The EAR Head Hunter Benelli Crio 12 Gauge Turkey Black Nitride .660 Made a Bold First Impression
The EAR Head Hunter Benelli Crio 12 Gauge Turkey Black Nitride .660 choke tube promises denser patterns at longer ranges, a claim any serious turkey hunter takes seriously. EAR, a brand I hadn’t personally used before, was stepping into a market crowded with established names. I was on the hunt for a choke that could truly extend my effective range and tighten those patterns, especially for those frustrating birds that hang up just outside comfortable shooting distance.
My frustrations with inconsistent patterns from factory chokes and a couple of aftermarket ones pushed me to seek something better. The promises of the EAR Head Hunter‘s “multi-staged” bore design piqued my interest. Unboxing it revealed a solid, well-machined piece with a deep black nitride finish. It immediately felt like a quality product; the heft suggested durable construction and precise engineering.
I considered the Carlson’s Long Beard XR choke and the Kick’s Gobblin’ Thunder, both popular choices. However, the EAR Head Hunter‘s unique bore design and the promise of better wad separation swayed my decision. First impressions were definitely positive, leaning towards excitement to see if the performance would match the initial feel.
Real-World Testing: Putting EAR Head Hunter Benelli Crio 12 Gauge Turkey Black Nitride .660 to the Test
First Use Experience
My first experience with the EAR Head Hunter was at my local shooting range, patterning it with a Benelli Montefeltro fitted with Crio barrel. It was a crisp autumn day, perfect for shooting. I tested it with a variety of turkey loads, including Winchester Long Beard XR, Federal Premium TSS, and Hevi-Shot Magnum Blend, at distances from 20 to 50 yards.
The performance was immediately noticeable. Patterns were significantly tighter and more consistent than with my previous chokes, especially with the Long Beard XR. There were no malfunctions, and the EAR Head Hunter threaded in smoothly and securely.
Extended Use & Reliability
After a full turkey season of chasing gobblers through the dense forests and open fields of the Midwest, the EAR Head Hunter has proven its worth. It’s consistently delivered tight, lethal patterns, even in challenging conditions. Durability hasn’t been an issue; the black nitride finish still looks new, resisting rust and scratches despite being exposed to rain, mud, and brush.
Cleaning is a breeze with standard gun cleaning solvents and brushes. Comparing it to my earlier experiences with more open chokes, the EAR Head Hunter offers a noticeable improvement in pattern density and effective range, giving me more confidence in making clean kills.
Breaking Down the Features of EAR Head Hunter Benelli Crio 12 Gauge Turkey Black Nitride .660
Specifications
The EAR Head Hunter Benelli Crio 12 Gauge Turkey Black Nitride .660 is a turkey choke tube designed specifically for Benelli shotguns with Crio barrels. It is chambered for 12 gauge and features a constriction of .660 inches. The choke is constructed from high-quality steel and finished with a durable black nitride coating for corrosion resistance.
The “multi-staged” interior bore design is the key feature, engineered to improve shot and wad separation. This design is critical for tighter, more consistent patterns at longer ranges.
Performance & Functionality
The EAR Head Hunter Benelli Crio 12 Gauge Turkey Black Nitride .660 performs exceptionally well in its intended role. It delivers significantly tighter patterns than factory chokes, increasing effective range. Its ability to consistently place a high percentage of pellets in a 10-inch circle at 40 yards is truly impressive.
The primary strength is its pattern density at extended ranges. A potential weakness might be that the tight constriction could be too tight for very close-range shots in dense cover, requiring more precise aiming. It definitely exceeded my expectations for an aftermarket choke in this price range.
Design & Ergonomics
The EAR Head Hunter features a simple, functional design. The black nitride finish not only looks good but also adds a layer of protection against the elements. The choke tube is easy to install and remove with a standard choke wrench.
The absence of external knurling might make it slightly more difficult to grip with gloved hands in wet conditions, but this is a minor point. The build quality feels robust and inspires confidence.
Durability & Maintenance
The EAR Head Hunter Benelli Crio 12 Gauge Turkey Black Nitride .660 is built to last. The high-quality steel construction and durable black nitride finish should withstand years of use. Maintenance is simple: clean it after each use with standard gun cleaning supplies.
Regular cleaning will prevent the buildup of residue and ensure consistent performance. It seems like a choke that will easily outlast many seasons of hard hunting.
Accessories and Customization Options
The EAR Head Hunter itself doesn’t have many customization options. It is what it is: a fixed .660 constriction turkey choke. Aftermarket choke wrenches are available from various brands if you prefer a specific style or grip. While no optics can be mounted directly to the choke, the improved pattern density makes it easier to use red dot sights or scopes on the shotgun itself for precise aiming.
Pros and Cons of EAR Head Hunter Benelli Crio 12 Gauge Turkey Black Nitride .660
Pros
- Incredible pattern density at extended ranges, boosting confidence for longer shots.
- Durable black nitride finish protects against rust and wear.
- Simple to install and maintain, making it user-friendly for all experience levels.
- Noticeable improvement over factory chokes, especially with premium turkey loads.
- Reasonably priced compared to other high-end turkey chokes.
Cons
- The tight .660 constriction may be too tight for very close-range shots in dense cover.
- Lack of external knurling could make it slightly slippery to grip with gloves in wet conditions.
Who Should Buy EAR Head Hunter Benelli Crio 12 Gauge Turkey Black Nitride .660?
Perfect for experienced turkey hunters seeking to extend their effective range and improve pattern density with their Benelli Crio barrel shotguns. Also ideal for hunters who want a durable, reliable choke tube that can withstand harsh conditions.
Hunters who primarily hunt in very dense cover and take close-range shots might want to consider a more open choke. Those who prefer adjustable chokes or those who want to customize their choke tube with specific coatings might also look elsewhere. A high-quality turkey sling to help manage your shotgun is a good addition when using a specialized choke.
Conclusion on EAR Head Hunter Benelli Crio 12 Gauge Turkey Black Nitride .660
The EAR Head Hunter Benelli Crio 12 Gauge Turkey Black Nitride .660 choke tube is a solid performer that delivers on its promise of tighter, denser patterns at longer ranges. The price is justified by the noticeable improvement in performance and the durable construction. I would definitely recommend this choke to any serious turkey hunter looking to maximize the potential of their Benelli Crio barrel shotgun.
If you’re tired of inconsistent patterns and want to add some extra confidence to your turkey hunting, give the EAR Head Hunter a try; you might just bag that longbeard you’ve been chasing!