Reverend Fowl

Turkey Kill Zone: Locked Down with Kick’s

Gobblin’ Thunder

Kick’s is a talented maker of shotgun chokes. The Kick’s know-how is evident in both the world shooting titles that have been won with Kick’s turkey chokes as well their simplified product line.

The Kick’s “Recipe for Turkey” is the Gobblin’ Thunder brand of turkey chokes.

Choke Selection
Choke selection is the most important means a turkey hunter has over how commercial ammunition performs, whereas the gun itself is more of a constant than a variable.

“An authentic turkey choke gives you the ability to kill only one turkey at a time.” -TRF

Probably the most underreported aspect of turkey hunting is the unintentional killing, wounding or crippling of extra turkeys when a shot pattern or spread is too scattered or unfocused.

The Turkey Kill Zone | Shot Placement
Although it’s clever not to add shot pellets to the most edible parts of a turkey, 19th century books describe hunting turkey bodies in trees, at night, during a full moon.

Nowadays and based on principal, the shot placement guidelines for killing a turkey is an intricate headshot which includes the neck.

Exactly when the modern headshot directive was instituted is unclear because turkey hunting sometimes wanes for as long as 20-30 years when turkey populations dwindle or disappear. Hunting then resumes after the successful restocking of turkeys. A November 1970 Field -and- Stream article refers to turkey hunting as an “ancient art” following a 24 year hunting moratorium.

Nevertheless, the author’s father-in-law revealed that when turkey hunting briefly resumed in America’s Upper Midwest, in the late 1960’s and again in the late 1970’s, it was considered important to call a turkey to ruffle it’s feathers just before the shot, to allow penetration, otherwise, the shot pellets cold be seen bouncing off the back of the turkey.

Design
Gobblin’ Thunder is an extra long tube milled from solid 17-4PH stainless steel with a parallel section after the choke that stabilizes the shot constriction. It extends approximately 1 ¾ inches beyond the muzzle, and has a round/flat, precision crown. Gobblin’ Thunder allows you to extend your range, barrel length and mass. A longer barrel handles more steadily and generally improves shot pattern. Increasing the mass of a barrel reduces recoil acceleration.

Installation | Finish | Markings
Kick’s choke tubes are installed and removed by hand. I thought these chokes were visibly glossy at first, but I took them outside, in the natural light and they do have a duller, black finish preferred for hunting. These chokes have stamped/engraved lettering for easy identification that remains visible when installed and during use.

Porting | Braking System
Gobblin’ Thunder chokes are diagonally and directionally ported at a precise, prescribed angle of 135 degrees forward of the shooter. Upon firing, these ports vent forward, slowing the recoil and better protecting the shooter, bystanders and hunting position from shock pressure, smoke and debris.

Gobblin’ Thunder’s heavy porting is very similar in appearance to many of the newest compensator designs and is a long-established, ballistic improvement characteristic.

24 sharp-edged cut outs, measuring nearly ¼ inch each, are oriented to provide momentary, retrograde traction for the stressed boundaries of shotcup-wads.

Surface interruption by perforations (porting) also vibrate the wad by converting some of the otherwise wasted energy from wad stress. This vibrational energy yields a more efficient separation between the wad and pellets (author’s conceptual model based on improved pellet release and the deformation and shear of plastic components).

Ranging | Accuracy | Pattern
The Gobblin’ Thunder choke was extremely accurate, delivering a dense core pattern or “Bull’s Eye” at multiple ranges/distances. Beyond the “hot core” at short ranges, shot patterns had a very good distribution across the targets.

Magnum Shot Pellet Count Percentages:

Unhelpful Aspects
There are very few unhelpful aspects of the Gobblin’ Thunder choke. Ported chokes are generally louder (the equivalent of removing the outside wall of a muffler) and have an increased surface area that requires cleaning. Furthermore, Gobblin’ Thunder chokes are not recommended for use with steel or hard tungsten pellets.

Contact:

Kick's Industries Inc. 800-587-2779

http://www.kicks-ind.com

About:
I requested the opportunity to test, review and give opinion for Gobblin’ Thunder choke tubes. I utilized a donated sample for this purpose. Currently, I am not otherwise affiliated or associated with Kick’s Industries and have not received pecuniary compensation or incentive from Kick’s.

