First Thoughts on the EAR Head Hunter Rem Choke 12 Gauge Turkey Matte Black .655
As a seasoned outdoorsman, I’ve patterned more turkey chokes than I care to admit. For over a decade, I’ve chased gobblers across the country, and the difference between a successful hunt and a long walk often boils down to the performance of your shotgun and, more critically, your choke tube. The EAR Head Hunter Rem Choke 12 Gauge Turkey Matte Black .655 promises tight patterns at extended ranges, something that immediately piqued my interest.
My quest for the perfect turkey choke stems from years of frustration. I’ve used everything from factory chokes to high-end aftermarket options, often finding myself wanting more consistent patterns, especially as distances stretch beyond the typical 30-yard mark. Opening the box, I was immediately struck by the choke’s robust construction and the matte black finish, which suggests a focus on functionality over flashy aesthetics. The build quality felt solid, hinting at durability in the field.
Compared to my previous go-to choke, a Carlson’s Long Beard XR choke, and a more budget-friendly TruGlo Gobble-Stopper, the EAR Head Hunter Rem Choke 12 Gauge Turkey Matte Black .655 appeared to have a more complex internal geometry, which I hoped would translate to superior pattern density. I chose this choke in the hope that it would deliver on its promise of “extreme patterns down range,” outperforming my existing chokes in both pattern density and consistency. I was cautiously optimistic, eager to see if this choke could live up to the hype and justify its $89.99 price tag.
Real-World Testing: Putting EAR Head Hunter Rem Choke 12 Gauge Turkey Matte Black .655 to the Test
First Use Experience
My initial testing took place at my local shooting range, a dedicated outdoor facility with distances marked out to 50 yards. I mounted the EAR Head Hunter Rem Choke 12 Gauge Turkey Matte Black .655 on my Remington 870, a shotgun I know intimately and trust implicitly. The weather was typical for early spring, with a slight drizzle and a temperature hovering around 50 degrees Fahrenheit.
The choke threaded in smoothly and securely, requiring only a light tightening with a choke wrench. I patterned the choke with a variety of loads, including Winchester Long Beard XR, Federal Premium TSS, and some standard lead turkey loads. Initially, I was impressed by the pattern density at 40 yards with the Long Beard XR, easily keeping nearly all pellets within a 10-inch circle. There were no noticeable issues, though the first few shots were admittedly nerve-wracking, hoping I wouldn’t blow my pattern apart.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of dedicated testing and two spring turkey seasons, the EAR Head Hunter Rem Choke 12 Gauge Turkey Matte Black .655 has proven to be a reliable performer. There are no signs of wear and tear on the choke itself, despite repeated removal and cleaning. Regular cleaning with a solvent and choke tube grease has kept it in optimal condition.
Maintenance is straightforward; a quick scrub with a brass brush and a wipe-down with a lightly oiled cloth after each use is all it takes to keep the choke functioning perfectly. Compared to my experience with some cheaper chokes that quickly accumulate rust and fouling, the EAR Head Hunter has held up remarkably well. The EAR Head Hunter Rem Choke 12 Gauge Turkey Matte Black .655 definitely outperforms the TruGlo and is on par with the more expensive Carlson’s, but with slightly tighter patterns at longer ranges.
Breaking Down the Features of EAR Head Hunter Rem Choke 12 Gauge Turkey Matte Black .655
Specifications
- The EAR Head Hunter Rem Choke 12 Gauge Turkey Matte Black .655 is designed for 12-gauge shotguns using the Remington choke tube thread pattern. Its specific constriction is .655 inches.
- This constriction is optimal for delivering tight, dense patterns with turkey loads. The choke is constructed from high-quality steel and finished with a durable matte black coating.
The .655 constriction strikes a balance between pattern density and spread, making it effective at both close and extended ranges. The steel construction ensures the choke can withstand the pressures and recoil of heavy turkey loads.
Performance & Functionality
The EAR Head Hunter Rem Choke 12 Gauge Turkey Matte Black .655 excels at producing extremely tight and consistent patterns with a variety of turkey loads. It is particularly effective with modern tungsten super shot (TSS) and heavy lead loads. It meets and even exceeds expectations, delivering patterns that are consistently tighter and denser than many other chokes I’ve tested.
A slight weakness is the sensitivity to different loads. Experimentation is necessary to find the optimal load for your specific shotgun. Overall, the performance of the EAR Head Hunter Rem Choke 12 Gauge Turkey Matte Black .655 is outstanding, providing confidence in the field.
Design & Ergonomics
The EAR Head Hunter Rem Choke 12 Gauge Turkey Matte Black .655 boasts a simple, yet functional design. The matte black finish reduces glare and prevents rust. The choke feels solid and well-made, instilling confidence in its durability.
The choke is easy to install and remove with a standard choke wrench. There is no steep learning curve associated with its use.
Durability & Maintenance
The EAR Head Hunter Rem Choke 12 Gauge Turkey Matte Black .655 is built to last. The steel construction and durable finish ensure it can withstand years of use in harsh conditions. Regular cleaning and lubrication are essential to prevent rust and maintain optimal performance.
This choke appears to be more durable than some of the cheaper, thinner-walled chokes on the market. A little preventative maintenance will significantly extend its lifespan.
Accessories and Customization Options
The EAR Head Hunter Rem Choke 12 Gauge Turkey Matte Black .655 does not come with any included accessories beyond the choke tube itself. There are no specific customization options directly related to the choke. It is, however, compatible with any standard choke wrench designed for Remington choke tubes.
Many hunters may choose to add aftermarket fiber optic sights to their shotgun to further enhance accuracy. Others might opt for a red dot sight for faster target acquisition. The choke itself remains a standalone component, but integrates seamlessly into a customized shotgun setup.
Pros and Cons of EAR Head Hunter Rem Choke 12 Gauge Turkey Matte Black .655
Pros
- Delivers extremely tight and dense patterns at extended ranges.
- Durable steel construction ensures long-lasting performance.
- JEBS patented “multi-staged” interior bore design improves shot and wad separation.
- Compatible with a wide range of 12-gauge Remington shotguns.
- Relatively easy to clean and maintain.
Cons
- Pattern performance is highly dependent on the specific load used.
- Requires dedicated testing to find the optimal load for your shotgun.
Who Should Buy EAR Head Hunter Rem Choke 12 Gauge Turkey Matte Black .655?
The EAR Head Hunter Rem Choke 12 Gauge Turkey Matte Black .655 is perfect for serious turkey hunters who demand the tightest possible patterns at longer ranges. It is also a great option for experienced shotgun shooters looking to maximize the performance of their Remington 870 or other compatible shotgun. This choke is ideal for hunters who reload their own ammunition and want the ability to fine-tune their loads for optimal pattern density.
This product might not be ideal for novice turkey hunters who are still learning the basics of shotgun shooting and pattern testing. Hunters who primarily hunt in thick, close-range environments may find the extremely tight patterns to be a disadvantage. A good quality choke wrench and a selection of different turkey loads are must-have accessories.
Conclusion on EAR Head Hunter Rem Choke 12 Gauge Turkey Matte Black .655
The EAR Head Hunter Rem Choke 12 Gauge Turkey Matte Black .655 is a high-quality choke tube that delivers on its promise of tight patterns at extended ranges. At $89.99, the price is justified by the choke’s superior performance and durable construction. The JEBS patented bore design truly makes a difference.
I would definitely recommend this choke to serious turkey hunters looking for a competitive edge. If you’re ready to take your turkey hunting to the next level and consistently drop gobblers at impressive distances, the EAR Head Hunter is a worthy investment. Order yours today and experience the difference a premium choke tube can make!