The KICKS GOBBLIN THUNDER REMINGTON 12GA .660 Made a Bold First Impression
The world of shotgun chokes can be a bewildering place, filled with technical jargon and promises of tighter patterns. As a seasoned outdoorsman and tactical gear specialist, I’ve seen my fair share of snake oil. But when the KICKS GOBBLIN THUNDER REMINGTON 12GA .660 landed on my workbench, something felt different – a sense of focused aggression, like it was begging to be unleashed on a spring gobbler.
My quest for the perfect turkey choke stemmed from years of frustration. I was tired of inconsistent patterns with factory chokes, leading to missed opportunities and wounded birds. I needed a choke that could consistently deliver a tight, dense pattern at reasonable distances, offering both ethical and effective hunting.
Unboxing the KICKS GOBBLIN THUNDER REMINGTON 12GA .660 was a no-frills experience, the choke itself radiating a sense of solid construction. The matte black finish and aggressive porting immediately spoke to its purpose. It felt heavier and more substantial than the generic flush-mounted chokes I was used to, suggesting a higher level of machining and material quality.
I considered other popular turkey chokes like the Carlson’s Long Beard XR Turkey Choke and the Indian Creek Black Diamond Strike. I ultimately chose the KICKS GOBBLIN THUNDER REMINGTON 12GA .660 based on its reputation for extreme tightness and the specific .660 constriction, which seemed ideal for my preferred loads. My first impression was one of cautious optimism; I was excited to see if it could live up to the hype.
Real-World Testing: Putting KICKS GOBBLIN THUNDER REMINGTON 12GA .660 to the Test
First Use Experience
My first outing with the KICKS GOBBLIN THUNDER REMINGTON 12GA .660 was at the local shooting range, patterning it with various turkey loads. I tested Winchester Long Beard XR, Federal Premium TSS, and some standard lead loads. The conditions were mild, with a slight breeze and clear skies.
The choke immediately revealed its character; it produced incredibly tight patterns. At 40 yards, the Winchester Long Beard XR delivered a pattern that could have been covered with a dinner plate, with the vast majority of pellets concentrated in the vital head and neck area. The recoil was noticeably sharper than with a more open choke, a trade-off I was willing to accept for the increased pattern density. There were no issues with installation or extraction, and the choke threaded smoothly into my Remington 870.
Extended Use & Reliability
After a full turkey season and numerous range sessions, the KICKS GOBBLIN THUNDER REMINGTON 12GA .660 has proven its reliability. There are no signs of wear and tear, despite being exposed to harsh weather conditions and frequent cleaning. The choke still threads smoothly and securely, and the pattern performance remains consistent.
Maintaining the KICKS GOBBLIN THUNDER REMINGTON 12GA .660 is straightforward. A quick cleaning with a bore brush and solvent after each use is all that’s required to keep it in top condition. Compared to my previous experiences with factory chokes, the KICKS GOBBLIN THUNDER REMINGTON 12GA .660 is in a different league, delivering significantly tighter and more consistent patterns, resulting in cleaner kills and greater confidence in the field.
Breaking Down the Features of KICKS GOBBLIN THUNDER REMINGTON 12GA .660
Specifications
- Caliber: 12 Gauge. This choke is specifically designed for 12-gauge shotguns.
- Constriction: .660. This tight constriction is designed for extremely dense patterns at longer ranges.
- Compatibility: Remington Shotguns. The choke is threaded to fit Remington 12-gauge shotguns with Rem Choke threads.
- Material: High-Quality Steel. The steel construction is durable and built to withstand the pressures of turkey loads.
- Porting: Aggressive Porting. These ports are designed to reduce recoil and muzzle jump, allowing for faster follow-up shots.
These specifications are important because they directly impact the choke’s performance and suitability for turkey hunting. The tight .660 constriction is ideal for maximizing pattern density at longer ranges, while the aggressive porting helps to mitigate recoil, a significant factor when shooting heavy turkey loads.