Full Metal Jacket ∙ New Turkey Shotshell ∙ White Lightning from Spectra Shot™

The Spectra Shot brand is hardly boutique, but is instead, the ammunition equivalent of Main Street USA.

In the aftermath and uneasiness created by the last rush of erratic, ultra-high velocity ammunition by other brands, Spectra Shot specializes in craftsman ammunition that is dependable and delightful to shoot.

Spectra Shot employs some of the same support that major ammunition brands use. Spectra Shot has been featured in Wildfowl Magazine and seen on The Sportsman Channel.

“Nickel-plated shot strikes like lightning”

–Spectra Shot™

The White Lightning Name | Pellets
Probably the most under-reported aspect of turkey hunting is the unintentional killing, wounding or crippling of extra turkeys when pellets stray off course. Lost pellets (flyers) are typically deformed upon firing, corroded or badly made.

A close inspection of White Lightning’s extra-large pellets reveals a uniform roundness. There were no outcroppings or defects found.

White Lightning’s pellets have a lead core and a thick, glossy jacket (Ni/nickel) that is much harder than copper and holds superior corrosion protection.

It is recognized that nickel-plated, hardened lead alloy (magnum shot) generates improved ballistics and resistance to deformation.

Lubricity | Friction Values | Penetration
Comparable to chrome friction values, nickel shot possesses extraordinary lubricity and penetration.

The author’s father-in-law revealed that when turkey hunting briefly resumed in America’s Upper Midwest, in the late 1960’s and again in the late 1970’s, it was considered important to call a turkey to ruffle it’s feathers just before the shot, to allow penetration, otherwise, the shot pellets cold be seen bouncing off the back of the turkey. Turkey hunting sometimes wanes for as long as 20-30 years when turkey populations dwindle or disappear. Hunting then resumes after the successful restocking of turkeys. A November 1970 Field -and- Stream article refers to turkey hunting as an “ancient art” following a 24 year hunting moratorium. Nowadays and based on principal, the shot placement guidelines for killing a turkey is an intricate head-shot which includes the neck.

Performance | Recoil
Spectra Shot™ is a good choice for those who have experienced uneasiness or erratic results with ultra-high velocity ammunition. While high-powered and effective, Spectra Shot ammunition has the benefit of soft/slowed recoil and was very comfortable to shoot while testing. Spectra Shot is never hot, snappy, jerky or jumpy but instead produces a stately, dignified, blast.

Compatibility
Spectra Shot’s mission states a commitment to top quality components. Individual shells loaded, chambered, fired, cycled and ejected smoothly.

Ranging | Accuracy | Pattern

Each carefully opened shell contained an average of 354 pellets of extra-large No.6 shot.

The White Lightning loads were extremely accurate, delivering a dense core pattern or “Bull’s Eye” at multiple ranges/distances.

Sample Pellet Count Percentages:

Value

White Lightning turkey loads come 10 shells per box, enough for testing, practice and hunting.

Spectra Shot™ Website:

http://www.spectrashot.com/index.html

Video:

About:
I requested the opportunity to independently test, review and give opinion for Spectra Shot™ White Lightning High-Velocity Turkey Load. I utilized donated samples for this purpose. Currently, I am not otherwise affiliated or associated with Spectra Shot LLC and have not received pecuniary compensation or incentive from Spectra Shot LLC.

Gun Cleaning Special: Bore Squeeg-E™ | Patch/Mop/Rag Alternatives | Compact Cabled Pull-Through Cleaning Systems | Accurizing Cleaning

History

Intended for provisional field use; pull-through gun cleaning systems made from thong, rope, cord or links, have been a regular item since the mid 19th century. Early American gun cleaning supplies included brick dust, mercurial ointment and sperm oil. Today’s pull-through cleaning is based on thin, precision cables, portability and succeeding as a primary cleaning system.

Premium Features
Inserting a cable through the chamber of a gun, from the breech, is perhaps more dependent upon the gun being unloaded than other cleaning methods. Cabled cleaning systems reverse the typical waste flow that can pollute the gun’s action, trigger group or magazine.

Work Site | Underlay | Waste Stream

Although cabled cleaning systems are very discreet and can be used anywhere, an apt site for gun cleaning is a boot tray ($3).

