True Results from the Kicks Gobblin Thunder 10ga Browning Invector .690
For serious turkey hunters, especially those wielding the venerable 10-gauge, the quest for the perfect shot placement is relentless. I’ve spent over a decade in the field and workshop, constantly seeking equipment that performs beyond expectations, and this led me to explore specialized choke tubes. The Kicks Industries Kicks Gobblin Thunder 10ga Browning Invector .690 presented itself as a promising contender, aiming to enhance the effectiveness of modern turkey loads by adapting time-tested designs. It promised a refined version of the “port and starve” choke, known for its effectiveness in earlier hunting scenarios, but re-engineered for today’s demanding cartridges. My previous experiences with various choke tubes have often involved a trade-off between pattern density and ease of use, making the Gobblin Thunder’s claims of extreme durability and forgiving performance particularly intriguing. It arrived as a significant upgrade from the older, standard chokes I’d been using, and my initial impression was one of robust construction and thoughtful engineering.
My search for this specific choke tube was driven by a recurring frustration during late-season hunts. While my trusty 10-gauge had always been reliable, I noticed a troubling number of “flyers” – birds that, while not entirely missed, weren’t downed cleanly, leading to more difficult follow-up shots or lost opportunities. This was particularly evident at longer ranges, where even slight deviations in pellet spread become magnified. I had considered simpler aftermarket chokes and even custom gunsmithing, but the specialized design of the Gobblin Thunder, with its extended length and advanced porting, seemed to directly address the flyer issue. The immediate tactile feel of the Kicks Industries Kicks Gobblin Thunder 10ga Browning Invector .690 suggested quality; its stainless steel construction felt solid and well-machined, a stark contrast to some lighter, less robust options I’d encountered. My first reaction upon holding it was a sense of quiet confidence, a feeling that this component might finally resolve the inconsistencies I’d been battling.
Real-World Testing: Putting Kicks Gobblin Thunder 10ga Browning Invector .690 to the Test
First Use Experience
My initial testing of this choke tube took place on a brisk early spring morning in a familiar turkey hunting ground, renowned for its challenging terrain and wary gobblers. I paired it with several different loads of modern 10-gauge turkey ammunition, including buffered magnum shot and specialized copper-plated pellets, focusing on ranges from 20 to 50 yards. The Kicks Gobblin Thunder 10ga Browning Invector .690 screwed into my Browning Invector-compatible receiver with a satisfying snugness, feeling secure and perfectly seated. Its extended design made it easy to grip and remove, a welcome convenience in the field.
Performance in these initial conditions was notably consistent. The patterns were tighter and more uniform than I had achieved with previous chokes, significantly reducing the number of widely dispersed pellets and flyers at every tested distance. This choke’s ability to deliver a dense, even pattern was immediately apparent, providing a much more reliable kill zone. There were no surprises or quirks in its first outing; it performed precisely as advertised, instilling a sense of trust in its capabilities from the very first shot.
Extended Use & Reliability
Over the course of two full hunting seasons and numerous practice sessions, the Kicks Industries Kicks Gobblin Thunder 10ga Browning Invector .690 has proven to be remarkably durable and reliable. It has endured repeated exposure to various outdoor elements—rain, mud, dust, and temperature fluctuations—without any degradation in performance. Its stainless steel construction has resisted corrosion and wear, even after being removed and reinstalled several times for cleaning and load experimentation.
Compared to my previous experiences with budget choke tubes, which sometimes showed signs of pellet deformation or stress after extended use, this extended choke tube has maintained its structural integrity and consistent pattern performance flawlessly. Maintenance is straightforward: a simple cleaning with a bore snake and a light application of gun oil are sufficient to keep it in optimal condition. I have yet to notice any significant wear or tear that would compromise its effectiveness, solidifying its reputation for being an exceptionally robust and dependable component.
