Let’s Talk About Kicks Industries Kicks High Flyer Choke 12ga Rem Choke Full
Shotgun chokes might seem like small potatoes, but they’re the unsung heroes of the uplands and waterfowl marshes. The Kicks Industries Kicks High Flyer Choke 12ga Rem Choke Full promises to tighten your patterns and extend your effective range, especially with steel shot, which can be notoriously pattern-challenged. With its ported design and claim of optimized airflow, it’s designed to reduce muzzle jump, potentially putting more birds in the bag.
As a seasoned wingshooter, I’ve always been on the hunt for that edge – the choke that turns near misses into clean kills. I needed a choke that could consistently deliver tight, even patterns at longer distances, without the need to constantly swap chokes depending on the bird or the range. I hoped this choke would fill that void.
When I first unboxed the Kicks Industries High Flyer, I was immediately impressed by its robust construction. The stainless steel had a reassuring heft, and the black finish looked durable. The ports, cleanly machined around the choke’s exit, suggested a well-thought-out design. It felt like a serious piece of gear.
Compared to my older, non-ported choke tubes from Carlson’s and Briley, the Kicks Industries High Flyer stood out with its more aggressive porting and thicker construction. While the others felt adequate, the High Flyer exuded a sense of purpose and quality. I chose it for its reputation for tight patterns and its claim of reduced muzzle jump, something I’m always looking for when shooting fast-flying waterfowl.
My first impression was excitement mixed with a healthy dose of skepticism. I’ve seen plenty of choke tubes promise the world and deliver only marginal improvements. But the build quality and the Kicks Industries reputation gave me hope that this choke could actually live up to the hype.
Real-World Testing: Putting Kicks Industries Kicks High Flyer Choke 12ga Rem Choke Full to the Test
First Use Experience
My first outing with the Kicks Industries Kicks High Flyer Choke 12ga Rem Choke Full was a dove hunt in central Texas. The conditions were hot and dusty, but the birds were plentiful, providing ample opportunities to put the choke through its paces.
The choke performed admirably, delivering consistently tight patterns on doves out to 40 yards. The ported design seemed to help reduce muzzle jump, allowing for quicker follow-up shots, which were crucial when dealing with flocks of fast-moving birds. I did notice a slight increase in noise due to the ports, but it wasn’t overly distracting.
Initially, I did not need time to adjust to the choke. Its performance was noticeably better than the factory full choke that I previously used with my Remington 870.
There were no immediately obvious issues after the first use. However, I did make a note to monitor the choke for any signs of loosening or corrosion after repeated use.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of use, including multiple dove hunts, a few duck hunts in wet conditions, and numerous trips to the sporting clays range, the Kicks Industries Kicks High Flyer Choke 12ga Rem Choke Full has held up remarkably well. The stainless steel construction has resisted corrosion, and the black finish has shown minimal wear.
Despite frequent use and cleaning, the choke still screws in and out smoothly, and the ports remain clear. Regular cleaning with a bore brush and solvent has been sufficient to maintain its performance. I have noticed no signs of wear or loosening.
The Kicks Industries High Flyer consistently outperforms my previous choke tubes, delivering tighter patterns and noticeably reduced muzzle jump, particularly with steel shot. Compared to my experience with other aftermarket chokes, the High Flyer has proven to be both more effective and more durable.
Breaking Down the Features of Kicks Industries Kicks High Flyer Choke 12ga Rem Choke Full
Specifications
The Kicks Industries Kicks High Flyer Choke 12ga Rem Choke Full is specifically designed for 12-gauge shotguns that utilize the Remington choke system. It’s constructed from stainless steel and finished in black. The choke is a “Full” constriction and is ported. The Manufacturer is, of course, Kicks Industries.
The stainless steel construction ensures durability and corrosion resistance, essential for withstanding harsh hunting conditions. The Full choke constriction is ideal for achieving tight patterns at longer ranges, while the ported design aims to reduce muzzle jump and recoil, allowing for faster follow-up shots. These features are critical for maximizing performance in wingshooting applications.
