First Thoughts on the EAR Head Hunter Invector 20 Gauge Turkey Matte Black .560
Turkey hunting is a passion, a ritual, and a test of skill. I’ve spent countless hours in the woods, chasing those elusive birds, and I know firsthand that the right gear can make all the difference. The EAR Head Hunter Invector 20 Gauge Turkey Matte Black .560 choke tube promises to deliver tighter, more consistent patterns at longer ranges, a claim that immediately piqued my interest.
My quest for the perfect turkey choke stems from years of witnessing frustrating misses and less-than-ideal patterns with factory chokes. The hope is that this choke will extend my effective range and increase my chances of bringing home a gobbler. The promise of tighter patterns downrange is the primary driver for my purchase.
Upon unboxing the EAR Head Hunter Invector 20 Gauge Turkey Matte Black .560, I was immediately struck by the solid, no-nonsense construction. The matte black finish is practical and prevents unwanted glare in the turkey woods. The build quality feels robust, suggesting it can withstand the rigors of the hunt.
I considered other popular turkey chokes, like those from Carlson’s and Patternmaster, but ultimately chose the EAR Head Hunter based on its unique “multi-staged” interior bore design and the positive feedback I’d seen from other hunters. The JEBS patented design swayed me with its promise of improved shot and wad separation.
My first impression was cautiously optimistic. The choke tube feels well-made, but the real test would be how it performs in the field. I was excited to see if it could live up to the hype and improve my turkey hunting success.
Real-World Testing: Putting EAR Head Hunter Invector 20 Gauge Turkey Matte Black .560 to the Test
First Use Experience
I tested the EAR Head Hunter Invector 20 Gauge Turkey Matte Black .560 at my local shooting range, using a variety of 20-gauge turkey loads, including both lead and tungsten shot. The weather was clear and mild, providing ideal conditions for patterning. I wanted to see how it would perform under optimal circumstances.
The choke tube installed easily and securely in my shotgun. I started patterning at 20 yards and gradually increased the distance to 40 yards. The patterns were noticeably tighter and more consistent than with my factory choke, particularly with the tungsten loads.
One initial surprise was the increased recoil. While not excessive, it was definitely more noticeable than with my stock choke. This is a trade-off I’m willing to accept for the tighter patterns, but it’s something to be aware of.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of use, including multiple trips to the range and a spring turkey season, the EAR Head Hunter Invector 20 Gauge Turkey Matte Black .560 has held up admirably. There are no signs of wear and tear, despite regular use and cleaning. The matte black finish remains intact and resists scratches.
Maintenance is simple. A quick cleaning with a bore brush and solvent after each use keeps it in top condition. The choke tube remains easy to install and remove, even after repeated use.
Compared to my previous experiences with factory chokes, the EAR Head Hunter is a significant improvement. It consistently delivers tighter patterns at longer ranges, giving me more confidence in the field. It has noticeably improved my effective range.
Breaking Down the Features of EAR Head Hunter Invector 20 Gauge Turkey Matte Black .560
Specifications
- Caliber: 20 Gauge. This choke is specifically designed for 20-gauge shotguns, ensuring optimal performance.
- Choke Constriction: .560. This tight constriction is intended for dense turkey patterns at extended ranges.
- Material: Steel. The steel construction offers durability and longevity, withstanding repeated use.
- Finish: Matte Black. The matte black finish reduces glare and provides a tactical appearance, crucial for hunting.
- Compatibility: Invector Choke System. This choke is designed for shotguns with the Invector choke system, a common standard.
These specifications are crucial for turkey hunting, where tight patterns are essential for ethical and effective shots at wary birds. The .560 constriction provides the density needed for lethal shots at extended ranges. The steel construction ensures durability in harsh hunting environments.
Performance & Functionality
The EAR Head Hunter Invector 20 Gauge Turkey Matte Black .560 excels at delivering tight, consistent patterns with a variety of turkey loads. It dramatically improves the density of the shot pattern at 30-40 yards. This gives the hunter a greater margin of error and increases the chances of a clean kill.
The main strength is its ability to extend the effective range of a 20-gauge shotgun for turkey hunting. The increased recoil is a minor weakness, but the improved patterns outweigh this drawback. It lives up to the expectations set by its marketing.
Design & Ergonomics
The build quality is excellent, with a solid steel construction and a durable matte black finish. It feels substantial without adding excessive weight to the shotgun. It’s a well-engineered piece of equipment.
The design is straightforward and functional, with no unnecessary frills. Installation is simple and requires no special tools. It’s user-friendly, even for novice hunters.
Durability & Maintenance
The steel construction ensures that the EAR Head Hunter Invector 20 Gauge Turkey Matte Black .560 is built to last. Regular cleaning and maintenance will keep it in top condition for years. The finish is resistant to scratches and wear, further extending its lifespan.
Maintenance is easy and requires only basic cleaning supplies. No specialized tools or procedures are needed. The choke tube is designed for long-term reliability.
Accessories and Customization Options
The EAR Head Hunter Invector 20 Gauge Turkey Matte Black .560 doesn’t come with any accessories, as it’s a standalone choke tube. There are no specific customization options for the choke itself. However, hunters can experiment with different brands and types of 20-gauge turkey loads to find the optimal combination for their shotgun and hunting conditions.
It is compatible with any 20-gauge shotgun that uses the Invector choke system. The compatibility with various loads provides flexibility for the hunter to tailor their setup. This increases the adaptability in different hunting situations.
Pros and Cons of EAR Head Hunter Invector 20 Gauge Turkey Matte Black .560
Pros
- Significantly tighter and more consistent patterns at longer ranges.
- Durable steel construction with a protective matte black finish.
- Easy installation and maintenance.
- Noticeably extends the effective range of a 20-gauge shotgun for turkey hunting.
- The JEBS patented “multi-staged” interior bore designs improve shot and wad separation, increasing accuracy.
Cons
- Increased recoil compared to factory chokes.
- May require some experimentation with different loads to find the optimal pattern for your specific shotgun.
Who Should Buy EAR Head Hunter Invector 20 Gauge Turkey Matte Black .560?
Perfect for: Serious turkey hunters who are looking to extend their effective range and improve their pattern density. Also beneficial to hunters using 20 gauge shotguns, looking for improvement. It’s a great choice for those seeking a reliable, high-performance choke tube.
Who should skip this product? Hunters who are primarily hunting at very close ranges (inside 20 yards) may not see a significant benefit. Those who are highly sensitive to recoil might also want to consider other options. This is also not designed for shotguns lacking the Invector choke system.
Must-have accessories or modifications? A quality bore brush and solvent are essential for cleaning. A comfortable recoil pad on your shotgun can help mitigate the increased recoil. A reliable rangefinder to accurately determine distances is also a smart addition.
Conclusion on EAR Head Hunter Invector 20 Gauge Turkey Matte Black .560
The EAR Head Hunter Invector 20 Gauge Turkey Matte Black .560 is a worthwhile investment for serious turkey hunters looking to improve their performance. It delivers on its promise of tighter, more consistent patterns at longer ranges. While the increased recoil is a minor drawback, the benefits far outweigh the cons.
At $79.99, the price is justified by the improved performance and the durable construction. It offers a significant upgrade over factory chokes, enhancing the overall hunting experience. It’s an investment in success.
I would personally recommend the EAR Head Hunter Invector 20 Gauge Turkey Matte Black .560 to any turkey hunter looking to maximize their chances of success. If you’re ready to take your turkey hunting to the next level, this choke tube is a game-changer. Get yours today and experience the difference!