Breaking Down the Features of Kicks Industries Kicks Gobblin Thunder 10ga Browning Invector .690
Specifications
The Kicks Gobblin Thunder 10ga Browning Invector .690 is engineered with precision for 10-gauge shotguns utilizing the Browning Invector choke tube system. Its designation as a .690 choke indicates a relatively tight constriction, designed to produce exceptionally dense patterns at extended ranges. The choke tube is constructed from high-quality stainless steel, ensuring superior durability and corrosion resistance, crucial for outdoor equipment that faces harsh conditions. It features an extended design, which not only aids in easier gripping and removal but also allows for a more gradual constriction of shot, purportedly leading to faster shot release and improved pattern integrity. A key design element is its ported interior, a feature intended to reduce muzzle jump and allow shot to exit the barrel more smoothly, further minimizing flyers. This combination of a tight constriction, extended length, and advanced porting is what Kicks Industries believes elevates its performance for modern turkey hunting cartridges.
The .690 constriction, specifically, is designed to tighten the shot pattern significantly. This is essential for turkey hunting where precision is paramount for clean kills at longer distances. The extended length provides an additional advantage; it means the parallel section of the choke tube, where the constriction is maintained, is longer. This extended parallel section is a critical component for managing shot string and ensuring pellets maintain their trajectory, thus producing tighter, more consistent patterns. The ported nature of the choke tube is a well-regarded feature in shotgunning for its recoil reduction benefits. By venting gases forward, it helps to keep the barrel down, allowing for quicker follow-up shots if necessary, though for turkey hunting, the primary benefit is the smoother shot release it facilitates. The stainless steel material is a standard for high-quality choke tubes, offering robustness that stands up to repeated firing and the elements without rusting or degrading.
Performance & Functionality
In practical application, the Kicks Industries Kicks Gobblin Thunder 10ga Browning Invector .690 delivers on its promise of enhanced pattern performance. Its primary job, to tighten the shot pattern for effective turkey hunting, is executed with remarkable success. When firing various magnum turkey loads, I consistently observed exceptionally dense patterns at ranges extending out to 50 yards and beyond, with very few stray pellets outside the vital zone. This choke tube significantly reduces the dreaded “flyers” that can make a clean kill uncertain, offering a confidence-inspiring spread of shot that is both uniform and potent.
The strengths of this choke tube lie squarely in its ability to produce devastatingly effective patterns at long ranges while simultaneously offering a degree of forgiveness in its performance. Where it could be improved, though this is a minor point, is perhaps in its extreme tight-patterning at very close ranges, where a slightly wider spread might be beneficial, though this is easily managed by shot selection and hunter positioning. Overall, it not only meets but demonstrably exceeds expectations for a dedicated turkey choke, especially when considering its price point relative to its performance gains.
Design & Ergonomics
The design of the Kicks Gobblin Thunder 10ga Browning Invector .690 is a clear reflection of its purpose: effective and reliable turkey hunting. The stainless steel construction provides a substantial feel, instilling confidence in its durability. Its extended profile is not just for aesthetics; it makes it incredibly easy to thread into and out of the barrel, even with gloved hands, which is a significant ergonomic advantage in cold or wet hunting conditions.
The exterior finish is typically a blackened or matte black, which is practical for hunting as it minimizes glare. While there are no complex controls or buttons to worry about, the knurled portion at the end of the choke tube offers a good grip for installation and removal. The internal porting is precisely machined, contributing to its functional performance without creating any noticeable discomfort or vibration during firing. The overall feel is one of solid, no-nonsense engineering, built for the demands of the hunt.
Durability & Maintenance
When it comes to longevity, the Kicks Industries Kicks Gobblin Thunder 10ga Browning Invector .690 is built to last. As a stainless steel component, it’s highly resistant to corrosion and the wear and tear associated with repeated firing. Under normal hunting use, I anticipate this choke tube will provide many seasons of reliable service.