A paint roller tray is also a handy receptacle for cleaning and rinsing parts.

Home-based gun cleaning allows for full-size containers of cleaning supplies and rinses such as Liquid Wrench®, Break Free ®, Smith and Wesson®, Rem® Oil and KleenBore™. Natural clay granules are an absorbent for oil and solvent waste. Trays and absorbents should be continuously dried outdoors when not in use. Fabric used for gun cleaning should be fully dried outdoors before washing or disposal.

Accessory Thread Sizes

A common thread size for newer, universal gun cleaning systems or kits is No 8-32.

All the parts and accessories in a Bore-Squeeg-E™ Gun Cleaning System are No 8-32 matched threads. Cables terminate with knurled swivel connectors that allow cables and accessories to rotate.

Accurizing Cleaning

A forerunner and defender of well-ordered, practical gun cleaning is Rogers Shooting School.

Bill Rogers
(FBI emeritus) developed the Bore Squeeg-E accessories included in many of America’s innovative gun cleaning systems. Rogers’ Deluxe and School Edition Cleaning Systems include a signature cleaning compound that improves accuracy by safely abrading and cleaning ammunition component residues and improving bore surfaces.

Bore Squeeg-E™

“When I first saw the Bore Squeeg-E, I immediately understood this was something significant” -TRF

The Bore Squeeg-E™ is a durable gun cleaning accessory that replaces mops, patches and floss. Squeegees are much more efficient than fabric and reduce waste.

With a single pass, the Bore Squeeg-E’s circular blades remove and control the flow of waste in a smoothbore or rifled barrel. This includes cleaning the grooves of a rifled bore.

Notes | Observations
Surprisingly, when touched, the Bore Squeeg-E™ does not flex much against skin, but is apparently yielding enough to clean and dry bores/rifling.

The Bore Squeeg-E™ must not be inserted into a fouled or dry barrel and requires a lubricant or rinse be present within the barrel.

Shotguns
It is the author’s analysis that the Bore Squeeg-E™ must not be pulled through a choke with sharpened cut-outs. Instead, reinstall an original model choke before cleaning a shotgun.

Rogers Shooting School
Universal Gun Cleaning System

Includes everything needed to clean barrels, chambers, actions and receivers. Accessories clean up with soap and water. Made in the USA.

The Bore Squeeg-E™/Rogers Shooting School/Deluxe Edition/Universal Gun Cleaning System/Kit can be purchased direct from:

Rogers Shooting School

About

I requested the opportunity to test and give opinion for the Bore Squeeg-E™
I am not associated with Bore Squeeg-E™ owners, affiliates, manufactures, licensees or retailers and have neither received pecuniary compensation nor incentive from these.

Schlepping: Game Carts | Decoy Carts

It can be a long walk from a parking area to a hunting position, particularly for respectable, law-abiding hunters who park legally.

Hunting often includes schlepping allot of equipment. A single decoy can be as big as a person.

Homemade | Ready-made Carts

“My first game cart was a folding, laundry or grocery cart. The wheels broke the first time out and our garbage hauler charged a three dollar fee to take the broken cart.” –TRF

A jogging (baby) stroller makes a good game cart for those who hunt alone from small cars.

Truckin’ with the Spider Family

Magnum’s New Spider Boots

Awhile back, The Outdoor Blogger Network celebrated the New Year along with adding a 1000th writer to The Outdoor Blogger Directory. An annual kickoff Gear Review Opportunity from The Outdoor Blogger Network included these boots.

MAGNUM® ESSENTIAL EQUIPMENT™
SPIDER 8.1

The Spider family
As the Magnum® brand adds to what is known as The Spider Family, line or collection of boots, “The Species Evolves”. There are approximately 20 or more models, versions or styles of Spider shoes and boots. The new SPIDER 8.1 HPI was launched at this year’s NSSF SHOT Show in Las Vegas.

Tactical Elite Assault Boots:
Born 30 years ago, from Britain’s top selling athletic shoe firm, to supply U.S. Federal agents, California’s Magnum® reported that these new boots were originally designed for Special Forces operating in Afghanistan. Six years prior to this, the Magnum Stealth was the top selling uniform boot in the world.

