Kicks Industries Kicks Gobblin Thunder 10ga .690″ Choke Tube Review

Is the Kicks Industries Kicks Gobblin Thunder 10ga Browning Invector .690 Worth It? Let’s Find Out

The Kicks Industries Kicks Gobblin Thunder 10ga Browning Invector .690 choke tube promises to transform your 10-gauge Browning Invector shotgun into a turkey-slaying machine. It touts a “port and starve” design adapted for modern turkey loads, aiming for tighter patterns and fewer flyers. This choke claims to offer superior performance and durability, making it a worthy investment for serious turkey hunters.

For years, I’ve struggled with achieving consistently tight patterns from my trusty old Browning 10-gauge. The factory choke was adequate, but I craved that extra level of precision needed for those long-beard toms. I was seeking a choke that could deliver dense, even patterns at extended ranges, giving me the confidence to take ethical shots.

Upon unboxing the Kicks Industries Kicks Gobblin Thunder 10ga Browning Invector .690, I was immediately impressed by its robust construction. The stainless steel felt substantial and well-machined, promising durability in the field. The blackened finish added a touch of stealth and sophistication.

Compared to my factory choke and a competitor’s ported choke (brand X), the Kicks Industries offering stood out with its visibly longer parallel section and more aggressive porting. The extended length suggested a more gradual constriction, potentially reducing pellet deformation and improving pattern consistency. I was drawn to the promise of a choke that could handle modern turkey loads without sacrificing pattern density.

My first impression was one of cautious optimism. While the choke’s design seemed promising, I knew the real test would be on the range, patterning it with various turkey loads. I was eager to see if the Kicks Industries Kicks Gobblin Thunder 10ga Browning Invector .690 lived up to the hype and delivered the tighter, more consistent patterns I was after.

Real-World Testing: Putting Kicks Industries Kicks Gobblin Thunder 10ga Browning Invector .690 to the Test

First Use Experience

I tested the Kicks Industries Kicks Gobblin Thunder 10ga Browning Invector .690 at my local shooting range, focusing on patterning at 30 and 40 yards. The weather was cool and clear, providing ideal conditions for testing. I used a variety of premium turkey loads, including Winchester Long Beard XR and Federal Premium TSS.

The choke performed admirably in these controlled conditions. At 30 yards, patterns were impressively dense and even, with the majority of pellets concentrated within a 12-inch circle. Even at 40 yards, the patterns remained consistent, with enough pellet density to ensure a lethal hit on a turkey’s head and neck.

The Kicks Industries Kicks Gobblin Thunder 10ga Browning Invector .690 required no break-in period and was immediately effective. After the first few shots, I was confident that it would improve my success rate in the turkey woods.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks of use, including a week-long turkey hunting trip in the Appalachian mountains, the Kicks Industries Kicks Gobblin Thunder 10ga Browning Invector .690 continues to impress. It has withstood various weather conditions, including rain, mud, and fluctuating temperatures. It has performed flawlessly.

There are no noticeable signs of wear and tear, even after repeated use with heavy turkey loads. The blackened finish remains intact, resisting scratches and corrosion. Maintaining the Kicks Industries Kicks Gobblin Thunder 10ga Browning Invector .690 is straightforward; a quick cleaning with a bore brush and solvent keeps it in top condition.

Compared to my previous choke experiences, the Kicks Industries Kicks Gobblin Thunder 10ga Browning Invector .690 has significantly outperformed expectations. It delivers tighter patterns, extends my effective range, and instills a greater sense of confidence in the field. It offers improved patterning consistency at longer distances.

Breaking Down the Features of Kicks Industries Kicks Gobblin Thunder 10ga Browning Invector .690

Specifications

The Kicks Industries Kicks Gobblin Thunder 10ga Browning Invector .690 boasts several key specifications that contribute to its performance. It’s designed for 10-gauge shotguns with a Browning Invector (Standard) choke tube system. The choke constriction is .690, optimized for tight turkey patterns.

The Manufacturer is Kicks Industries. It’s constructed from durable stainless steel, ensuring longevity and resistance to corrosion. It features a blackened finish for enhanced stealth and aesthetics.

The choke tube is extended, measuring 8.7 inches in length and 1.1 inches in height. This extended design promotes a more gradual constriction, minimizing pellet deformation. The ported design further enhances performance by reducing recoil and minimizing flyers. These specs combined are vital for achieving optimal patterning.

Performance & Functionality

The Kicks Industries Kicks Gobblin Thunder 10ga Browning Invector .690 excels at its primary function: delivering tight, consistent patterns for turkey hunting. Its .690 constriction, combined with its extended and ported design, creates optimal conditions for maximizing pattern density and effective range.

Its strengths lie in its ability to consistently produce lethal patterns at distances beyond those achievable with a standard choke. The only area for possible improvement would be offering various constriction options. It meets and exceeds expectations, providing a noticeable improvement in patterning performance compared to other chokes I have used.

Design & Ergonomics

The Kicks Industries Kicks Gobblin Thunder 10ga Browning Invector .690 features a simple yet effective design. The stainless-steel construction feels solid and durable, and the blackened finish adds a touch of class.

The choke is easy to install and remove using a standard choke wrench. There is no significant learning curve, and the choke is intuitive to use. The extended length doesn’t add noticeable weight or bulk to the shotgun.

Durability & Maintenance

Given its stainless-steel construction, the Kicks Industries Kicks Gobblin Thunder 10ga Browning Invector .690 is built to last. The finish is resistant to scratches and corrosion, ensuring that the choke will maintain its appearance and performance over time.

Maintaining the choke is easy; a quick cleaning with a bore brush and solvent after each use is sufficient. There are no intricate parts or mechanisms that require special attention. Proper maintenance will keep the choke performing optimally for years to come.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Kicks Industries Kicks Gobblin Thunder 10ga Browning Invector .690 doesn’t come with any specific accessories. However, it is compatible with any standard choke wrench designed for Browning Invector chokes.

There are no specific customization options for this choke tube, as its design is optimized for a specific purpose. However, it can be paired with various turkey loads to fine-tune patterning performance. The choke fits seamlessly within the Browning Invector system.

Pros and Cons of Kicks Industries Kicks Gobblin Thunder 10ga Browning Invector .690

Pros

• Delivers exceptionally tight and consistent patterns at extended ranges.
• Durable stainless-steel construction ensures long-lasting performance.
• Blackened finish provides stealth and corrosion resistance.
• Easy to install, use, and maintain.
• Noticeably improves patterning compared to factory chokes.

Cons

• Limited to Browning Invector (Standard) choke tube systems.
• The .690 constriction may be too tight for some situations or loads.

Who Should Buy Kicks Industries Kicks Gobblin Thunder 10ga Browning Invector .690?