Performance & Functionality
The KICKS GOBBLIN THUNDER REMINGTON 12GA .660 excels at its primary job: delivering extremely tight and dense patterns at extended ranges. This translates to increased accuracy and greater confidence in the field. Its strength lies in its ability to consistently put a large number of pellets in the vital zone of a turkey’s head and neck at 40 yards and beyond.
One potential weakness is the increased recoil, which can be noticeable, especially with heavier loads. However, this is a common trade-off for the tighter patterns. It definitely meets and exceeds expectations; It transformed my Remington 870 into a dedicated turkey hunting machine.
Design & Ergonomics
The KICKS GOBBLIN THUNDER REMINGTON 12GA .660 is built with high-quality steel and features a durable matte black finish. The weight is noticeable, but not excessive, and it feels well-balanced when installed. The choke threads smoothly into the shotgun, and the aggressive porting adds a tactical aesthetic.
The choke is user-friendly and requires no special tools for installation or removal. There is no learning curve; simply thread it in, tighten it with a choke wrench, and pattern your shotgun to determine the best load.
Durability & Maintenance
The KICKS GOBBLIN THUNDER REMINGTON 12GA .660 is built to last, constructed from high-quality steel that can withstand the rigors of turkey hunting. With proper care and maintenance, it should provide years of reliable service.
Maintenance is simple: clean the choke after each use with a bore brush and solvent to remove any powder residue or plastic wad fouling. Periodic lubrication will also help to prevent corrosion and ensure smooth threading.
Accessories and Customization Options
The KICKS GOBBLIN THUNDER REMINGTON 12GA .660 doesn’t come with any accessories, as it’s a standalone choke tube. However, there are no customization options directly related to the choke itself.
It’s compatible with any standard choke wrench designed for Remington Rem Chokes. The most important “accessory” is selecting the right turkey load to pair with the choke for optimal pattern performance.
Pros and Cons of KICKS GOBBLIN THUNDER REMINGTON 12GA .660
Pros
- Delivers extremely tight and dense patterns at extended ranges, increasing the effective range of your shotgun.
- Durable steel construction ensures long-lasting performance and resistance to wear and tear.
- Aggressive porting helps to reduce recoil and muzzle jump, allowing for faster follow-up shots.
- Easy to install and maintain, requiring no special tools or expertise.
- Significantly improves pattern consistency compared to factory chokes.
Cons
- Can increase felt recoil, especially with heavier turkey loads.
- The extremely tight constriction may not be ideal for closer range shots (inside 20 yards).
Who Should Buy KICKS GOBBLIN THUNDER REMINGTON 12GA .660?
The KICKS GOBBLIN THUNDER REMINGTON 12GA .660 is perfect for experienced turkey hunters who prioritize long-range accuracy and consistent patterns. It’s also well-suited for hunters who use Remington shotguns and are comfortable with the increased recoil associated with tight chokes.
This choke might not be the best choice for beginners or hunters who primarily hunt in densely wooded areas where shots are typically closer. Also, those who are very recoil-sensitive might want to consider a more open choke.
A must-have accessory would be a high-quality choke wrench for easy installation and removal. Experimenting with different turkey loads is essential to find the optimal combination for your shotgun and hunting conditions.
Conclusion on KICKS GOBBLIN THUNDER REMINGTON 12GA .660
The KICKS GOBBLIN THUNDER REMINGTON 12GA .660 is a specialized tool that delivers exceptional performance for turkey hunters who demand long-range accuracy and consistent patterns. While the increased recoil is a factor to consider, the benefits in terms of pattern density and effective range far outweigh the drawbacks for serious turkey hunters.
The price of $43.49 is justified given the choke’s high-quality construction and significant performance improvements. Yes, I would absolutely recommend the KICKS GOBBLIN THUNDER REMINGTON 12GA .660 to any turkey hunter looking to maximize their shotgun’s potential.
If you’re ready to take your turkey hunting to the next level, invest in the KICKS GOBBLIN THUNDER REMINGTON 12GA .660 and experience the difference a quality choke can make. You won’t regret it.