KICKS GOBBLIN THUNDER 20GA Review

The KICKS GOBBLIN THUNDER 20GA Made a Bold First Impression

The KICKS GOBBLIN THUNDER 20GA choke tube promises to transform your mild-mannered bird gun into a specialized turkey hunting machine. Manufactured by Kicks Chokes, it boasts a unique conical parallel design coupled with directional porting for tighter patterns and reduced recoil. Having spent over a decade in the outdoor and tactical gear realm, I was intrigued by its claims of superior performance, especially the two-time NWTF still target shoot victories.

As an avid turkey hunter, I’m always searching for that edge in the field. My trusty 20-gauge has always been reliable, but its patterns were often less than impressive beyond 30 yards, leading to frustrating misses and wounded birds. I needed a solution that could consistently deliver tight, dense patterns at extended ranges.

The KICKS GOBBLIN THUNDER 20GA arrived in a simple, no-frills package. The choke itself felt solid and well-made, with a noticeable heft that inspired confidence. Compared to my factory choke tubes, the KICKS GOBBLIN THUNDER 20GA‘s extended, ported design was immediately striking.

I considered other extended turkey chokes from Carlson’s and Patternmaster, but the KICKS GOBBLIN THUNDER 20GA‘s reported NWTF wins swayed my decision. Those competitions are serious business, requiring pinpoint accuracy at challenging distances. The promise of reduced recoil and improved pattern density also contributed to my choice.

I was cautiously optimistic upon unboxing the KICKS GOBBLIN THUNDER 20GA. Its robust construction and impressive track record suggested a high-performing product, but the real test would be in the field. Only then could I determine if it lived up to the hype.

Real-World Testing: Putting KICKS GOBBLIN THUNDER 20GA to the Test

First Use Experience

I first tested the KICKS GOBBLIN THUNDER 20GA at my local shooting range. The weather was clear and mild, perfect for patterning different loads. I used a variety of 20-gauge turkey loads, from Winchester Long Beard XR to Federal Premium TSS, at distances ranging from 20 to 40 yards.

The difference was immediately noticeable. Patterns were significantly tighter and more consistent compared to my factory choke. The wad separation seemed cleaner, with fewer flyers disrupting the core of the pattern.

The KICKS GOBBLIN THUNDER 20GA performed admirably. I experienced no issues with installation or performance during the initial range session. The felt recoil reduction was also subtle, but appreciated.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks of use, including multiple turkey hunting trips, the KICKS GOBBLIN THUNDER 20GA continues to impress. It has held up remarkably well, showing no signs of wear and tear despite repeated use and cleaning. The choke tube remains securely in place, and the ports have not fouled up with residue.

Cleaning the KICKS GOBBLIN THUNDER 20GA is straightforward. A quick scrub with a bore brush and solvent is all that’s needed to remove any powder residue or plastic wad buildup. I’ve found that regular cleaning keeps the ports clear and ensures optimal performance.

Compared to my previous experiences with factory chokes, the KICKS GOBBLIN THUNDER 20GA is a clear winner. It consistently delivers tighter, more reliable patterns, resulting in cleaner kills and fewer missed opportunities. It has truly transformed my 20-gauge into a dedicated turkey-slaying machine.

Breaking Down the Features of KICKS GOBBLIN THUNDER 20GA

Specifications

• Conical Parallel Design: The choke features a conical constriction leading into a parallel section of approximately 1 inch. This design helps maintain a consistent constriction, resulting in tighter, more uniform patterns.

• Directional Diagonal Ports: The ports are angled at 135 degrees away from the shooter. This unique angle reduces side blast, making it ideal for close-quarters hunting and shooting environments.

• Wad-Slowing Technology: The ports’ sharp forward inside edge is designed to grab, stabilize, and slow the wad. This promotes faster wad separation from the shot column, leading to cleaner patterns unaffected by the wad’s trajectory.

• Recoil Reduction: The directional ports help reduce muzzle jump and recoil. This allows for faster and more accurate follow-up shots, which can be crucial in turkey hunting situations.

• Extended Design: The ported portion of the choke extends roughly 1 3/4″ from the muzzle. This provides additional length for pattern stabilization and reduces muzzle flip.

These specifications are crucial for achieving optimal turkey hunting performance. The conical parallel design ensures consistent constriction, while the directional ports minimize side blast and recoil. The wad-slowing technology promotes cleaner patterns, leading to more ethical and effective kills.

Performance & Functionality

The KICKS GOBBLIN THUNDER 20GA excels in its primary function: delivering tight, dense patterns at extended ranges. Its accuracy is impressive, consistently placing a high percentage of pellets within a 10-inch circle at 40 yards.

The choke tube is incredibly reliable, maintaining consistent performance across a variety of different loads. Its usability is simple; screw it in and go!

The one area that could be improved is the aesthetic design. While functionally sound, it’s not the most visually appealing choke on the market.

Design & Ergonomics

The build quality of the KICKS GOBBLIN THUNDER 20GA is excellent. It’s constructed from durable steel that can withstand the rigors of the field.

The choke is easy to install and remove with a standard choke tube wrench, and the extended design makes it easy to grip, even with gloves. The weight is negligible and doesn’t negatively impact the gun’s balance.

Durability & Maintenance

The KICKS GOBBLIN THUNDER 20GA is built to last. Its robust construction and durable materials ensure it can withstand years of use and abuse.

Maintenance is simple and requires minimal effort. Regular cleaning with a bore brush and solvent will keep it in top condition.

Accessories and Customization Options

The KICKS GOBBLIN THUNDER 20GA doesn’t come with any additional accessories. It is designed to be a standalone performance upgrade.

There are no specific customization options for the KICKS GOBBLIN THUNDER 20GA itself. However, it is compatible with any 20-gauge shotgun that accepts standard choke tubes.

Pros and Cons of KICKS GOBBLIN THUNDER 20GA