Performance & Functionality
The Kicks Industries Kicks High Flyer Choke 12ga Rem Choke Full excels at delivering tight, consistent patterns, especially with steel shot. This is crucial for ethical and effective hunting at extended ranges. The reduction in muzzle jump is noticeable, allowing for quicker target acquisition and follow-up shots.
Its strengths include its ability to consistently produce tight patterns and reduce muzzle climb, while the potential weaknesses are slightly increased noise due to the ports. It meets and, in some cases, exceeds expectations for a high-performance aftermarket choke tube.
Design & Ergonomics
The build quality is excellent, with the stainless steel construction and durable black finish providing a robust and reliable feel. The choke is relatively lightweight and doesn’t significantly alter the balance of the shotgun. The porting is functional and aesthetically pleasing.
It is user-friendly, requiring no special tools for installation or removal. There is no learning curve, as it functions like any other standard choke tube.
Durability & Maintenance
With its stainless steel construction, the Kicks Industries Kicks High Flyer Choke 12ga Rem Choke Full is built to last, even under harsh conditions. Regular cleaning with a bore brush and solvent is all that’s needed to maintain its performance.
The choke is designed for long-term use and should provide years of reliable service with proper care. There are no known issues with repairability, as it is a relatively simple component.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Kicks Industries Kicks High Flyer Choke 12ga Rem Choke Full does not come with any additional accessories. It is compatible with any 12-gauge shotgun that utilizes the Remington choke system.
There are no specific customization options for the choke itself. However, it can be paired with various ammunition types and shot sizes to fine-tune performance.
Pros and Cons of Kicks Industries Kicks High Flyer Choke 12ga Rem Choke Full
Pros
- Consistently tight patterns, especially with steel shot. This leads to cleaner kills at longer ranges.
- Noticeable reduction in muzzle jump, enabling faster follow-up shots. Crucial for waterfowl and fast-moving upland birds.
- Durable stainless steel construction ensures long-lasting performance. Withstands harsh hunting conditions.
- Easy to install and maintain. No special tools or skills required.
- Improved effective range for ethical hunting. Allows for confident shots at greater distances.
Cons
- Slightly increased noise due to the ported design, potentially spooking game closer than anticipated.
- The “Full” choke constriction may not be ideal for very close-range shooting.
Who Should Buy Kicks Industries Kicks High Flyer Choke 12ga Rem Choke Full?
The Kicks Industries Kicks High Flyer Choke 12ga Rem Choke Full is perfect for dedicated waterfowl hunters and upland bird hunters who frequently shoot at longer ranges. It’s also ideal for sporting clays enthusiasts looking for tighter patterns and reduced muzzle climb.
Hunters who primarily shoot at close ranges, such as those hunting quail in dense cover, might want to skip this product. A more open choke, like an Improved Cylinder or Skeet choke, would be more suitable for those scenarios.
A must-have accessory for use with the Kicks Industries Kicks High Flyer Choke 12ga Rem Choke Full is a good quality choke tube wrench. This will make installation and removal easier and prevent damage to the choke.
Conclusion on Kicks Industries Kicks High Flyer Choke 12ga Rem Choke Full
The Kicks Industries Kicks High Flyer Choke 12ga Rem Choke Full is a well-built, high-performing choke tube that delivers on its promises. It provides consistently tight patterns, reduces muzzle jump, and is built to last.
The price of $66.49 is justified, considering the performance and durability it offers. It’s a worthwhile investment for serious wingshooters looking to improve their accuracy and extend their effective range.
I would personally recommend the Kicks Industries Kicks High Flyer Choke 12ga Rem Choke Full to any hunter or sporting clays shooter looking for a reliable and effective full choke. If you’re tired of inconsistent patterns and want to put more birds in the bag, give this choke a try – you won’t be disappointed. Tighten your patterns and improve your shooting today!