Let’s Talk About Kicks Industries Kicks Gobblin Thunder 12ga Win Choke .665 Dia
The Kicks Industries Kicks Gobblin Thunder 12ga Win Choke .665 Dia is not just another choke tube; it’s a precision instrument engineered for one purpose: to deliver devastatingly tight patterns with turkey loads. Kicks Industries has a reputation for quality, and this choke tube is designed to maximize the performance of your 12-gauge shotgun, specifically when hunting those wary gobblers. This choke promises superior shot stabilization and reduced recoil, which translates to more ethical and successful hunts.
I’ve spent years chasing turkeys in the dense forests of the Southeast. My biggest challenge has always been achieving consistent, tight patterns at varying distances, especially when using ported shotguns. I needed a choke that could handle the unique pressures and gas dynamics of ported barrels while delivering consistent results, and the Kicks Gobblin Thunder seemed like it could be the answer.
Unboxing the Kicks Gobblin Thunder, I was immediately impressed with the robust stainless-steel construction. It felt solid and well-made, giving me confidence in its ability to withstand the rigors of the field. The black finish was sleek and the ports were cleanly machined.
Compared to a standard factory choke and a competitor’s extended ported choke, the Kicks Gobblin Thunder felt noticeably more substantial. I was also considering a Carlson’s Long Beard XR choke and a Jeb’s Head Hunter choke, but the specific porting design of the Kicks Gobblin Thunder, promising reduced recoil in a ported barrel setup, swayed my decision. I felt that other chokes may not be optimized for a ported barrel like the Kicks Gobblin Thunder.
My first impression was one of cautious optimism. The build quality and design features were promising, but the true test would be on the range, patterning different loads. The real question was: Could it live up to the hype and deliver the consistent, tight patterns I needed to tag out this spring?
Real-World Testing: Putting Kicks Industries Kicks Gobblin Thunder 12ga Win Choke .665 Dia to the Test
First Use Experience
I tested the Kicks Industries Kicks Gobblin Thunder 12ga Win Choke .665 Dia at my local shooting range, focusing on patterning at 30 and 40 yards with various turkey loads. The day was overcast with a slight breeze, providing typical hunting conditions. I wanted to simulate the conditions I would find in the woods.
The choke performed admirably, producing significantly tighter patterns compared to the factory choke that came with my Winchester 1300. The 30-yard patterns were dense and evenly distributed, promising lethal hits on a turkey’s head and neck. Recoil also seemed noticeably reduced, which I attribute to the choke’s porting. There was a noticeable difference in recoil compared to my standard full choke.
The Kicks Gobblin Thunder was easy to install using a standard choke tube wrench. I did not experience any issues with threading or fit. After the first few shots I inspected the choke, and it still seemed to be securely fastened.
Extended Use & Reliability
After three months of regular use, including several turkey hunts and numerous range sessions, the Kicks Industries Kicks Gobblin Thunder 12ga Win Choke .665 Dia has held up remarkably well. There are no signs of wear or tear, and the finish remains intact.
The choke has proven to be exceptionally durable, showing no signs of deformation or damage despite repeated use with heavy turkey loads. Cleaning is simple: a quick scrub with a choke tube brush and some solvent is all it takes to remove any residue. The stainless-steel construction resists corrosion, ensuring long-term reliability.
Compared to other aftermarket chokes I’ve used, the Kicks Gobblin Thunder stands out for its consistent performance and durability. It has outperformed my previous choke in terms of pattern density and recoil reduction. I have been very satisfied with its performance.
Breaking Down the Features of Kicks Industries Kicks Gobblin Thunder 12ga Win Choke .665 Dia
Specifications
The Kicks Industries Kicks Gobblin Thunder 12ga Win Choke .665 Dia boasts several key specifications that contribute to its outstanding performance. It’s designed for 12-gauge shotguns with a Winchester choke system and features a .665-inch diameter constriction. The body is constructed from stainless steel for enhanced durability.
The choke is finished in black and is ported, aiding in recoil reduction and shot stabilization. These specifications translate to tighter patterns, reduced recoil, and improved shot consistency. The stainless-steel construction ensures longevity, while the ported design helps to stabilize the wad and reduce muzzle jump.
