Kicks Industries Kicks High Flyer Choke 12ga Beretta Optima Hp X-full Review

All About the Kicks Industries Kicks High Flyer Choke 12ga Beretta Optima Hp X-full: Start Here

For years, my shotgunning has been a blend of deliberate practice and the occasional field excursion, always striving for tighter patterns and fewer stray pellets. The quest for consistency, especially in critical moments, led me to explore various choke tube options. My particular setup, a Beretta with the Optima HP system, requires specific choke compatibility. Recently, I’ve been looking for an extra-full choke designed to optimize shot string consistency, particularly for longer-range turkey hunting scenarios where that first shot is paramount. After considerable research, the Kicks Industries Kicks High Flyer Choke 12ga Beretta Optima Hp X-full stood out, promising to minimize flyers and improve pellet density at range.

The decision to try this specific choke stemmed from a frustrating hunt last season. While I connected, a few shots showed an uncharacteristically wide spread, making me question if my existing choke was truly performing at its peak. I considered other premium aftermarket options, but the specific design philosophy of the High Flyer, focusing on the “first few yards of the shot string,” piqued my interest. My initial impression upon receiving the choke was one of solid craftsmanship; it felt substantial and well-machined, a far cry from some of the flimsy replacements I’ve encountered. There’s a quiet satisfaction in holding a piece of equipment that looks and feels precisely engineered.

Real-World Testing: Putting Kicks Industries Kicks High Flyer Choke 12ga Beretta Optima Hp X-full to the Test

First Use Experience

My initial testing grounds were the familiar confines of my local outdoor range. I fitted the Kicks Industries Kicks High Flyer Choke 12ga Beretta Optima Hp X-full into my Beretta 12-gauge, using high-quality turkey loads known for their pattern performance. The installation was straightforward, with the knurled sections providing an excellent grip for hand-tightening. My first few shots were at 30 yards, then progressively out to 40 and 50 yards, using standard paper pattern targets. The conditions were clear and calm, ideal for establishing a baseline.

The ease of installation was immediately apparent; there was no wrestling or excessive force required, and the choke seated perfectly. The most significant surprise was the visible difference in pattern density at 40 yards. Compared to my previous choke, the shot string appeared tighter and more uniform, with fewer widely scattered pellets that often plague longer-range shots. I did notice that the knurled forecap was quite aggressive, offering fantastic grip but potentially snagging on fabrics if not handled carefully during the installation process.

Extended Use & Reliability

Over the next several weeks, I incorporated the High Flyer choke into my routine, including a dedicated turkey hunting trip and several range sessions focused on load development. I’ve cycled through various brands and shot weights of premium turkey loads, all through this single choke. It has seen exposure to the damp morning dew of a spring gobbler hunt and the dry, dusty conditions of a weekend practice session.

So far, the durability of the Kicks Industries choke has been impressive. The stainless steel construction shows no signs of rust or corrosion, even after being exposed to moisture. The machining remains sharp, and there are no indications of looseness or degradation in its fit with my firearm. Cleaning is as simple as removing the choke and giving it a quick scrub with a bore brush and solvent; the smooth internal surfaces make this process efficient. Compared to some factory chokes that can feel rough or develop issues with fouling, this aftermarket option has held up exceptionally well.

Breaking Down the Features of Kicks Industries Kicks High Flyer Choke 12ga Beretta Optima Hp X-full

Specifications

The Kicks Industries Kicks High Flyer Choke 12ga Beretta Optima Hp X-full is meticulously crafted from stainless steel, ensuring robustness and resistance to corrosion across various environmental conditions. It’s specifically designed for the Beretta Optima HP choke tube system, guaranteeing a precise fit for compatible Beretta shotguns. This particular model is an Extra Full constriction, indicating a significant reduction in bore diameter to produce extremely tight patterns.

The choke features a unique two-piece construction with strategically placed knurling. This knurled forecap and knurled keeper point are not just aesthetic; they provide enhanced grip for easy installation and removal, even with cold or gloved hands. The design aims to enhance the velocity and consistency of the shot string in the critical initial yards downrange, purportedly adding “two or three extra grains of yards of turkey shot.” This focus on early shot string integrity is key to minimizing flyers and maximizing pellet density on target at extended ranges.

