TRUGLO HEADBANGER CHOKE TUBE REM 20GA Review

The TRUGLO HEADBANGER CHOKE TUBE REM 20GA Made a Bold First Impression

After a frustrating turkey season last year, I knew I needed to make a change. My old 20-gauge, a reliable Remington 870 Wingmaster, wasn’t delivering the tight patterns I needed for those long shots across the field. I was tired of watching birds strut away unscathed. That’s when I started researching aftermarket choke tubes, eventually settling on the TRUGLO HEADBANGER CHOKE TUBE REM 20GA.

The promise of extended range and lethal patterns, specifically designed for high-performance turkey loads, was too good to ignore. I was particularly drawn to the TRUGLO’s reputation and their claim of compatibility with Hevi-Shot, Winchester Long Beard XR, and Federal Premium 3rd Degree. These are the rounds I trust, and I needed a choke that could handle them.

The choke tube arrived in a simple, no-frills package. My initial impression was positive. It felt solid and well-made. The black finish was clean and professional.

I considered a few other options before landing on the TRUGLO HEADBANGER. Carlson’s Long Beard XR choke was a close contender, but I liked TRUGLO’s multi-phase groove technology and the positive user reviews I’d seen online. I also looked at some cheaper, generic chokes, but I didn’t want to gamble on performance when it came to turkey hunting. After all, it is a once in a year event.

My first impression was one of cautious optimism. I was excited to get the TRUGLO HEADBANGER CHOKE TUBE REM 20GA out to the range and see if it lived up to the hype. At $38.49, it wasn’t a huge investment, but I was hoping for a noticeable improvement in my shotgun’s performance.

Real-World Testing: Putting TRUGLO HEADBANGER CHOKE TUBE REM 20GA to the Test

First Use Experience

My first outing with the TRUGLO HEADBANGER was at my local shooting range. I wanted to get a feel for the choke and pattern my shotgun with different turkey loads before heading into the woods. The weather was clear and cool, a typical spring morning.

I started with Winchester Long Beard XR, my go-to turkey load. Installation of the TRUGLO HEADBANGER was simple and straightforward, as expected from any standard RemChoke tube. The difference in pattern density was immediately apparent at 30 and 40 yards. It was significantly tighter than with the factory full choke.

The only issue I encountered was slightly tighter groups at the closer 20-yard range. I am used to that because the choke tube is designed for greater range. Overall, the first impression was very positive, and I was eager to see how it performed in a real hunting scenario.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks of testing and a full turkey season under my belt, the TRUGLO HEADBANGER has proven to be a reliable and effective addition to my 20-gauge. I patterned my shotgun with various loads. It has consistently delivered tight, even patterns at extended ranges.

There are no noticeable signs of wear and tear on the choke tube. Cleaning is also easy enough. A quick scrub with a bore brush and some solvent after each range session is all it takes.

The TRUGLO HEADBANGER has significantly outperformed my previous experiences with factory choke tubes. It gave me the confidence to take longer shots in the field. This resulted in a successful and rewarding turkey season.

Breaking Down the Features of TRUGLO HEADBANGER CHOKE TUBE REM 20GA

Specifications

The TRUGLO HEADBANGER CHOKE TUBE REM 20GA is specifically designed for Remington 20-gauge shotguns utilizing the RemChoke system. It’s rated for high-performance turkey loads, including Hevi-Shot, Winchester Long Beard XR, and Federal Premium 3rd Degree. The choke tube is constructed from heat-treated steel for increased durability.

The TRUGLO HEADBANGER’s key feature is its Multi-Phase Groove Technology. This is designed to engage the wadding and guide the pellets into a tight, consistent pattern. The CNC-machined construction ensures optimum precision and a polished end face for better seating and sealing. This all translates to consistent performance.

Performance & Functionality

The TRUGLO HEADBANGER CHOKE TUBE REM 20GA excels at its primary job. It produces tight, dense patterns at extended ranges. Accuracy is significantly improved compared to a standard full choke.

The strengths of this choke tube lie in its consistent pattern density and extended range capabilities. One area for potential improvement is its performance at very close ranges (inside 20 yards).

The TRUGLO HEADBANGER has exceeded my expectations. It delivered the performance I was looking for. It has given me more confidence in the field.

Design & Ergonomics

The TRUGLO HEADBANGER CHOKE TUBE REM 20GA has a simple, functional design. The black finish is durable and resists corrosion. The choke tube is easy to install and remove using a standard choke tube wrench.

There is minimal learning curve involved in using the TRUGLO HEADBANGER. Anyone familiar with changing choke tubes will find it straightforward.

Durability & Maintenance

The heat-treated steel construction of the TRUGLO HEADBANGER suggests that it’s built to last. After a full season of use, there are no signs of significant wear or damage. Regular cleaning and light oiling should ensure many years of reliable performance.

Maintenance is simple and requires minimal effort. It can be cleaned like any other choke tube.

Accessories and Customization Options

The TRUGLO HEADBANGER CHOKE TUBE REM 20GA doesn’t come with any additional accessories beyond the choke tube itself. It is designed to work with a wide variety of 20-gauge turkey loads from different manufacturers.

The choke tube is compatible with any standard choke tube wrench designed for RemChoke systems. There are no specific customization options available for the choke tube itself. Experimenting with different loads is the best way to fine-tune performance.

Pros and Cons of TRUGLO HEADBANGER CHOKE TUBE REM 20GA