Let’s Dive into Kicks Industries Kicks Gobblin Thunder 12ga Rem Choke Pro Bore .660
The Kicks Industries Kicks Gobblin Thunder 12ga Rem Choke Pro Bore .660 is a specialized shotgun choke designed for serious turkey hunters seeking tight, consistent patterns at extended ranges. Made by Kicks Industries, a respected name in shotgun choke technology, this choke promises to deliver devastating performance when it matters most. My journey to this particular choke began with a frustrating string of close-but-no-cigar turkey hunts. I needed a solution that would transform my scattergun into a precision instrument.
My go-to shotgun, a trusty Remington 870, felt inadequate with its factory choke when those longbeards hung up just beyond comfortable range. Upon unboxing the Kicks Gobblin Thunder, I immediately noticed the robust construction and aggressive porting. The stainless steel felt solid and well-machined, instilling confidence that it could withstand years of hard use in the field.
I considered other turkey chokes from brands like Carlson’s and Primos, but ultimately chose the Kicks due to its reputation for consistently tight patterns and its specific design for the Remington Pro Bore system. The initial impression was definitely excitement – I was eager to see if this choke could truly live up to the hype and transform my turkey hunting success.
Real-World Testing: Putting Kicks Industries Kicks Gobblin Thunder 12ga Rem Choke Pro Bore .660 to the Test
First Use Experience
My initial testing ground for the Kicks Gobblin Thunder was my local shooting range, using a variety of turkey loads from Winchester, Federal, and Remington. The goal was to pattern each load at 30 and 40 yards to determine the most effective combination for my shotgun. The weather was surprisingly windy, adding an extra challenge to achieving consistent results.
The Kicks Gobblin Thunder performed admirably, consistently producing tight patterns with a noticeable concentration of pellets in the kill zone. There was no need to time to get used to the choke, since it installed quickly. After the first few shots, I noticed a slight increase in recoil, but the ported design seemed to help mitigate muzzle rise, allowing for quicker follow-up shots if needed.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of use, including two turkey seasons in varying conditions (from dry and dusty to wet and muddy), the Kicks Gobblin Thunder has proven to be remarkably durable. The stainless steel construction shows no signs of rust or corrosion, despite being exposed to the elements. Cleaning the choke after each use is straightforward, requiring only a bore brush and solvent.
Compared to my previous experiences with factory chokes, the Kicks Gobblin Thunder is a game-changer. The difference in pattern density and consistency is significant, giving me a much greater margin for error when aiming at a wary gobbler. It has exceeded my expectations in terms of performance and reliability.
Breaking Down the Features of Kicks Industries Kicks Gobblin Thunder 12ga Rem Choke Pro Bore .660
Specifications
The Kicks Industries Kicks Gobblin Thunder 12ga Rem Choke Pro Bore .660 is a meticulously engineered choke tube designed for maximizing pattern density with 12-gauge shotguns utilizing the Remington Pro Bore choke system. This choke is constructed from high-quality stainless steel for exceptional durability and resistance to corrosion. Its black finish not only adds a sleek, tactical aesthetic but also aids in reducing glare.
Specifically designed for turkey hunting, this Extra Full Ported choke features a .660-inch diameter, creating an extremely tight constriction. This constriction is designed to hold the shot column together longer, resulting in denser patterns at longer ranges. The aggressive porting is engineered to reduce recoil and muzzle climb, allowing for faster follow-up shots and improved accuracy.
Performance & Functionality
The Kicks Gobblin Thunder excels at its primary function: delivering devastatingly tight and consistent patterns at distances where standard chokes fall short. Its accuracy is impressive, with a noticeable increase in the number of pellets hitting the vital areas of a turkey target at 40 yards and beyond. While the tight constriction does increase recoil slightly, the ported design effectively mitigates muzzle rise.
The main strength of this choke is its ability to extend the effective range of your shotgun, giving you the confidence to take shots at birds that might otherwise be out of reach. A potential weakness is that the extremely tight pattern may be too tight for very close-range shots, potentially resulting in a missed bird due to a lack of spread. It absolutely meets my expectations for a specialized turkey choke.
