Let’s Talk About Kicks Industries Kicks Gobblin Thunder 12ga Browning Invector Plus .685
The Kicks Industries Kicks Gobblin Thunder 12ga Browning Invector Plus .685 is a specialized choke tube designed to deliver tight, dense patterns ideal for turkey hunting. Kicks Industries has a solid reputation for producing quality aftermarket shotgun accessories, and this particular choke promises to maximize the effective range of your 12-gauge Browning shotgun. The .685 constriction, combined with its ported design, suggests a focus on both pattern density and recoil management.
For years, I struggled with inconsistent patterns when turkey hunting; some shots scattered, leaving birds unscathed, while others were too open at longer ranges. I needed a choke that could reliably deliver a tight pattern out to 40 yards, maximizing my chances of a clean, ethical harvest. That’s what led me to explore specialized turkey chokes, and the Kicks Industries Gobblin Thunder caught my eye.
Upon unboxing, I was immediately impressed with the solid feel and heft of the choke. The blackened stainless steel finish looked durable and resistant to the elements, a critical factor for gear used in the field. The threading was clean and precise, suggesting a tight, secure fit within the barrel of my Browning.
I considered other popular turkey chokes like the Carlson’s Long Beard XR choke and the Primos Jelly Head Max. Ultimately, I chose the Kicks Industries option because of its balance between constriction and porting. I was hoping the ports would help tame the recoil of heavy turkey loads while still delivering that critical tight pattern.
My initial impression was one of cautious optimism. The Kicks Gobblin Thunder looked and felt like a quality piece of equipment. I was excited to see how it performed on the range and, more importantly, in the turkey woods.
Real-World Testing: Putting Kicks Industries Kicks Gobblin Thunder 12ga Browning Invector Plus .685 to the Test
First Use Experience
My first test of the Kicks Industries Kicks Gobblin Thunder 12ga Browning Invector Plus .685 was at my local shooting range, using a variety of turkey loads, including Winchester Long Beard XR, Federal Premium Grand Slam, and Remington Nitro Turkey. I set up targets at 20, 30, and 40 yards to evaluate pattern density and consistency. The weather was mild, with a slight breeze, providing ideal testing conditions.
The choke performed exceptionally well with the Winchester Long Beard XR, producing incredibly tight and consistent patterns out to 40 yards. Recoil was noticeably reduced compared to the factory choke, making follow-up shots faster and more comfortable. I was surprised by how little the point of impact shifted between different brands of ammunition.
There were no issues during the initial range session. The choke screwed in easily and remained tight throughout the testing. After firing approximately 50 rounds, I removed the choke to inspect for any signs of damage or wear, but it looked as good as new.
Extended Use & Reliability
After the initial range testing, the Kicks Industries Kicks Gobblin Thunder 12ga Browning Invector Plus .685 accompanied me on several turkey hunts throughout the spring season. The choke held up remarkably well, despite exposure to rain, mud, and the general abuse that comes with hunting in the backcountry. Cleaning was simple, requiring only a quick wipe-down with a bore brush and solvent after each use.
After several months of use, the choke still looks and performs like new. There are no signs of rust or corrosion, and the threading remains clean and precise. Compared to other aftermarket chokes I’ve used in the past, the Kicks Industries Gobblin Thunder has proven to be significantly more durable and reliable.
The Kicks Gobblin Thunder exceeded my expectations in both performance and durability. It consistently delivered tight, dense patterns that resulted in clean kills at ethical ranges. It’s a significant improvement over the factory choke and other aftermarket options I’ve tried.
Breaking Down the Features of Kicks Industries Kicks Gobblin Thunder 12ga Browning Invector Plus .685
Specifications
The Kicks Industries Kicks Gobblin Thunder 12ga Browning Invector Plus .685 is a 12-gauge choke tube designed for Browning shotguns with the Invector Plus choke system. The choke features a .685-inch exit diameter, which provides an extra-full constriction, and it is constructed from stainless steel for durability. It features a blackened finish for corrosion resistance and reduced glare.
The choke is also ported, which helps to reduce recoil and muzzle jump. It is designed for use with lead, copper-plated lead, and tungsten-based turkey loads. The extended design makes it easy to install and remove without tools.
- Manufacturer: Kicks Industries
- Color: Blackened, Black
- Fabric/Material: Stainless Steel
- Gauge: 12
- Choke Tube System: Browning Invector Plus (+)
- Choke Type: Browning Invector Plus, Ported
- Gun Make: Browning
- Additional Features: Extended
- Height: 1.05 in
These specifications are critical for achieving consistent, tight patterns at longer ranges. The stainless steel construction ensures durability in harsh hunting conditions, while the porting helps to mitigate the recoil of heavy turkey loads, improving shooter comfort and accuracy. The Browning Invector Plus compatibility ensures a secure and proper fit in compatible shotguns, maximizing performance and safety.