Maintenance is straightforward and requires minimal effort. A quick clean after a day in the field, ensuring any residue from shotshell wads or gunpowder is removed, is typically all that is needed. Applying a light coat of gun lubricant to the threads periodically will ensure it continues to thread smoothly into the barrel. I have not encountered any specific failure points; its robust construction and quality materials seem to preclude common issues like thread stripping or material fatigue.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Kicks Gobblin Thunder 10ga Browning Invector .690 comes as a single choke tube, without additional accessories. Its primary function is to be a direct replacement for the factory choke tube in compatible Browning Invector shotguns. While Kicks Industries offers various choke tubes for different gauges and systems, this specific model is designed for the 10-gauge Browning Invector platform and does not inherently offer further customization beyond the choice of ammunition used with it.
Compatibility is key here; it is designed to work seamlessly with Browning Invector systems. Users should verify their shotgun’s choke tube system before purchase, as interchanging incompatible chokes can lead to damage or safety hazards. For turkey hunting, the true customization comes from selecting the right modern turkey hunting cartridges to pair with this extended and ported choke.
Pros and Cons of Kicks Industries Kicks Gobblin Thunder 10ga Browning Invector .690
Pros
- Exceptional Pattern Density: Delivers incredibly tight and uniform patterns at extended ranges, significantly reducing flyers.
- Stainless Steel Construction: Ensures superior durability, corrosion resistance, and long-term reliability in harsh hunting conditions.
- Extended Design for Easy Handling: The extended length makes installation and removal simple, even with gloves on.
- Effective Porting: The ported interior helps reduce muzzle rise and promotes smoother shot release for enhanced accuracy.
- Designed for Modern Loads: Optimized to work synergistically with today’s advanced turkey hunting cartridges.
Cons
- Limited to Specific Systems: Only compatible with Browning Invector choke tube systems, requiring careful verification before purchase.
- Potentially Too Tight for Close Range: May produce excessively tight patterns at very close distances, though this is mitigated by load selection.
- Single Item Purchase: Does not come with additional accessories; it’s a specialized component.
Who Should Buy Kicks Industries Kicks Gobblin Thunder 10ga Browning Invector .690?
This choke tube is an absolute must-have for any serious 10-gauge turkey hunter using a shotgun equipped with the Browning Invector system who is looking to maximize their effective range and shot-to-shot consistency. It’s ideal for those who frequently hunt in open fields or situations where longer shots are common, and for individuals who demand the utmost in pattern performance from their firearm. If you’re tired of inconsistent patterns and want to eliminate flyers, this choke is a direct solution.
Conversely, if you own a shotgun with a different choke tube system (e.g., Invector-Plus, Mobilchoke) or primarily hunt in extremely dense cover where shots are almost always at very close range, this specific model might not be the best fit. While its performance is outstanding, its specialization means it’s not a general-purpose choke. For optimal performance and safety, ensure your shotgun accepts Browning Invector tubes.
Conclusion on Kicks Industries Kicks Gobblin Thunder 10ga Browning Invector .690
The Kicks Industries Kicks Gobblin Thunder 10ga Browning Invector .690 is a superior aftermarket choke tube that delivers on its promises of enhanced pattern performance and reliability. For the dedicated 10-gauge turkey hunter, its ability to produce consistently tight patterns at extended ranges, combined with its robust construction and thoughtful design, makes it an invaluable tool. The stainless steel build and extended, ported configuration are well-executed, providing tangible benefits in the field.
Considering its price of $72.02, the value proposition is exceptionally strong. It offers performance that rivals or surpasses much more expensive custom options, making it a wise investment for any hunter serious about maximizing their success rate. I wholeheartedly recommend the Kicks Gobblin Thunder 10ga Browning Invector .690 to any compatible 10-gauge shotgun owner looking to elevate their turkey hunting game. If you’re ready to stop worrying about flyers and start achieving cleaner, more consistent kills, this choke tube is an easy choice.