Let’s Talk About Kicks Industries Kicks Gobblin Thunder 12ga Benelli Crio Plus .660
The Kicks Industries Kicks Gobblin Thunder 12ga Benelli Crio Plus .660 choke tube is a specialized piece of equipment designed to maximize the performance of your Benelli shotgun for turkey hunting. Kicks Industries has a solid reputation for producing high-quality chokes, and this model promises to deliver tight patterns at extended ranges. The three-port design is intended to reduce recoil and muzzle jump, providing faster follow-up shots.
I’ve spent years chasing gobblers through thick timber and open fields, always searching for that edge. I needed a choke that could consistently deliver dense, accurate patterns beyond 40 yards. That’s where the Kicks Gobblin Thunder piqued my interest.
Upon receiving the choke, I immediately noticed the robust stainless steel construction and the clean, blackened finish. The choke felt solid and well-made, inspiring confidence in its durability. It was a flush-fit design, offering a sleek look that didn’t add unnecessary length to the barrel.
I had been using a Carlson’s Long Beard XR choke, which delivered decent patterns but was a bit inconsistent at longer ranges. I also considered a Briley choke, known for its precision, but the Kicks Gobblin Thunder offered a compelling combination of performance and value. I chose it because of its ported design and reputation for exceptional pattern density with various turkey loads.
My first impression was definitely excitement. The choke exuded quality, and I was eager to see how it would perform in the field. I hoped it would live up to the hype and transform my Benelli into a true turkey-slaying machine.
Real-World Testing: Putting Kicks Industries Kicks Gobblin Thunder 12ga Benelli Crio Plus .660 to the Test
First Use Experience
My first outing with the Kicks Gobblin Thunder was at my local shooting range, preparing for the upcoming turkey season. I tested it with a variety of popular turkey loads, including Federal Premium Grand Slam, Winchester Long Beard XR, and Remington Nitro Turkey. The weather was clear and mild, providing ideal conditions for pattern testing.
The ported design of the choke seemed to noticeably reduce felt recoil, and muzzle rise was minimal. It was easy to stay on target for follow-up shots. I didn’t have to make much adjustment as the patterns were consistently tight with most of the loads I tested.
The only slight issue I encountered was with one particular load that seemed to pattern slightly tighter than anticipated, resulting in a smaller effective kill zone at closer ranges. A quick adjustment to a different shell solved this immediately. Even with that one load, I was surprised at the distance I could shoot accurately.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of pre-season testing and a full turkey season in the field, the Kicks Gobblin Thunder has proven to be a reliable and consistent performer. The stainless steel construction has held up well, showing no signs of rust or corrosion despite exposure to various weather conditions. Cleaning the choke after each range session or hunt is simple and straightforward.
There have been no signs of wear or tear, even after firing numerous rounds of heavy turkey loads. The choke remains securely threaded into the barrel and has maintained its precise constriction. The results are very pleasing.
Compared to my previous choke, the Kicks Gobblin Thunder offers noticeably tighter and more consistent patterns, especially at longer ranges. It instills confidence knowing that I can make clean, ethical shots on turkeys out to 50 yards. This is definitely an improvement over previous experiences.
Breaking Down the Features of Kicks Industries Kicks Gobblin Thunder 12ga Benelli Crio Plus .660
Specifications
The Kicks Industries Kicks Gobblin Thunder 12ga Benelli Crio Plus .660 choke tube boasts several key specifications that contribute to its performance. It’s designed for 12-gauge Benelli shotguns utilizing the Crio Plus choke system. The constriction is .660 inches, optimized for tight, dense patterns with turkey loads.
The choke is constructed from durable stainless steel for longevity and resistance to corrosion. The exterior features a blackened finish to reduce glare and provide a sleek look. It incorporates a three-port design to reduce recoil and muzzle jump. It also has an extended design for easy installation and removal. The choke has a height of 1.05 inches.
