First Thoughts on the EAR Head Hunter Rem Choke 20 Gauge Turkey Matte Black .560
As a seasoned outdoor and tactical gear specialist with over a decade of experience, I’ve seen countless innovations and iterations in hunting equipment. When I first came across the EAR Head Hunter Rem Choke 20 Gauge Turkey Matte Black .560, I was intrigued. The EAR brand isn’t one I’d immediately associate with cutting-edge choke technology, but their promise of extreme patterns at extended ranges piqued my interest.
My primary goal was simple: to find a choke that could consistently deliver tight, dense patterns with my trusty 20-gauge, maximizing my chances for a clean, ethical harvest during turkey season. This year, the birds have been particularly wary, hanging up just beyond the reach of my standard modified choke. I was looking for that extra edge.
Out of the box, the EAR Head Hunter Rem Choke 20 Gauge Turkey Matte Black .560 presents a no-nonsense appearance. The matte black finish is practical, reducing glare and preventing spooking wary Toms. The build quality feels solid; the choke is made from what seems to be high-quality steel. It inspires confidence.
I considered other options, including chokes from Carlson’s and Trulock. I ultimately chose the EAR Head Hunter Rem Choke 20 Gauge Turkey Matte Black .560 based on its advertised “multi-staged” interior bore design. This design promised superior shot and wad separation, a feature I was eager to test.
My initial impression was cautiously optimistic. I wasn’t blown away by its appearance, but the promise of its internal design and the reputation of EAR for reliable products kept me interested. I was keen to see if it could live up to the hype in the field. I was hoping for tight patterns and consistent performance, but only real-world testing would tell the true story.
Real-World Testing: Putting EAR Head Hunter Rem Choke 20 Gauge Turkey Matte Black .560 to the Test
First Use Experience
My first field test of the EAR Head Hunter Rem Choke 20 Gauge Turkey Matte Black .560 was during a preseason scouting trip in the Appalachian foothills. I set up a target at 35 yards – a realistic range for the wary birds I’d been observing. The weather was damp, with a light drizzle adding a touch of realism to the testing environment.
The installation was straightforward, threading smoothly into my Remington 870’s Rem Choke barrel. After a few test shots with standard 20-gauge turkey loads (Winchester Long Beard XR #5), I was immediately impressed. The pattern was noticeably tighter and more consistent than with my factory choke. There were no gaping holes and the core density was significantly improved.
There were no surprises. The choke performed exactly as I had hoped it would, delivering tight patterns and seemingly extending my effective range.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of use, including multiple hunting trips in varying weather conditions, the EAR Head Hunter Rem Choke 20 Gauge Turkey Matte Black .560 has proven to be a reliable performer. The matte black finish has held up well, showing no signs of scratches or wear, despite being bumped against trees and brush. I’ve fired approximately 50 rounds through it.
Cleaning is simple. A quick scrub with a bore brush and solvent removes any residue. I’ve noticed no rust or corrosion, even after being exposed to rain and humidity.
Compared to my previous experiences with other aftermarket chokes, the EAR Head Hunter Rem Choke 20 Gauge Turkey Matte Black .560 has significantly outperformed them in terms of pattern density and consistency at longer ranges. My confidence in making ethical shots has definitely increased. It has exceeded my expectations for an aftermarket choke at this price point.
Breaking Down the Features of EAR Head Hunter Rem Choke 20 Gauge Turkey Matte Black .560
Specifications
- Gauge: 20 Gauge. This choke is specifically designed for 20-gauge shotguns, ensuring proper fit and optimal performance with compatible ammunition.
- Choke Size: Turkey (.560 constriction). This tight constriction is designed to deliver extremely dense patterns at longer ranges, specifically for turkey hunting.
- Model: Rem Choke. It’s designed to fit shotguns with the Remington Rem Choke system, which is a widely used and reliable system.
- Finish: Matte Black. The matte finish minimizes glare, preventing spooking game. It also provides some degree of corrosion resistance.
