EAR Head Hunter Rem Choke 20 Gauge Turkey Matte Black .555 Review

First Thoughts on the EAR Head Hunter Rem Choke 20 Gauge Turkey Matte Black .555

The EAR Head Hunter Rem Choke 20 Gauge Turkey Matte Black .555 promises tighter patterns and longer ranges for the turkey hunter. This choke tube, manufactured by EAR, boasts a patented “multi-staged” interior bore design. It aims to improve shot and wad cup separation, ultimately leading to more turkeys in the freezer.

My own journey to this specific choke was born from frustration. Last season, I missed what should have been easy shots on two longbeards due to a seemingly wide and inconsistent pattern from my old full choke. I needed something that would consistently deliver a dense, lethal pattern at ethical distances, and the EAR Head Hunter seemed to fit the bill.

Unboxing the choke, I was immediately impressed by its solid feel. The matte black finish is clean and understated, and the threads appeared precisely cut. It exuded quality, which is reassuring given the crucial role a choke plays in patterning your shotgun.

I considered other popular turkey chokes like the Carlson’s Long Beard XR and the Trulock Precision Hunter. Ultimately, I chose the EAR Head Hunter based on the manufacturer’s claims about their patented bore design and the positive user feedback I found online. I was definitely excited to see if it lived up to the hype.

Real-World Testing: Putting EAR Head Hunter Rem Choke 20 Gauge Turkey Matte Black .555 to the Test

First Use Experience

My first outing with the EAR Head Hunter Rem Choke 20 Gauge Turkey Matte Black .555 was at my local shooting range. I patterned it with a variety of 20-gauge turkey loads, from Winchester Long Beard XR to Federal Grand Slam. The conditions were fairly mild, with a slight breeze and temperatures in the mid-50s.

Installing the choke was simple, requiring only a choke wrench. The point of impact was consistent with my point of aim, which was a promising start. The patterns were noticeably tighter than with my old full choke, especially with the Winchester Long Beard XR rounds.

I did notice a bit more recoil than I was accustomed to, presumably due to the tighter constriction. However, it was manageable, and the improved pattern density more than made up for it.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks of using the EAR Head Hunter at the range and during pre-season scouting trips, it has proven to be remarkably consistent. The matte black finish has held up well, showing no signs of wear despite being exposed to brush and the elements. Cleaning is straightforward; a quick scrub with a bore brush and solvent keeps it in top condition.

Compared to my previous choke experiences, the EAR Head Hunter outperforms significantly in terms of pattern density and consistency at longer ranges. I now have the confidence to take ethical shots at distances I wouldn’t have considered before. The reliability and predictable performance of this choke have boosted my confidence heading into the upcoming turkey season.

Breaking Down the Features of EAR Head Hunter Rem Choke 20 Gauge Turkey Matte Black .555

Specifications

• Gauge: 20 Gauge. This choke is designed specifically for 20-gauge shotguns.
• Choke size: Turkey. It is optimized for the tight patterns required for turkey hunting.
• Model: Rem Choke. It is compatible with shotguns that use the Remington choke system.
• Finish: Matte Black. The matte finish reduces glare and provides corrosion resistance.
• Constriction: .555. This tight constriction produces very dense patterns at extended ranges.

These specifications are important because they directly impact the performance of the choke. The tight .555 constriction is crucial for achieving the dense patterns required for ethical turkey hunting. The Rem Choke compatibility makes it versatile for use with many popular shotgun models.

Performance & Functionality

The EAR Head Hunter Rem Choke 20 Gauge Turkey Matte Black .555 excels at producing incredibly tight and consistent patterns. This dramatically increases the effective range for taking ethical shots on turkeys. The choke reliably delivers dense patterns with minimal fliers, making it a significant upgrade over standard full chokes.

The main strength is its ability to deliver a devastating pattern at distances exceeding 40 yards. The only minor weakness is the increased recoil associated with such a tight constriction. It definitely meets and exceeds my expectations, providing the confidence I need for successful turkey hunting.

Design & Ergonomics

The EAR Head Hunter boasts a robust build quality. The materials used appear to be high-grade steel, which contributes to its durability and weight. The matte black finish looks good and offers excellent corrosion resistance.

The choke is incredibly user-friendly. Installation is simple with a choke wrench, and there’s virtually no learning curve involved. Its design is optimized for performance and ease of use.

Durability & Maintenance

Given the solid construction and corrosion-resistant finish, the EAR Head Hunter should last for many seasons. Regular cleaning with a bore brush and solvent is all that’s needed to maintain its performance. I expect this choke to withstand the rigors of turkey hunting for years to come.

Accessories and Customization Options

The EAR Head Hunter Rem Choke 20 Gauge Turkey Matte Black .555 doesn’t come with any specific accessories. It is a standalone choke tube designed to replace the factory choke in a compatible shotgun. However, its performance can be further optimized by experimenting with different turkey loads to find the best combination for your specific shotgun.

Pros and Cons of EAR Head Hunter Rem Choke 20 Gauge Turkey Matte Black .555