Performance & Functionality
The Kicks Industries Kicks Gobblin Thunder 12ga Browning Invector Plus .685 excels at delivering incredibly tight and dense patterns, especially at 30-40 yards, making it ideal for turkey hunting. It consistently places a high percentage of pellets within a 10-inch circle at these distances, ensuring a lethal shot on a turkey’s head and neck. The ported design also helps reduce recoil, allowing for faster follow-up shots.
The primary strength of this choke is its ability to produce consistently tight patterns with a variety of turkey loads. While it might not be ideal for close-range shots (inside 20 yards) due to the extremely tight pattern, it excels at extending the effective range of your shotgun. The porting, while effective, can make the gun slightly louder, which may be a concern for some hunters.
The Kicks Industries Gobblin Thunder largely meets and even exceeds expectations for a dedicated turkey choke. It delivers on its promise of tight patterns and reduced recoil, making it a valuable tool for any serious turkey hunter.
Design & Ergonomics
The Kicks Industries Kicks Gobblin Thunder 12ga Browning Invector Plus .685 is constructed from high-quality stainless steel, providing excellent durability and resistance to corrosion. The black finish reduces glare and helps to prevent spooking game. The choke feels solid and well-built, inspiring confidence in its ability to withstand the rigors of hunting.
The extended design of the choke makes it easy to install and remove by hand, even in cold or wet conditions. There is no learning curve associated with using this choke; simply screw it into your shotgun barrel and you’re ready to go.
Durability & Maintenance
Given its stainless steel construction, the Kicks Industries Kicks Gobblin Thunder 12ga Browning Invector Plus .685 is built to last for many seasons of hard use. The choke is resistant to rust and corrosion, and the black finish holds up well to abrasion. With proper care and cleaning, this choke should provide years of reliable performance.
Maintaining the choke is simple; after each use, remove it from the shotgun and clean it with a bore brush and solvent to remove any residue. Apply a light coat of oil to prevent rust and corrosion.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Kicks Industries Kicks Gobblin Thunder 12ga Browning Invector Plus .685 itself doesn’t have any direct accessories, as it’s a standalone product. However, it’s compatible with various brands and types of turkey loads. Some hunters might choose to pair it with a red dot sight or scope on their shotgun for improved accuracy at longer ranges.
The Browning Invector Plus system is widely supported, so there are many aftermarket choke tubes and accessories available for compatible shotguns. However, for dedicated turkey hunting, the Kicks Gobblin Thunder offers a specialized solution that requires no further modification.
Pros and Cons of Kicks Industries Kicks Gobblin Thunder 12ga Browning Invector Plus .685
Pros
- Incredibly tight and dense patterns at 30-40 yards, extending effective range.
- Noticeable recoil reduction due to ported design, improving comfort and follow-up shots.
- Durable stainless steel construction ensures long-lasting performance in harsh conditions.
- Easy to install and remove thanks to extended design.
- Improved confidence in achieving clean, ethical kills on turkeys.
Cons
- Extremely tight patterns may not be ideal for very close-range shots (inside 20 yards).
- Porting can increase the noise level of the shotgun.
Who Should Buy Kicks Industries Kicks Gobblin Thunder 12ga Browning Invector Plus .685?
The Kicks Industries Kicks Gobblin Thunder 12ga Browning Invector Plus .685 is perfect for serious turkey hunters who want to maximize the effective range of their 12-gauge Browning shotgun and achieve consistently tight patterns. It’s also a good choice for hunters who are sensitive to recoil and want a more comfortable shooting experience. Anyone looking to upgrade from a factory choke and improve their turkey hunting success will benefit greatly.
Hunters primarily hunting turkeys at close range (inside 20 yards) might want to skip this product in favor of a more open choke. Also, hunters who are extremely sensitive to noise might find the ported design to be too loud.
A quality turkey load, like Winchester Long Beard XR or Federal Premium Grand Slam, is a must-have accessory to get the best performance from this choke. Some hunters might also consider adding a red dot sight for improved accuracy at longer ranges.
Conclusion on Kicks Industries Kicks Gobblin Thunder 12ga Browning Invector Plus .685
The Kicks Industries Kicks Gobblin Thunder 12ga Browning Invector Plus .685 is a top-tier choke tube that delivers exceptional performance for turkey hunting. It provides consistently tight patterns, reduces recoil, and is built to last. At a price of $69.57, the Kicks Gobblin Thunder offers excellent value for its performance and durability.
I wholeheartedly recommend the Kicks Industries Gobblin Thunder to any serious turkey hunter looking to improve their accuracy and extend their effective range. This choke has significantly improved my turkey hunting success, and I’m confident it will do the same for you. Upgrade your shotgun today and experience the difference a quality choke can make!