The EAR Head Hunter Mossberg 12 Gauge Turkey Matte Black .655 Made a Bold First Impression
The EAR Head Hunter Mossberg 12 Gauge Turkey Matte Black .655 choke tube promises to deliver tighter, denser patterns at longer ranges, a claim every serious turkey hunter wants to believe. It’s designed to work specifically with Mossberg 12 gauge shotguns. The Head Hunter Turkey Choke, from the EAR company, aims to enhance the performance of a already reliable platform.
My quest for the perfect turkey choke began years ago. I have chased gobblers across several states, from the thickets of Alabama to the hardwoods of Pennsylvania. I have always been searching for that extra edge, that little bit of confidence that comes with knowing your equipment is the best it can be.
The EAR Head Hunter arrived in a simple, no-frills package. The matte black finish looked clean and professional. My initial impression was that it felt solid and well-made, a far cry from some of the cheaply produced chokes I’ve encountered.
I was deciding between this and a couple of other popular chokes on the market: the Carlson’s Long Beard XR Choke Tube and the Primos Jelly Head Maximum. I went with the EAR Head Hunter Mossberg 12 Gauge Turkey Matte Black .655 because I was intrigued by the JEBS patented “multi-staged” interior bore design. It promised better shot and wad separation, and I was willing to see if it lived up to the hype. My initial reaction was cautiously optimistic, hoping this choke would indeed live up to its claims of improved pattern density.
Real-World Testing: Putting EAR Head Hunter Mossberg 12 Gauge Turkey Matte Black .655 to the Test
First Use Experience
I tested the EAR Head Hunter Mossberg 12 Gauge Turkey Matte Black .655 at my local shooting range. The range offers a 50-yard target setup, perfect for evaluating turkey choke performance. The weather was typical for early spring, with a slight breeze and temperatures hovering around 50 degrees Fahrenheit.
I started with a few standard lead turkey loads. I then moved on to some of the newer tungsten-based loads. The installation was quick and easy, no issues threading it into my Mossberg 500.
After the first shot, I knew this choke was something special. The pattern at 40 yards was significantly tighter than what I was used to seeing with my factory choke. There were no noticeable gaps or flyers, just a dense, uniform spread of pellets. I was genuinely impressed.
Extended Use & Reliability
After using the EAR Head Hunter for an entire turkey season, I can confidently say it has held up incredibly well. The matte black finish still looks new, with no signs of rust or corrosion. It’s clear the choke is made from high-quality materials.
Cleaning has been simple, a quick scrub with a bore brush and some solvent after each trip to the range or woods. I have not experienced any issues with the choke loosening or becoming difficult to remove. It outperforms the factory choke in every aspect.
Breaking Down the Features of EAR Head Hunter Mossberg 12 Gauge Turkey Matte Black .655
Specifications
- Caliber: 12 Gauge. This choke is designed specifically for 12 gauge shotguns.
- Constriction: .655. This tight constriction is ideal for turkey hunting at longer ranges.
- Compatibility: Mossberg 500, 535, 835, and 930/935 models. Ensures a proper fit with popular Mossberg shotguns.
- Material: High-quality steel with a matte black finish. Provides durability and corrosion resistance.
- Interior Bore Design: JEBS Patented “Multi-Staged” Interior Bore. This design promotes better shot and wad separation for improved patterns.
These specifications matter because they directly impact the choke’s performance. The .655 constriction provides the tight patterns needed for ethical, long-range turkey shots. The JEBS interior design is what separates it from other chokes on the market.
Performance & Functionality
The EAR Head Hunter Mossberg 12 Gauge Turkey Matte Black .655 performs exceptionally well. It delivers consistent, tight patterns at distances beyond 40 yards. This is where many other chokes start to fail.
The choke’s main strength is its ability to maintain a dense core pattern at longer ranges. A minor weakness might be that the extremely tight pattern could be less forgiving at very close ranges. Overall, the EAR Head Hunter exceeded my expectations and has become my go-to turkey choke.
Design & Ergonomics
The build quality is excellent. The choke feels solid and well-machined. The matte black finish is both aesthetically pleasing and functional.
The choke is easy to install and remove. The minimal design presents no complications and its user-friendly features makes setup simple.
Durability & Maintenance
The EAR Head Hunter is built to last. The high-quality steel and durable finish ensure it can withstand years of use and abuse. Maintenance is minimal, requiring only a quick cleaning after each use.
Accessories and Customization Options
The EAR Head Hunter Mossberg 12 Gauge Turkey Matte Black .655 does not come with any additional accessories, as it’s a standalone choke tube. There are no specific customization options for the choke itself. However, it’s compatible with any Mossberg 12 gauge shotgun that accepts screw-in chokes, allowing for customization with different shotgun models and accessories.
Pros and Cons of EAR Head Hunter Mossberg 12 Gauge Turkey Matte Black .655
Pros
- Extremely tight and dense patterns at long ranges. This ensures ethical and effective shots on turkeys at distances beyond 40 yards.
- High-quality construction and durable matte black finish. Guarantees years of reliable performance, even in harsh conditions.
- Easy to install and maintain. Simple to use and requires minimal upkeep.
- Noticeably improved shot and wad separation due to the JEBS multi-staged interior bore design. Contributes to a more consistent and effective pattern.
- Increased confidence in the field knowing that you are equipped with a tool to reach the furthest targets. Improves odds of harvest and ultimately provides a more enjoyable experience.
Cons
- The tight pattern may be less forgiving at very close ranges (under 20 yards). Close range shots are possible, but require precise aiming.
- Relatively expensive compared to some other choke tubes on the market. The price is justified by the superior performance and quality.
Who Should Buy EAR Head Hunter Mossberg 12 Gauge Turkey Matte Black .655?
The EAR Head Hunter Mossberg 12 Gauge Turkey Matte Black .655 is perfect for serious turkey hunters who want to maximize their effective range and pattern density. It’s ideal for those who hunt in areas where longer shots are common. Experienced turkey hunters will appreciate the improved performance and consistency.
Hunters who primarily hunt in thick brush or heavily wooded areas where shots are typically very close (under 20 yards) might want to consider a choke with a slightly more open pattern. A red dot sight is a must-have accessory. This is to ensure precise aiming with the tight pattern.
Conclusion on EAR Head Hunter Mossberg 12 Gauge Turkey Matte Black .655
The EAR Head Hunter Mossberg 12 Gauge Turkey Matte Black .655 is an exceptional turkey choke that lives up to its claims. It delivers incredibly tight and consistent patterns at extended ranges, giving hunters a significant advantage in the field. The price of $89.99 is justified by the choke’s superior performance, high-quality construction, and increased confidence it provides.
I would absolutely recommend the EAR Head Hunter to any serious turkey hunter looking to upgrade their shotgun’s performance. If you are seeking the best possible patterns and increased range, look no further than the EAR Head Hunter Mossberg 12 Gauge Turkey Matte Black .655. Step up your turkey game and experience the EAR Head Hunter difference this season!