First Thoughts on the EAR Head Hunter Mobilchoke 12 Gauge Turkey Matte Black .655
The EAR Head Hunter Mobilchoke 12 Gauge Turkey Matte Black .655 promises to be the ultimate solution for turkey hunters seeking tighter, more consistent patterns at extended ranges. Manufactured by EAR, this choke tube boasts a multi-staged interior bore design, aiming to improve shot and wad separation, leading to denser patterns on target. I’ve seen a lot of choke tubes come and go, each promising the moon, but few deliver on the claim of truly extending effective range and improving pattern density as consistently as a hunter needs for ethical and successful harvests.
My quest for a reliable and effective turkey choke has been ongoing. The frustration of missed birds, especially after hours of patient waiting, has driven me to seek a choke tube that truly optimizes my shotgun’s performance. I’ve tried several other aftermarket chokes, some performing adequately at close ranges, but failing to hold a tight pattern beyond 30 yards.
Upon unboxing the EAR Head Hunter Mobilchoke 12 Gauge Turkey Matte Black .655, I immediately noticed the robust construction and clean matte black finish. The choke felt substantial and well-made. Compared to a cheaper, factory-supplied choke that came with my shotgun and a competitor’s ported choke, the EAR Head Hunter felt significantly more solid and precisely machined. The factory choke felt almost flimsy in comparison, and the ported choke, while seemingly well-built, didn’t produce the pattern consistency I was looking for.
My initial impression was one of cautious optimism. While I’ve been burned before by hyped-up products, the quality of construction and the technology behind the EAR Head Hunter’s design instilled a sense of hope. I was excited to see if it could live up to the claims.
Real-World Testing: Putting EAR Head Hunter Mobilchoke 12 Gauge Turkey Matte Black .655 to the Test
First Use Experience
I tested the EAR Head Hunter Mobilchoke 12 Gauge Turkey Matte Black .655 at my local shooting range, using a variety of 12-gauge turkey loads with shot sizes ranging from #4 to #6. The weather was typical for early spring – damp with a slight breeze. This is exactly the kind of weather you encounter in the turkey woods.
Installation was straightforward. The choke tube threaded smoothly into my shotgun’s barrel without any binding or excessive force required. I set up targets at 20, 30, and 40 yards. I was immediately impressed by the pattern density at 30 yards. The EAR Head Hunter delivered a significantly tighter and more consistent pattern compared to my previous choke. At 40 yards, the pattern was still dense enough for an ethical shot, with a noticeable lack of flyers compared to my previous experiences.
After the first use, I noticed no significant issues. The choke remained securely in place, and there was no noticeable buildup of residue.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of use and approximately 100 rounds fired through the EAR Head Hunter Mobilchoke 12 Gauge Turkey Matte Black .655, the choke has held up remarkably well. There are no signs of wear and tear on the choke tube. The matte black finish still looks new.
Cleaning the choke has been simple. A quick scrub with a bore brush and solvent is all that’s needed to remove any powder residue. Maintaining the threads with a light coat of gun oil ensures smooth installation and removal. This ease of maintenance is crucial for any piece of gear that’s going to see regular use in the field.
Compared to my previous experiences with other choke tubes, the EAR Head Hunter has consistently outperformed them in terms of pattern density and effective range. I’ve experienced fewer missed birds and cleaner kills this season, thanks to the improved performance.
Breaking Down the Features of EAR Head Hunter Mobilchoke 12 Gauge Turkey Matte Black .655
Specifications
- The EAR Head Hunter Mobilchoke 12 Gauge Turkey Matte Black .655 is designed for 12-gauge shotguns with a Mobilchoke thread pattern. The compatibility with a widely used thread pattern means it fits a lot of shotguns.
- It features a .655 constriction, optimized for tight turkey patterns. This specific constriction is a sweet spot, providing exceptional pattern density without excessive recoil or shot deformation.
- The EAR Head Hunter utilizes a patented “multi-staged” interior bore design to improve shot and wad separation. This is the key feature that separates this choke from the competition, promising improved pattern density and consistency.
- The choke tube has a durable matte black finish, reducing glare and providing corrosion resistance. This is important for hunting in various weather conditions.
- It’s specifically designed for turkey hunting, optimizing performance with turkey loads. Using a dedicated turkey choke like this one significantly improves your chances of a successful hunt compared to using general-purpose chokes.
Performance & Functionality
The EAR Head Hunter Mobilchoke 12 Gauge Turkey Matte Black .655 excels at delivering tight, consistent patterns at extended ranges. The multi-staged interior bore design effectively separates the shot from the wad, resulting in denser patterns and fewer flyers.
The choke’s strengths lie in its ability to extend the effective range of your shotgun for turkey hunting. Its weaknesses are that it’s a specialized choke, and not ideal for other types of shooting.
It meets and even exceeds expectations. I’ve seen a noticeable improvement in my success rate this season.
Design & Ergonomics
The EAR Head Hunter Mobilchoke 12 Gauge Turkey Matte Black .655 boasts a solid build quality, crafted from durable materials. The weight is appropriate for a choke tube. It’s easy to install and remove with a choke wrench.
The user-friendly design means that there is no learning curve. You simply install it and start shooting.
Durability & Maintenance
The EAR Head Hunter is built to last. With proper care and maintenance, it should provide years of reliable service.
Maintenance is straightforward. Regular cleaning with a bore brush and solvent will keep it in optimal condition.
Accessories and Customization Options
The EAR Head Hunter Mobilchoke 12 Gauge Turkey Matte Black .655 doesn’t come with any additional accessories, but it is compatible with any standard choke wrench designed for Mobilchoke thread patterns. It is primarily a standalone product.
Pros and Cons of EAR Head Hunter Mobilchoke 12 Gauge Turkey Matte Black .655
Pros
- Exceptional pattern density at extended ranges, leading to more ethical and successful hunts.
- Multi-staged interior bore design for improved shot and wad separation.
- Durable matte black finish for corrosion resistance and reduced glare.
- Easy installation and maintenance.
- Noticeable improvement in shotgun’s turkey hunting performance.
Cons
- Specialized choke, not suitable for other types of shooting disciplines.
- No included accessories (choke wrench sold separately).
Who Should Buy EAR Head Hunter Mobilchoke 12 Gauge Turkey Matte Black .655?
The EAR Head Hunter Mobilchoke 12 Gauge Turkey Matte Black .655 is perfect for dedicated turkey hunters seeking to maximize the effective range and pattern density of their 12-gauge shotguns. It’s a must-have for hunters who demand consistent performance and ethical kills.
Hunters who primarily use their shotguns for other purposes, such as upland bird hunting or clay shooting, might want to skip this product. It is too specialized for general use.
A must-have accessory is a quality choke wrench. You’ll also need a good bore cleaner and gun oil for proper maintenance.
Conclusion on EAR Head Hunter Mobilchoke 12 Gauge Turkey Matte Black .655
The EAR Head Hunter Mobilchoke 12 Gauge Turkey Matte Black .655 is a top-performing turkey choke that delivers on its promises. The improved pattern density and extended range make it a valuable tool for any serious turkey hunter.
At $89.99, the price is justified, considering the significant improvement in performance compared to factory chokes and less effective aftermarket options. It is an investment in your hunting success.
I would personally recommend the EAR Head Hunter Mobilchoke 12 Gauge Turkey Matte Black .655 to any turkey hunter looking to optimize their shotgun’s performance and increase their chances of a successful and ethical hunt. Upgrade your shotgun with the EAR Head Hunter and experience the difference it makes in the turkey woods!