These specifications are important because they directly contribute to the choke’s effectiveness in turkey hunting. The tight constriction maximizes pattern density, while the Rem Choke compatibility ensures easy installation and removal in compatible shotguns. The .560 constriction combined with the 20-gauge platform results in a higher pellet count on target at extended ranges, providing hunters with improved shot placement.
Performance & Functionality
The EAR Head Hunter Rem Choke 20 Gauge Turkey Matte Black .560 excels at what it’s designed to do: deliver tight, consistent patterns at extended ranges. Its accuracy is impressive, consistently placing a high percentage of pellets within a 10-inch circle at 40 yards.
Its main strengths are its pattern density and consistency. Its biggest weakness is that, being a specialized turkey choke, it is not suitable for other types of hunting or shooting activities.
It has definitely met and, in some cases, exceeded my expectations. It consistently delivers tighter patterns than any other choke I’ve used in this price range.
Design & Ergonomics
The EAR Head Hunter Rem Choke 20 Gauge Turkey Matte Black .560 is constructed from what appears to be high-quality steel. It has a robust feel. The matte black finish is both aesthetically pleasing and functional, reducing glare in the field.
Installation is simple, requiring no special tools beyond a standard choke wrench. The choke threads smoothly into the barrel. It is a very user-friendly product with minimal learning curve.
Durability & Maintenance
Based on my experience, the EAR Head Hunter Rem Choke 20 Gauge Turkey Matte Black .560 appears to be built to last. Its solid steel construction and durable matte finish suggest it can withstand years of use in the field.
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 Rem Choke 20 Gauge Turkey Matte Black .560 doesn’t come with any additional accessories. Its primary customization option is the ability to pair it with different 20-gauge turkey loads to find the optimal combination for your specific shotgun.
It is compatible with any Remington 870 or similar shotgun that uses the Rem Choke system. It’s also worth noting that, due to the tight constriction of this choke, it is not recommended to use steel shot. Using steel shot could damage the choke.
Pros and Cons of EAR Head Hunter Rem Choke 20 Gauge Turkey Matte Black .560
Pros
- Delivers exceptionally tight and dense patterns at extended ranges, improving your chances for a clean kill.
- Features a durable matte black finish that reduces glare and provides some corrosion resistance.
- Easy to install and remove using a standard choke wrench.
- Noticeably improves performance compared to factory chokes.
- Priced at $79.99, it represents an excellent value for the performance it provides.
Cons
- Specifically designed for turkey hunting; not suitable for other types of shooting.
- Not compatible with steel shot. Using steel shot could damage the choke.
Who Should Buy EAR Head Hunter Rem Choke 20 Gauge Turkey Matte Black .560?
The EAR Head Hunter Rem Choke 20 Gauge Turkey Matte Black .560 is perfect for serious turkey hunters using a 20-gauge shotgun with a Rem Choke system who are looking to extend their effective range and improve pattern density. It’s ideal for hunters who are tired of birds hanging up just out of range and want to maximize their chances for success.
This product may not be suitable for hunters who primarily use their shotgun for other types of game or those who prefer using steel shot.
A must-have is a reliable choke wrench for easy installation and removal. Experimenting with different brands and shot sizes of 20-gauge turkey loads is also highly recommended to find the optimal combination for your shotgun.
Conclusion on EAR Head Hunter Rem Choke 20 Gauge Turkey Matte Black .560
The EAR Head Hunter Rem Choke 20 Gauge Turkey Matte Black .560 is a well-designed and effective choke that delivers exceptional performance for turkey hunting. Its ability to produce tight, dense patterns at extended ranges makes it a valuable addition to any serious turkey hunter’s arsenal.
At $79.99, the price is justified given the performance gains it offers. It is a worthwhile investment for anyone looking to improve their success in the turkey woods.
I would definitely recommend the EAR Head Hunter Rem Choke 20 Gauge Turkey Matte Black .560 to any turkey hunter using a 20-gauge shotgun with a Rem Choke system. If you’re looking for a reliable and effective choke that will help you put more birds on the ground, this is it. Get yours today and experience the difference a quality choke can make!