First Thoughts on the JEBS Headhunter Choke Tube 20 ga. Benelli Crio Matte .560
The JEBS Headhunter Choke Tube 20 ga. Benelli Crio Matte .560 promises tighter patterns and longer shots, a siren song for any serious turkey hunter. JEBS Choke Tubes has built a reputation for quality and innovation, and this choke tube is designed to deliver on that promise. My initial excitement stemmed from a desire to improve my 20-gauge Benelli’s performance in the turkey woods, specifically struggling with consistent, tight patterns beyond 30 yards.
I was looking for a choke tube that could extend my effective range and provide confidence in those crucial moments. My first impression upon receiving the JEBS Headhunter was positive. The matte finish looks great and the build quality felt solid.
Before settling on the JEBS Headhunter, I considered the Carlson’s Long Beard XR choke tube and the Kicks Gobblin’ Thunder. I ultimately chose the JEBS Headhunter because of the company’s patented “multi-staged” interior bore design, which claims to improve shot and wad separation. This seemed like a more technologically advanced approach. I was also drawn to the specific constriction of .560, which seemed ideal for the shot sizes I planned to use. My initial excitement was high, eager to test if the technology lived up to the hype.
Real-World Testing: Putting JEBS Headhunter Choke Tube 20 ga. Benelli Crio Matte .560 to the Test
First Use Experience
I first tested the JEBS Headhunter Choke Tube at my local shooting range. I used a variety of 20-gauge turkey loads, including Winchester Long Beard XR (size 5), Federal Premium TSS (size 9), and Hevi-Shot Magnum Blend (size 5, 6, 7). The weather was clear and cool, around 50 degrees Fahrenheit, with a slight breeze. The installation of the choke tube was straightforward, threading smoothly into my Benelli Crio barrel.
On my first few shots, I was immediately impressed with the pattern density at 30 yards. The patterns were significantly tighter and more consistent than with my factory choke tube. There were no noticeable issues or surprises during this first range session, only an increasing sense of confidence.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of use, including pre-season patterning and a full turkey season in the rugged hills of West Virginia, the JEBS Headhunter Choke Tube has held up exceptionally well. I haven’t noticed any signs of wear and tear, despite frequent use and cleaning. The choke tube is easy to clean with standard bore cleaner and a choke tube wrench for removal.
Compared to my previous experiences with other choke tubes, the JEBS Headhunter definitely outperforms. The patterns remain consistently tight and dense at extended ranges, giving me the confidence to take shots ethically and effectively. It has proven to be a reliable and durable addition to my turkey hunting setup.
Breaking Down the Features of JEBS Headhunter Choke Tube 20 ga. Benelli Crio Matte .560
Specifications
The JEBS Headhunter Choke Tube 20 ga. Benelli Crio Matte .560 is specifically designed for 20-gauge Benelli shotguns utilizing the Crio choke system. It is designed for turkey hunting. The choke tube features a matte finish, providing a non-reflective surface ideal for hunting situations.
The most noteworthy specification is its .560 constriction, a tight choke designed for extreme pattern density. This constriction is crucial for delivering tight patterns at longer distances, improving the odds of a lethal shot. The JEBS patented “multi-staged” interior bore design promotes better shot and wad separation, which is key to tighter patterns.
Performance & Functionality
The JEBS Headhunter Choke Tube excels at its primary job: delivering extremely tight and dense patterns for turkey hunting. Accuracy is greatly improved, allowing for ethical shots at extended ranges. While a very tight choke, it consistently produces reliable patterns with a variety of turkey loads.
The major strength of this choke tube is its ability to hold a tight pattern at distances exceeding 40 yards. However, this tight pattern could be a weakness at very close ranges (inside 20 yards), where the pattern might be too small. It significantly exceeds my expectations compared to factory chokes, turning my 20-gauge into a serious turkey hunting tool.
Design & Ergonomics
The build quality of the JEBS Headhunter is excellent. The materials used feel durable and the matte finish looks great on my Benelli. While the choke tube itself doesn’t directly affect ergonomics, its performance instills confidence, enhancing the overall shooting experience.
The installation is straightforward, requiring only a choke tube wrench, and there is no learning curve involved. It is simple to install and remove as needed.
Durability & Maintenance
Given the high-quality materials and robust construction, the JEBS Headhunter Choke Tube is built to last. Regular cleaning and proper storage should ensure years of reliable performance. Maintenance is simple, requiring only standard bore cleaner and a choke tube wrench.
Accessories and Customization Options
The JEBS Headhunter Choke Tube does not come with any accessories. However, the main customization aspect is choosing the correct constriction for your specific hunting needs and preferred turkey loads. While there are no direct customizations for the choke tube itself, its compatibility with various 20-gauge loads allows for fine-tuning performance. There are no notable compatibilities with accessories from other brands.
Pros and Cons of JEBS Headhunter Choke Tube 20 ga. Benelli Crio Matte .560
Pros
- Extremely tight and dense patterns: Significantly improves pattern density at extended ranges, increasing the effective range of your 20-gauge.
- Improved shot and wad separation: The patented “multi-staged” interior bore design leads to more consistent and accurate patterns.
- Durable construction: Built with high-quality materials to withstand the rigors of hunting.
- Easy to install and maintain: Simple installation and cleaning process.
- Enhanced confidence: Provides confidence in making ethical shots at longer distances.
Cons
- Potentially too tight for close-range shots: The extremely tight pattern may be less forgiving at very close ranges (under 20 yards).
- Specialized for turkey hunting: Not ideal for general shooting or other types of hunting requiring more open patterns.
Who Should Buy JEBS Headhunter Choke Tube 20 ga. Benelli Crio Matte .560?
The JEBS Headhunter Choke Tube is perfect for serious turkey hunters who want to maximize the range and effectiveness of their 20-gauge Benelli shotgun. This is also useful for hunters who struggle with achieving tight patterns with their current choke tube.
This product may not be best for hunters who primarily hunt turkeys at very close range (under 20 yards) or those looking for a more versatile choke tube for various types of hunting. Those just looking for casual target practice would not see much value in this product.
A must-have accessory is a quality choke tube wrench for easy installation and removal. Furthermore, experimentation with different turkey loads is essential to find the optimal combination for your specific shotgun and hunting conditions.
Conclusion on JEBS Headhunter Choke Tube 20 ga. Benelli Crio Matte .560
The JEBS Headhunter Choke Tube 20 ga. Benelli Crio Matte .560 is a top-tier choke tube designed to deliver devastatingly tight patterns for turkey hunting. The price of $79.99 is justified by the noticeable improvement in pattern density and extended range it provides. Yes, I would personally recommend it to any serious turkey hunter looking to maximize their 20-gauge Benelli’s performance.
If you’re tired of inconsistent patterns and missed opportunities in the turkey woods, invest in the JEBS Headhunter. You won’t be disappointed.