Let’s Dive into Kicks Industries Kicks Gobblin Thunder 20ga Beretta/benelli Mobil .570
The Kicks Industries Kicks Gobblin Thunder 20ga Beretta/benelli Mobil .570 is an extended choke tube designed to maximize the performance of your 20-gauge shotgun, particularly for turkey hunting. Manufactured by Kicks Industries, this choke boasts a .570 constriction and ported design, promising tighter patterns and increased range with lead, steel, or tungsten shot. It’s built to be compatible with Beretta and Benelli shotguns that utilize the Mobilchoke system, which is a big plus for many shotgun owners.
My journey to the Kicks Gobblin Thunder began with frustration. I was consistently missing or wounding turkeys with my factory choke, and I knew I needed something that could deliver a tighter, more consistent pattern at longer distances. Several buddies recommended aftermarket chokes.
Unboxing the Kicks Gobblin Thunder, my initial impression was that of solid construction. The blackened stainless steel felt robust, and the porting looked aggressive, signaling its intended purpose. Compared to my factory choke, the Kicks tube was noticeably longer and heavier, a testament to its extended design and potentially enhanced performance.
I also considered the Carlson’s Long Beard XR choke and the Briley X2 choke, both popular choices for turkey hunters. However, the Kicks Gobblin Thunder’s unique porting design and reputation for exceptional patterns at a reasonable price point swayed me. I was excited to put it to the test.
Real-World Testing: Putting Kicks Industries Kicks Gobblin Thunder 20ga Beretta/benelli Mobil .570 to the Test
First Use Experience
My first experience with the Kicks Gobblin Thunder was at my local shooting range, patterning it with various loads of turkey ammunition. I tested it using 3-inch and 2 3/4-inch shells, using lead, copper-plated lead, and blended-metal shot to see what combinations worked best. The weather was fairly mild, with a slight breeze and clear skies.
The difference between my factory choke and the Kicks Gobblin Thunder was immediately apparent. The patterns were significantly tighter and more uniform, especially at 40 yards, with a noticeable increase in pellet density in the vital zone. While the ported design claimed to reduce recoil, the difference was negligible.
After the first session, I noticed some powder residue around the ports, but cleaning was quick and easy. I was impressed by the difference in pattern tightness and pellet consistency.
Extended Use & Reliability
After a full turkey season using the Kicks Gobblin Thunder, I can confidently say it has held up exceptionally well. There are no signs of wear or corrosion on the choke tube, and it still tightens securely into my Benelli Montefeltro. Regular cleaning after each hunt has been sufficient to maintain its performance.
Maintenance involves a quick scrub with a bore brush and solvent after each use to remove powder residue. It’s been a marked improvement compared to my previous experiences using factory chokes, where I often questioned the consistency and range. The Kicks Gobblin Thunder instilled a level of confidence that translated into successful hunts.
Breaking Down the Features of Kicks Industries Kicks Gobblin Thunder 20ga Beretta/benelli Mobil .570
Specifications
The Kicks Industries Kicks Gobblin Thunder 20ga Beretta/benelli Mobil .570 is designed specifically for 20-gauge Beretta and Benelli shotguns using the Mobilchoke system. The choke features a .570 constriction, which is considered an extra full choke, optimizing it for tight patterns. Its stainless steel construction ensures durability and resistance to corrosion, vital for harsh hunting environments.
The choke type is classified as Extra Full Ported, and it is an extended choke. The extended design allows for easier installation and removal, as well as providing added protection to the muzzle. These specifications contribute directly to the choke’s ability to deliver consistent, dense patterns at extended ranges, increasing the hunter’s chances of a clean, ethical kill.
Performance & Functionality
The Kicks Gobblin Thunder performs admirably, consistently delivering tight, dense patterns at distances up to 40 yards. The ported design effectively reduces muzzle jump, though the effect is not dramatic. I tested the choke with a variety of loads, and it seemed to perform optimally with heavier shot sizes (No. 4 and No. 5) in both lead and tungsten.
The only potential weakness is that such a tight pattern could be less forgiving at closer ranges (inside 20 yards), requiring precise aiming. Overall, it exceeds my expectations, transforming my 20-gauge into a highly effective turkey hunting tool.
Design & Ergonomics
The Kicks Gobblin Thunder’s construction from blackened stainless steel gives it a rugged, durable feel. The extended design makes it easy to install and remove using a choke wrench. The porting is well-executed and doesn’t interfere with the overall balance of the shotgun.
There is no noticeable learning curve; simply install the choke, pattern your shotgun, and you’re ready to hunt.
Durability & Maintenance
The stainless steel construction of the Kicks Gobblin Thunder suggests excellent long-term durability. Regular cleaning with a bore brush and solvent after each use is sufficient to prevent corrosion and maintain optimal performance. The choke exhibits no signs of wear or damage after a full season of use.
Maintenance is straightforward, requiring minimal effort to keep the choke in top condition.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Kicks Gobblin Thunder doesn’t require any additional accessories for basic functionality, though a quality choke wrench is highly recommended for installation and removal. While there are no direct customization options for the choke itself, the choice of ammunition can significantly impact its performance. Experimenting with different shot sizes and brands is essential to finding the optimal load for your specific shotgun and hunting conditions.
The choke is compatible with any 20-gauge Beretta or Benelli shotgun that uses the Mobilchoke system.
Pros and Cons of Kicks Industries Kicks Gobblin Thunder 20ga Beretta/benelli Mobil .570
Pros
- Exceptional Pattern Density: Delivers consistently tight and dense patterns at extended ranges, greatly improving kill probability on turkeys.
- Durable Stainless Steel Construction: Ensures long-lasting performance and resistance to corrosion in harsh hunting environments.
- Improved Effective Range: Extends the effective range of your 20-gauge, allowing for ethical shots at distances beyond those achievable with factory chokes.
- Easy Installation and Removal: The extended design facilitates easy installation and removal with a choke wrench.
- Ported Design: Helps to slightly reduce muzzle jump, allowing for faster follow-up shots.
Cons
- Potentially Too Tight at Close Range: The extra full constriction may produce patterns that are too tight at very close ranges (under 20 yards), potentially leading to missed shots.
- Ammunition Sensitivity: Requires careful selection of ammunition to achieve optimal pattern density and consistency.
Who Should Buy Kicks Industries Kicks Gobblin Thunder 20ga Beretta/benelli Mobil .570?
Perfect for turkey hunters who are looking to improve the range and consistency of their 20-gauge shotgun. Also, for hunters who are experiencing inconsistent patterns with their factory chokes, the Kicks Gobblin Thunder can be a significant upgrade. This product would be a good fit for experienced and novice turkey hunters alike.
Hunters who primarily hunt in heavily wooded areas where shots are typically very close (inside 20 yards) might want to consider a more open choke constriction. A quality choke wrench is a must-have accessory for easy installation and removal. Testing different brands of turkey loads is also essential to finding the optimal combination for your shotgun.
Conclusion on Kicks Industries Kicks Gobblin Thunder 20ga Beretta/benelli Mobil .570
The Kicks Industries Kicks Gobblin Thunder 20ga Beretta/benelli Mobil .570 is a well-designed and effective choke tube that delivers on its promise of tighter, more consistent patterns for turkey hunting. At a price of $69.99, it represents a solid value proposition for hunters seeking to improve their shotgun’s performance. I would wholeheartedly recommend it to any turkey hunter using a 20-gauge Beretta or Benelli shotgun with the Mobilchoke system.
If you’re tired of missing turkeys due to poor patterns, the Kicks Gobblin Thunder could be the game-changer you’ve been looking for. Give it a try and experience the difference for yourself!