Design & Ergonomics
The Kicks Gobblin Thunder boasts a robust and purposeful design. The stainless steel construction ensures longevity, while the black finish provides a tactical look and reduces glare in the field. The choke is easy to install and remove using a standard choke wrench.
There’s virtually no learning curve – simply screw it in, pattern your shotgun with different loads, and you’re ready to hunt. The only minor consideration is the increased recoil, but this is a trade-off for the tighter patterns and extended range.
Durability & Maintenance
The Kicks Gobblin Thunder, being made from stainless steel, is built to last. With proper care and maintenance, this choke should provide years of reliable service. Cleaning is simple: remove the choke after each use, scrub it with a bore brush and solvent to remove any residue, and apply a light coat of oil to prevent corrosion.
The durable construction and ease of maintenance ensure that this choke will be a long-lasting addition to any serious turkey hunter’s arsenal.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Kicks Gobblin Thunder is designed to be a standalone performance enhancer. It doesn’t require any additional accessories for optimal performance. Because it’s designed to fit Remington Pro Bore choke systems, there is no other customization needed.
It is compatible with a wide variety of 12-gauge turkey loads from different manufacturers. Finding the optimal load for your specific shotgun and hunting conditions is key to maximizing the performance of this choke.
Pros and Cons of Kicks Industries Kicks Gobblin Thunder 12ga Rem Choke Pro Bore .660Pros
- Delivers extremely tight and consistent patterns at extended ranges, significantly increasing effective range for turkey hunting.
- Stainless steel construction provides exceptional durability and resistance to corrosion.
- The ported design helps reduce recoil and muzzle climb, improving follow-up shot accuracy.
- Easy to install and maintain.
- Provides confidence in the field, knowing your shotgun is capable of delivering lethal patterns at longer distances.
Cons
- The extremely tight pattern may be too restrictive for very close-range shots (under 20 yards).
- Recoil is slightly increased compared to more open chokes.
Who Should Buy Kicks Industries Kicks Gobblin Thunder 12ga Rem Choke Pro Bore .660?
Pros
- Delivers extremely tight and consistent patterns at extended ranges, significantly increasing effective range for turkey hunting.
- Stainless steel construction provides exceptional durability and resistance to corrosion.
- The ported design helps reduce recoil and muzzle climb, improving follow-up shot accuracy.
- Easy to install and maintain.
- Provides confidence in the field, knowing your shotgun is capable of delivering lethal patterns at longer distances.
Cons
- The extremely tight pattern may be too restrictive for very close-range shots (under 20 yards).
- Recoil is slightly increased compared to more open chokes.
The Kicks Industries Kicks Gobblin Thunder 12ga Rem Choke Pro Bore .660 is perfect for serious turkey hunters who demand the tightest patterns and maximum effective range from their 12-gauge shotguns. If you frequently encounter situations where turkeys hang up just beyond comfortable shooting distances, this choke can give you the edge you need to fill your tag. It’s also an excellent choice for hunters who want to optimize the performance of their Remington shotgun.
Hunters who primarily hunt in densely wooded areas where shots are typically close range might find this choke to be too restrictive. It’s also probably not ideal for beginner turkey hunters who are still learning the basics of shotgun shooting and pattern recognition. A must-have accessory is a high-quality choke wrench for easy installation and removal.
Conclusion on Kicks Industries Kicks Gobblin Thunder 12ga Rem Choke Pro Bore .660
The Kicks Industries Kicks Gobblin Thunder 12ga Rem Choke Pro Bore .660 is a specialized tool designed for one specific purpose: to deliver devastatingly tight patterns for turkey hunting at extended ranges. While the price of $72.02 may seem steep for a single choke tube, the performance benefits are well worth the investment for serious turkey hunters. It transforms your shotgun into a true turkey-slaying machine.
I wholeheartedly recommend the Kicks Gobblin Thunder to any turkey hunter who is looking to improve their pattern density and increase their effective range. If you are tired of watching longbeards walk away just out of reach, this choke may be just what you need. Invest in the Kicks Gobblin Thunder and experience the difference that precision engineering can make in your turkey hunting success.