First Thoughts on the EAR Head Hunter Rem Choke 12 Gauge Turkey Black Nitride .650
The EAR Head Hunter Rem Choke 12 Gauge Turkey Black Nitride .650 is making waves in the turkey hunting community, promising tighter patterns and longer-range performance. It’s a specialized choke designed specifically for 12-gauge Remington shotguns, aiming to turn any seasoned or novice turkey hunter into a down-range dominator. I’ve spent years tinkering with different chokes, chasing that perfect pattern, and this one sparked my interest with its claims of extreme density and consistent performance.
My quest for a reliable and predictable turkey choke has been ongoing since I started chasing gobblers over a decade ago. I was specifically looking for a choke that could deliver consistent, tight patterns beyond the typical 30-yard range. The EAR Head Hunter promised that and the JEBS patented “multi-staged” bore design was intriguing.
Upon unboxing, the choke’s sleek black nitride finish immediately caught my eye. The build quality feels solid and durable, promising resilience against the rigors of the turkey woods. It’s weighty enough to suggest quality materials without adding unnecessary bulk to the shotgun.
I’ve previously used Carlson’s Long Beard XR choke and a couple of older, ported chokes from other manufacturers. The Carlson’s choke performed admirably with specific ammunition, but I was looking for something that offered more versatility across different loads. The EAR Head Hunter seemed to address this by prioritizing wad separation for better pattern consistency. I chose this product hoping for tighter patterns with greater versatility than the competition.
My first impression was definitely positive. The choke screams quality, and the design hints at the promised performance boost. I’m excited to get it out to the range and see if it lives up to the hype.
Real-World Testing: Putting EAR Head Hunter Rem Choke 12 Gauge Turkey Black Nitride .650 to the Test
First Use Experience
I tested the EAR Head Hunter Rem Choke 12 Gauge Turkey Black Nitride .650 at my local shooting range, using a Remington 870 12-gauge shotgun. I patterned the choke at 20, 30, and 40 yards using a variety of turkey loads including Federal Premium Grand Slam, Winchester Long Beard XR, and some cheaper lead loads I had on hand. The weather was clear and cool, around 50 degrees Fahrenheit with a slight breeze.
The most noticeable difference was the pattern density at 40 yards with the premium loads. The patterns were significantly tighter compared to my factory choke, and even compared to the Carlson’s choke I’d used previously. The cheaper lead loads didn’t perform nearly as well, highlighting the importance of using quality ammunition with this choke. There was no difficulty installing or removing the choke with the provided wrench.
I noticed a slight increase in recoil, which is to be expected with a tighter choke constricting the shot.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of use, including two turkey hunts and multiple range sessions, the EAR Head Hunter Rem Choke 12 Gauge Turkey Black Nitride .650 continues to perform well. There are no signs of wear and tear on the choke itself, and the black nitride finish is holding up nicely. Cleaning is straightforward; a quick scrub with bore cleaner and a brush keeps it in top condition.
The choke consistently delivers tight, even patterns when paired with quality turkey loads. I patterned it again after about 100 rounds, and the performance remained consistent with my initial testing. Compared to my previous experiences with other chokes, the EAR Head Hunter offers a more predictable and forgiving performance across a wider range of ammunition. This choke has significantly improved my confidence when turkey hunting.
Breaking Down the Features of EAR Head Hunter Rem Choke 12 Gauge Turkey Black Nitride .650
Specifications
The EAR Head Hunter Rem Choke 12 Gauge Turkey Black Nitride .650 is specifically designed for 12-gauge Remington shotguns. It features a .650-inch constriction, optimized for tight turkey patterns. The choke is constructed from high-quality steel and finished with a durable black nitride coating for corrosion resistance.
The patented JEBS “multi-staged” interior bore design is a key feature of this choke. This design supposedly enhances shot and wad separation, leading to denser and more consistent patterns. These specifications are critical for maximizing the effective range and lethality of a turkey load. The .650 constriction is aggressive, pushing the limits of pattern tightness, while the black nitride finish ensures longevity and protection in harsh hunting conditions.