These specifications are crucial for achieving consistent, long-range accuracy when turkey hunting. The .660 constriction provides the optimal balance between pattern density and spread. The stainless steel construction ensures that the choke can withstand the rigors of heavy use in the field.
Performance & Functionality
The Kicks Gobblin Thunder excels at delivering exceptionally tight and consistent patterns with a variety of turkey loads. At 40 yards, it consistently produces patterns with over 80% of the pellets within a 20-inch circle. The ported design effectively reduces felt recoil and muzzle jump.
The choke performs admirably in various conditions, maintaining its pattern density even in windy conditions. The three-port design minimizes muzzle rise, allowing for quicker follow-up shots if needed. The choke meets and often exceeds expectations for long-range accuracy and pattern consistency.
There is always room for improvement, but this product leaves little to be desired.
Design & Ergonomics
The Kicks Gobblin Thunder features a simple yet effective design. The stainless steel construction feels robust and well-made. The choke installs easily using a standard choke wrench.
The blackened finish is aesthetically pleasing and reduces glare, which is beneficial in bright sunlight. The external height makes it easy to adjust.
Durability & Maintenance
The stainless steel construction of the Kicks Gobblin Thunder ensures excellent durability and resistance to corrosion. It is designed to withstand the repeated firing of heavy turkey loads without degradation. Regular cleaning with a choke tube cleaner is all that’s needed to maintain its performance.
Given its robust construction, the choke is expected to last for many years with proper care. The design is simple enough that there are no parts that need special repair.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Kicks Gobblin Thunder itself doesn’t require additional accessories, as it is a self-contained performance upgrade. However, a quality choke wrench is essential for proper installation and removal. While no real customization is possible, the choke is compatible with any 12-gauge Benelli shotgun that uses the Crio Plus choke system.
The compatibility with standard choke wrenches makes it easy to maintain and use. Also, many users find success when pairing this choke with an aftermarket red dot sight to help further enhance accuracy.
Pros and Cons of Kicks Industries Kicks Gobblin Thunder 12ga Benelli Crio Plus .660
Pros
- Exceptional Pattern Density: Delivers consistently tight patterns at extended ranges, ensuring clean kills.
- Reduced Recoil: The ported design effectively minimizes felt recoil, improving shooter comfort.
- Durable Construction: Made from high-quality stainless steel for long-lasting performance.
- Easy Installation: Installs quickly and easily using a standard choke wrench.
- Enhanced Accuracy: Significantly improves accuracy compared to factory chokes.
Cons
- May require some experimentation with different loads to find the optimal pattern.
- The tight patterns may be too restrictive for very close-range shots.
Who Should Buy Kicks Industries Kicks Gobblin Thunder 12ga Benelli Crio Plus .660?
The Kicks Industries Kicks Gobblin Thunder 12ga Benelli Crio Plus .660 is perfect for serious turkey hunters who demand long-range accuracy and consistent patterns. It’s also great for those who want to reduce felt recoil and improve their overall shooting experience. This choke is a must-have for anyone looking to maximize the performance of their Benelli shotgun for turkey hunting.
Hunters who primarily hunt in very thick cover where shots are typically within 20 yards might find the tight patterns too restrictive. New hunters not yet comfortable with patterning their shotguns would also benefit from spending some time learning their guns. A quality choke wrench is an essential accessory for easy installation and removal.
Conclusion on Kicks Industries Kicks Gobblin Thunder 12ga Benelli Crio Plus .660
The Kicks Industries Kicks Gobblin Thunder 12ga Benelli Crio Plus .660 is an outstanding choke tube that delivers on its promises. It provides exceptional pattern density, reduced recoil, and durable construction, making it a worthwhile investment for serious turkey hunters. The price of $73.99 is justified by the performance gains and increased confidence it provides in the field.
I would wholeheartedly recommend this choke to anyone looking to upgrade their Benelli shotgun for turkey hunting. Its improved accuracy and consistent patterns will undoubtedly lead to more successful and ethical hunts. Equip your Benelli with the Kicks Gobblin Thunder and experience the difference for yourself.