Performance & Functionality
The Kicks Industries Kicks Gobblin Thunder 12ga Win Choke .665 Dia excels at its primary function: delivering tight, consistent patterns with turkey loads. The accuracy at 30 and 40 yards is impressive, providing lethal patterns on a turkey’s vital areas. It is very reliable.
Its strength lies in its ability to maximize the performance of ported shotguns by optimizing gas flow. The primary weakness, which Kicks Industries openly acknowledges, is its incompatibility with steel shot. It absolutely meets my expectations.
Design & Ergonomics
The Kicks Industries Kicks Gobblin Thunder 12ga Win Choke .665 Dia features a straightforward, functional design. Its robust stainless-steel construction ensures durability, and its black finish provides a non-reflective, tactical look. The choke tube has a comfortable weight, which allows for quick target acquisition.
The choke is incredibly user-friendly with no noticeable learning curve. It installs easily with a standard choke wrench. The Kicks Industries Kicks Gobblin Thunder 12ga Win Choke .665 Dia is a great design overall.
Durability & Maintenance
The Kicks Industries Kicks Gobblin Thunder 12ga Win Choke .665 Dia‘s stainless-steel construction suggests exceptional longevity. With proper care, this choke should last for many seasons. I do not foresee replacing it for quite some time.
Maintenance is straightforward: clean the choke with a choke tube brush and solvent after each use. This will remove any powder residue and prevent corrosion. This routine will keep your choke tube in perfect working order.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Kicks Industries Kicks Gobblin Thunder 12ga Win Choke .665 Dia is primarily a standalone product, and doesn’t require extra accessories to function. The choke tube is designed to work seamlessly with any 12-gauge shotgun that accepts Winchester-style chokes. There are no customization options directly available.
While there aren’t direct customization options for the choke itself, it’s compatible with a wide range of 12-gauge shotguns. This enables users to tailor their shotgun setup to their specific needs. The ability to switch between different turkey loads is also an option.
Pros and Cons of Kicks Industries Kicks Gobblin Thunder 12ga Win Choke .665 Dia
Pros
- Delivers exceptionally tight and consistent patterns with turkey loads. This leads to ethical, clean kills.
- Significantly reduces recoil, especially in ported shotguns, improving comfort and control. A less punishing shooting experience is always welcome.
- Durable stainless-steel construction ensures long-lasting performance. This choke is built to withstand years of use.
- Easy to install and maintain. It is a very user friendly product.
- Optimized for ported shotguns, maximizing their performance. It performs optimally with a ported barrel setup.
Cons
- Not compatible with steel shot. This limits its versatility for waterfowl hunting or other applications requiring steel shot.
- Specialized for turkey hunting only. This means it is not an all-purpose choke tube.
Who Should Buy Kicks Industries Kicks Gobblin Thunder 12ga Win Choke .665 Dia?
The Kicks Industries Kicks Gobblin Thunder 12ga Win Choke .665 Dia is perfect for serious turkey hunters who prioritize tight patterns and reduced recoil. It is also beneficial for those who use ported 12-gauge shotguns and want to maximize their gun’s performance. Anyone looking for tighter patterns will benefit.
This choke is not ideal for hunters who primarily use steel shot or need a more versatile, all-purpose choke tube. It’s also not necessary for those who only occasionally hunt turkeys. You may want to skip it if you are a waterfowl hunter.
A must-have accessory is a good quality choke tube wrench for easy installation and removal. Proper cleaning supplies are also essential for maintaining the choke’s performance and longevity. You will need a good choke tube wrench and a good cleaning brush.
Conclusion on Kicks Industries Kicks Gobblin Thunder 12ga Win Choke .665 Dia
The Kicks Industries Kicks Gobblin Thunder 12ga Win Choke .665 Dia is a specialized, high-performance choke tube designed specifically for turkey hunting. Its ability to deliver incredibly tight patterns and reduce recoil makes it a valuable tool for serious turkey hunters. It is well worth the money.
The price of $69.99 is justified given the choke’s quality, durability, and performance. It’s an investment in a more successful and enjoyable turkey hunting experience. You will be satisfied with the product if you are a turkey hunter.
I would wholeheartedly recommend the Kicks Industries Kicks Gobblin Thunder 12ga Win Choke .665 Dia to any turkey hunter looking to improve their pattern density and reduce recoil. Upgrade your shotgun today and put more birds on the ground!