In the past few years, field reports regarding the limitations of military issued boots resulted in policies allowing some troops to switch to civilian market boots, especially mountaineering boots.

Nowadays, newer boot styles are much more multipurpose. Magnum® designs new, technical, assault boots that deliver extraordinary off label use from crossover or spin-off technology, turning out benefits and applications for a variety of outdoor interests.

Spider Boots can take a person’s feet through most seasons, from urban areas, through rural areas and into “The Back 40” while enhancing athletic agility for the wearer.

MAGNUM® ESSENTIAL EQUIPMENT™
SPIDER 8.1 HPI-WIDE MULTICAM
Magnum style #5380

Weight and Fit:
Spider 8.1 HPi boots are exceptionally light weight at an approximate average of 21 ounces each. These boots are available in medium and “Wide Fit” sizes 7 through 15. Spider Boots are very flexible and come with a comfort guarantee.

Sole/Tread/Shank:

Certified for safety and occupational footwear, these boots are labeled oil and slip resistant. The soles are deeply lugged with reinforced stabilizers.

The MultiCam® camouflage pattern is molded completely through the sole and remains effective even through wear and damage. The Shank is formed from Thermoplastic Polyurethane to pass Metal detectors.

Toes:

Double layered leather toe guards on top resists snags and abrasions. Flexible toe fins grip inclined surfaces (walls, rock faces).

Each toe has 4 sand/debris-proof vents that cycles fresh air through the boot.

Notches under the toes are supposedly for stepping on fencing and may also be suitable for aggressive style biking.

Fast Rope System:

Magnum® probably has the most sophisticated Fast Rope capability included in their boots (for sliding down and climbing ropes). *Surveying different brands of Fast Rope boots, online, will quickly divulge this. Conceivably, Fast Rope boot features could also be useful for clambering trees, ladders, rocks or rigging.

Uppers:
Uppers measured 8 inches tall (9-1/2 inches total boot height). An external support frame wraps around the malleolus (ankle bones/balls) and lower calf. Upper materials are leather, 1650 denier ballistic nylon, authentic Crye Precision sourced MultiCam® pattern/fabric and ceramic SuperFabric®.

Insole and Lining:
A dimpled, quilted “Spider Mesh” interior and a thick memory foam insole feels both secure and airy.

Lacing:
Round, cord style laces slide easily through precise guides (“composite hardware”). Some of the guides or eyelets have a built in locking mechanism and there is a lace storage system at the top of the boot. Lacing can be quickly removed if needed.

Pulls:
Big loops for pulling boots on.

Finish:
Seriously reinforced and meticulously sewn. These boots resist liquids, biological and chemical agents because of ion-mask™, a nanoscopic molecular treatment that is applied in a plasma chamber and unaffected by high use and wear.

Unhelpful Aspects:
Neither a Vegan boot nor Vegan footwear. Not recommended for extreme cold. May be too blunt for some sport climbing toe holds.

Happiness and Value:
These are boots that can be worn almost year-round and have a big show off or wow factor. Enjoy wearing these boots for errands, banquets, church, work or sports. Try out different lace styles and colors. Add thermal or cooling insoles to customize the warmth of these boots.

Retail Price Survey:
$180-$240 (MultiCam Camouflage)
$119-$185. (Tan, Desert, Black / Work, Tactical, Wet)

Additional Notes: Spider Boots feature TecTuff Leathers, agion® odor control, Ortholite® insoles and Starensier’s Breath Right® comfort and breathability technology.

“I am very blessed to have these boots in time for turkey season. I wish I would have had these boots last fall when I was walking 15 miles a day in search of upland birds. These are boots that you don’t even think about while wearing. These will definitely make a difference next deer season. In the past I had single criteria for footwear: wide width; and these boots are available in wide fit. I love all things MultiCam, so these boots match my other MultiCam gear which blends in anywhere. ” -TRF

MAGNUM® Essential Equipment™ Website:

About:

I registered for the opportunity to independently test, review and give opinion for Magnum® Spider Boots. I utilized donated products for this purpose; upon being selected by random drawing. Currently, I am not otherwise affiliated or associated with Magnum® and have not received pecuniary compensation or incentive from Magnum®.