patterns at extended ranges has significantly boosted my confidence. It has increased my chances of a successful hunt.
At $44.99, the KICKS GOBBLIN THUNDER 12GA represents excellent value. It is especially valuable considering the performance gains it offers. I wholeheartedly recommend the KICKS GOBBLIN THUNDER 12GA to any serious turkey hunter.
If you’re ready to take your turkey hunting to the next level, invest in the KICKS GOBBLIN THUNDER 12GA. You will not be disappointed.