Performance & Functionality
The EAR Head Hunter Rem Choke 12 Gauge Turkey Black Nitride .650 excels at its primary job: delivering extremely tight and dense patterns at extended ranges. Accuracy is significantly improved compared to a standard choke, allowing for ethical shots at distances beyond 30 yards. While the choke performs optimally with premium turkey loads, it still offers a noticeable improvement with standard ammunition.
The main strength is its ability to consistently produce patterns that put more pellets in the vital zone of a turkey target at longer ranges. The increased recoil can be a minor weakness for some shooters, but it’s a trade-off for the tighter patterns. Overall, the EAR Head Hunter meets and even exceeds expectations, especially when paired with high-quality ammunition.
Design & Ergonomics
The EAR Head Hunter boasts a simple yet effective design. The black nitride finish gives it a sleek, professional look and provides excellent corrosion resistance. The choke installs easily using a standard choke wrench.
There is no complex design or added features, focusing on pure performance. The choke adds minimal weight to the shotgun and does not interfere with handling. The design is user-friendly, even for those with limited experience changing chokes.
Durability & Maintenance
The high-quality steel construction and black nitride finish ensure the EAR Head Hunter Rem Choke 12 Gauge Turkey Black Nitride .650 is built to last. Regular cleaning and light oiling after use will keep it in optimal condition for years to come. I anticipate this choke will withstand the rigors of many turkey seasons.
Maintenance is straightforward; no special tools or expertise are required. The durable construction minimizes the need for repairs or replacements.
Accessories and Customization Options
The EAR Head Hunter Rem Choke 12 Gauge Turkey Black Nitride .650 doesn’t come with any additional accessories beyond the choke itself. However, it’s compatible with any standard Remington 12-gauge choke wrench. No real customization options exist since it is a choke tube. It’s designed to be a standalone performance enhancer.
Pros and Cons of EAR Head Hunter Rem Choke 12 Gauge Turkey Black Nitride .650
Pros
- Delivers extremely tight and dense patterns at extended ranges, significantly increasing effective range.
- Constructed from high-quality steel with a durable black nitride finish for excellent corrosion resistance and longevity.
- The JEBS patented “multi-staged” interior bore design contributes to better shot and wad separation, leading to more consistent patterns.
- Easy to install and remove with a standard choke wrench.
- Noticeable performance improvement over factory chokes, especially with quality turkey loads.
Cons
- Performance is heavily reliant on using high-quality turkey ammunition; cheaper loads may not yield optimal results.
- Slightly increased recoil compared to more open chokes.
Who Should Buy EAR Head Hunter Rem Choke 12 Gauge Turkey Black Nitride .650?
The EAR Head Hunter Rem Choke 12 Gauge Turkey Black Nitride .650 is perfect for serious turkey hunters who are looking to maximize the effective range and pattern density of their 12-gauge Remington shotgun. It’s ideal for hunters who are willing to invest in quality turkey ammunition to achieve the best possible results. Experienced hunters seeking an edge in challenging hunting situations will appreciate the performance boost this choke offers.
Hunters primarily using inexpensive, low-quality ammunition or those sensitive to recoil might want to consider other options. Those hunting at very close ranges (inside of 20 yards) might not see a significant benefit.
A quality set of turkey hunting sights or a red dot optic would complement this choke perfectly. Also, a good choke tube wrench is a must-have for easy installation and removal.
Conclusion on EAR Head Hunter Rem Choke 12 Gauge Turkey Black Nitride .650
The EAR Head Hunter Rem Choke 12 Gauge Turkey Black Nitride .650 is a well-designed and effective choke that delivers on its promise of tighter, denser patterns. While it performs best with premium ammunition, the results are undeniable. The price is justified by the noticeable improvement in pattern density and effective range.
I would definitely recommend the EAR Head Hunter to any serious turkey hunter looking to upgrade their shotgun’s performance. If you’re ready to take your turkey hunting to the next level, invest in the EAR Head Hunter Rem Choke 12 Gauge Turkey Black Nitride .650 and experience the difference for yourself!