The EAR Head Hunter Mobilchoke 12 Gauge Turkey Matte Black .655 Made a Bold First Impression
As a seasoned outdoor and tactical gear specialist with over a decade of experience, I’ve seen my fair share of shotgun chokes. However, the EAR Head Hunter Mobilchoke 12 Gauge Turkey Matte Black .655 immediately caught my eye with its promise of “extreme patterns down range at further distances.” I was eager to test if it could live up to the hype and improve my turkey hunting success.
My hunt for a new turkey choke began with a problem: inconsistent patterns with my factory choke. I needed a choke that could tighten those patterns and extend my effective range, especially on those wary, late-season birds. Opening the box, I was immediately struck by the EAR Head Hunter Mobilchoke’s solid, no-nonsense design and matte black finish.
The EAR Head Hunter felt substantial without being overly heavy, and the threads appeared clean and precise. Compared to my old, ported choke tube and another extended turkey choke I had laying around, the EAR Head Hunter had a noticeable difference in internal design. The EAR Head Hunter’s “multi-staged” interior bore looked advanced, promising a controlled and efficient shot dispersal compared to other chokes.
My first impression was one of cautious optimism. The bold claims by EAR and the unique design intrigued me, but the true test would be in the field. I was excited to see if this choke could truly deliver tighter patterns and longer-range performance.
Real-World Testing: Putting EAR Head Hunter Mobilchoke 12 Gauge Turkey Matte Black .655 to the Test
First Use Experience
My initial testing of the EAR Head Hunter Mobilchoke 12 Gauge Turkey Matte Black .655 took place at my local shooting range, followed by a dawn patrol in the turkey woods of eastern Pennsylvania. The weather was damp and cold, presenting a realistic early-season turkey hunting scenario. I shot several brands of 12 gauge turkey loads through it, from #4 shot to #6, varying the dram equivalent.
The most noticeable aspect was the consistent pattern density across all loads. Even with the wind picking up later in the morning, I felt a definite improvement compared to my previous choke, with more pellets consistently hitting the target in a vital area. I needed no time to get used to the EAR Head Hunter; it screwed in easily and was ready to go.
The only minor surprise was the slightly increased recoil compared to my ported choke. This was a fair trade-off for the tighter patterns and improved range.
Extended Use & Reliability
After a full turkey season and several range sessions, the EAR Head Hunter Mobilchoke 12 Gauge Turkey Matte Black .655 has proven to be a reliable performer. There are no signs of wear and tear, and the matte black finish has held up well against the elements. Cleaning is simple – a quick scrub with a bore brush and solvent is all it takes to remove any powder residue.
The EAR Head Hunter has significantly outperformed my previous choke in terms of pattern density and effective range. This translates to cleaner kills and more confidence in the field. My success rate this season was noticeably higher.
Breaking Down the Features of EAR Head Hunter Mobilchoke 12 Gauge Turkey Matte Black .655
Specifications
The EAR Head Hunter Mobilchoke 12 Gauge Turkey Matte Black .655 boasts several key specifications that contribute to its performance. Its 12-gauge compatibility ensures it fits most modern shotguns with Mobilchoke threads. The .655 constriction is optimized for turkey loads, delivering tight patterns at extended ranges.
The choke’s matte black finish reduces glare and protects against corrosion. This is crucial for maintaining its integrity in harsh hunting conditions. The JEBS patented “multi-staged” interior bore design is perhaps the most significant feature, promoting improved shot and wad separation for denser patterns.
Performance & Functionality
The EAR Head Hunter Mobilchoke 12 Gauge Turkey Matte Black .655 excels at delivering consistent and dense patterns at distances exceeding 40 yards. This is due to the multi-staged bore design, which effectively manages the shot string and reduces pellet deformation. The choke’s reliability is unquestionable; it has performed flawlessly through hundreds of rounds.
Its strength is its exceptional pattern density and range, while a potential weakness is the slightly increased recoil compared to ported chokes. Overall, it meets and exceeds my expectations for a high-performance turkey choke.
Design & Ergonomics
The EAR Head Hunter features a simple, yet effective design. The materials used appear to be of high quality, and the choke feels robust and well-made. Installation is straightforward, requiring no special tools.
The matte black finish provides a non-reflective surface, which is essential for remaining concealed in the turkey woods. There is no learning curve; simply screw it in and start shooting.
Durability & Maintenance
The EAR Head Hunter Mobilchoke 12 Gauge Turkey Matte Black .655 is built to last. The robust construction and corrosion-resistant finish ensure it can withstand years of use in harsh conditions. Maintenance is minimal, requiring only occasional cleaning to remove powder residue.
The choke’s simple design also minimizes the risk of mechanical failure. I expect it to last for many seasons to come.
Accessories and Customization Options
The EAR Head Hunter Mobilchoke 12 Gauge Turkey Matte Black .655 doesn’t come with any additional accessories. However, it’s compatible with any 12-gauge shotgun that accepts Mobilchoke threads. This allows for easy installation and compatibility with a wide range of firearms.
While there are no specific customization options for the choke itself, users can experiment with different turkey loads to fine-tune their patterns. Proper load selection is key to maximizing the choke’s performance.
Pros and Cons of EAR Head Hunter Mobilchoke 12 Gauge Turkey Matte Black .655
Pros
- Exceptional Pattern Density: The EAR Head Hunter’s multi-staged bore design delivers consistently tight and dense patterns, significantly increasing your chances of a clean kill.
- Extended Range: Its ability to maintain pattern density at distances beyond 40 yards gives you a significant advantage in the field.
- Durable Construction: The robust materials and corrosion-resistant finish ensure long-lasting performance in harsh conditions.
- Easy Installation: Simple screw-in design makes installation quick and easy, with no special tools required.
- Increased Confidence: Knowing that your shotgun is performing at its peak gives you the confidence to take those longer shots.
Cons
- Slightly Increased Recoil: Compared to ported chokes, the EAR Head Hunter may produce slightly more noticeable recoil.
- Lack of Accessories: No included wrench or case might be missed by some users.
Who Should Buy EAR Head Hunter Mobilchoke 12 Gauge Turkey Matte Black .655?
The EAR Head Hunter Mobilchoke 12 Gauge Turkey Matte Black .655 is perfect for dedicated turkey hunters who are seeking to maximize their shotgun’s performance. It is ideal for those who hunt in areas where longer shots are often necessary. This is for hunters who want a reliable and durable choke that can withstand the rigors of the turkey woods.
This choke may not be the best choice for recoil-sensitive shooters or those who primarily hunt in close-range situations. Those hunters might benefit more from a ported choke to help reduce recoil. A must-have accessory is a quality choke tube wrench. This makes installation and removal easier and prevents damage to the choke.
Conclusion on EAR Head Hunter Mobilchoke 12 Gauge Turkey Matte Black .655
The EAR Head Hunter Mobilchoke 12 Gauge Turkey Matte Black .655 is a high-performance choke that delivers on its promise of tight patterns and extended range. The EAR Head Hunter Mobilchoke 12 Gauge Turkey Matte Black .655 is worth every penny. Its exceptional performance and durable construction justify the price.
I would personally recommend this choke to any serious turkey hunter looking to improve their success in the field. It is a reliable and effective tool that will undoubtedly help you put more birds on the ground. Upgrade your shotgun today with the EAR Head Hunter Mobilchoke 12 Gauge Turkey Matte Black .655 and experience the difference!