Performance & Functionality

In practical application, the Kicks Industries choke delivers on its core promise of tight patterns. When firing known-performing turkey loads, the resulting patterns at 40 and 50 yards were noticeably denser and more uniform than what I achieved with previous extra-full chokes. The “High Flyer” aspect seems to hold true; the spread is remarkably consistent, with far fewer of those irritating, widely distributed pellets that can sometimes spoil a clean kill.

The primary strength of this choke is undoubtedly its ability to create consistent, dense patterns at longer ranges. It genuinely appears to help keep the shot string together longer. A minor weakness, if one can call it that, is that with such an aggressive constriction like Extra Full, users must be mindful of their ammunition choice. Not all loads perform optimally through such tight constrictions, and some might experience excessive recoil or pellet deformation if paired with inappropriate shells. However, when matched with premium turkey loads designed for extended range, the performance is exceptional.

Design & Ergonomics

The design of the Kicks Industries High Flyer is both functional and subtly aggressive, with its distinct knurling. The machined steel construction feels premium and built to last. The knurled forecap offers a secure purchase, making it easy to thread the choke in and out, even without tools.

Ergonomically, the choke is designed for practical use in the field. The aggressive knurling ensures a solid grip, which is invaluable when you might be dealing with cold hands or fumbling with gloves in the pre-dawn light. The rounded points on the end are a thoughtful touch, facilitating an easy start for threading it into place. There’s no real learning curve; it’s a drop-in component that functions as intended immediately.

Durability & Maintenance

The stainless steel construction of this choke tube is a significant indicator of its durability. After consistent use across various conditions, including damp environments, I’ve observed no signs of rust, pitting, or any other degradation. The internal bore remains smooth, and the external machining is still crisp.

Maintenance is straightforward. Like any choke tube, it benefits from periodic cleaning to remove fouling and ensure optimal performance. The smooth interior surfaces of the High Flyer make this process quick and efficient. I haven’t encountered any specific wear points or potential failure areas. It feels like a component designed for longevity, capable of withstanding countless cycles of installation, firing, and removal.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Kicks Industries Kicks High Flyer Choke 12ga Beretta Optima Hp X-full does not come with additional accessories, nor does it offer inherent customization beyond its primary function as a choke. Its value lies in its precise engineering for a specific firearm system and constriction. However, its design is intended to work optimally with premium turkey loads, so pairing it with high-quality ammunition is a crucial consideration for maximizing its potential.

Pros and Cons of Kicks Industries Kicks High Flyer Choke 12ga Beretta Optima Hp X-full

Who Should Buy Kicks Industries Kicks High Flyer Choke 12ga Beretta Optima Hp X-full?

This choke tube is an excellent choice for serious turkey hunters who utilize a Beretta shotgun with the Optima HP choke system. If your hunting style emphasizes long-range shots and you demand the tightest possible patterns with minimal flyers, this model is highly recommended. It’s also suitable for shotgunners who participate in disciplines requiring extreme pattern density at range, where precision is paramount.

However, shooters who primarily engage targets at closer ranges or those who prefer a wider variety of ammunition without being concerned about extreme pattern control might find an Extra Full choke like this to be overly restrictive. Those without a compatible Beretta Optima HP system should look elsewhere, as this choke is not a universal fit. For those who do purchase it, I’d suggest investing in premium turkey loads known for their performance through tight chokes to truly unlock its potential.

Conclusion on Kicks Industries Kicks High Flyer Choke 12ga Beretta Optima Hp X-full

The Kicks Industries Kicks High Flyer Choke 12ga Beretta Optima Hp X-full is a testament to specialized engineering that pays dividends in performance. For anyone serious about maximizing their effectiveness on wary gobblers at distance, this choke tube delivers exceptional pattern density and consistency. Its robust stainless steel build and thoughtful design, particularly the enhanced grip features, make it a reliable and user-friendly addition to a compatible Beretta shotgun.

Considering its performance benefits, especially the reduction in flyers and improvement in pattern uniformity, the price is justified for dedicated hunters. It transforms a good shotgun into a more precise long-range instrument. I would enthusiastically recommend this choke to any Beretta Optima HP owner who values accuracy and wants to wring the most performance out of their shots. If you’re looking to tighten up your pattern and gain confidence in your extended-range capability, this Kicks Industries model is a worthy investment.