The EAR Head Hunter Optima HP Beretta A400 12 Gauge Turkey Matte Black .650 Made a Bold First Impression
Turkey hunting requires precision, and the right choke tube can make all the difference. The EAR Head Hunter Optima HP Beretta A400 12 Gauge Turkey Matte Black .650 promises to deliver that precision with its specialized design for the Beretta A400 platform. I’ve spent countless hours in the turkey woods, experimenting with various choke tubes, and I was eager to see if this offering from EAR lived up to the hype.
My quest for the perfect pattern at longer ranges led me to the EAR Head Hunter. I was consistently experiencing inconsistent shot patterns beyond 35 yards with my factory choke. The promise of denser patterns at extended distances was exactly what I was looking for in a choke tube.
The EAR Head Hunter arrived in a simple, no-frills package. My initial impression was one of solid construction; the matte black finish looked durable and well-applied. The choke felt substantial in hand, hinting at the quality promised by EAR.
I considered other popular turkey chokes like the Carlson’s Long Beard XR choke and the Kick’s Gobblin’ Thunder, both known for their tight patterns. However, the EAR Head Hunter’s unique “multi-staged” interior bore design caught my eye. I believed this design offered a more innovative approach to shot and wad separation, potentially yielding superior results.
My first impression was excitement tempered with cautious optimism. A choke tube can make or break a turkey hunt, and I was hoping the EAR Head Hunter would be the game-changer I needed. Only real-world testing would reveal its true potential.
Real-World Testing: Putting EAR Head Hunter Optima HP Beretta A400 12 Gauge Turkey Matte Black .650 to the Test
First Use Experience
My first outing with the EAR Head Hunter was at my local shooting range. I patterned it with a variety of turkey loads, including Winchester Long Beard XR, Federal Premium TSS, and Hevi-Shot Magnum Blend, all in a 12 gauge, 3-inch configuration. The weather was clear and mild, providing ideal testing conditions.
The difference compared to my factory choke was immediately noticeable. The patterns were significantly tighter and more consistent, especially at 40 yards. I experienced a few flyers with the Hevi-Shot, but the Long Beard XR and Federal TSS performed exceptionally well, producing dense, lethal patterns within a 10-inch circle.
I had no issues installing the choke; it threaded smoothly into my Beretta A400. The only adjustment I needed to make was fine-tuning my aim point slightly to compensate for the tighter pattern. I was thoroughly impressed after the first range session.
Extended Use & Reliability
After a full turkey season, the EAR Head Hunter has proven to be a reliable and effective performer. The choke tube has held up well to repeated use, showing no signs of wear or corrosion. I hunted in both dry and humid conditions, and the matte black finish has resisted rust effectively.
Cleaning the EAR Head Hunter is a breeze. I simply run a bore brush through it after each use and apply a light coat of gun oil to prevent corrosion. The choke tube’s interior design doesn’t seem to accumulate excessive fouling, which is a significant plus.
Compared to previous chokes I’ve used, the EAR Head Hunter offers a marked improvement in pattern density and consistency at longer ranges. My previous experiences often resulted in marginal hits or missed opportunities beyond 40 yards. With the EAR Head Hunter, I felt confident in my ability to make ethical and effective shots at extended distances.
Breaking Down the Features of EAR Head Hunter Optima HP Beretta A400 12 Gauge Turkey Matte Black .650
Specifications
The EAR Head Hunter Optima HP Beretta A400 12 Gauge Turkey Matte Black .650 boasts several key specifications. It is designed specifically for the Beretta A400 12 gauge shotgun with Optima HP choke system. The choke has a constriction of .650 inches.
This constriction is optimized for tight, dense patterns at longer ranges. The choke is constructed from high-quality steel and finished with a matte black coating for corrosion resistance. The EAR Head Hunter features JEBS patented “multi-staged” interior bore design. This is intended to improve shot and wad separation.
The .650 constriction offers an ideal balance between pattern density and range for turkey hunting. Tighter constrictions can produce even denser patterns, but they often result in reduced range and increased recoil. The multi-staged interior is intended to reduce pellet deformation, leading to more consistent patterns.
Performance & Functionality
The EAR Head Hunter performs exceptionally well in delivering tight, consistent patterns. My testing demonstrated consistent, lethal patterns out to 50 yards with premium turkey loads. This choke tube dramatically improved my confidence in taking longer shots.
The strength of the EAR Head Hunter lies in its ability to maintain pattern density at extended distances. Its weakness, if any, is that it may not be ideal for very close-range shots (inside 20 yards) due to the extremely tight pattern.
The EAR Head Hunter met, and in some cases exceeded, my expectations for a high-performance turkey choke. It provided a noticeable improvement over my factory choke and other aftermarket chokes I’ve tested.
Design & Ergonomics
The build quality of the EAR Head Hunter is excellent. The choke is constructed from durable steel and finished with a corrosion-resistant coating. The choke has a substantial feel in hand, inspiring confidence in its long-term durability.
The EAR Head Hunter is user-friendly. Installation is straightforward; simply thread it into the Beretta A400’s Optima HP choke system. The matte black finish is non-reflective, which is advantageous for hunting situations.
Durability & Maintenance
The EAR Head Hunter is built to last. Its robust steel construction and corrosion-resistant finish ensure long-term durability. Regular cleaning and lubrication are all that’s needed to keep the choke in optimal condition.
Maintaining the EAR Head Hunter is simple. A quick cleaning after each use is all that is needed for it to remain in top condition. The choke’s interior design does not appear to trap excessive fouling or residue.
Accessories and Customization Options
The EAR Head Hunter Optima HP Beretta A400 12 Gauge Turkey Matte Black .650 does not come with any additional accessories beyond the choke tube itself. No customization options are available directly from EAR.
The choke is compatible with any standard Optima HP choke tube wrench. Aftermarket choke tube cases can be utilized for storage and transport. Compatibility with other brands’ accessories is limited to those designed for Optima HP choke systems.
Pros and Cons of EAR Head Hunter Optima HP Beretta A400 12 Gauge Turkey Matte Black .650Pros
- Delivers exceptionally tight and consistent patterns at extended ranges.
- The “multi-staged” interior bore design effectively separates shot and wad, maximizing pattern density.
- Durable steel construction with a corrosion-resistant matte black finish.
- Easy to install and maintain.
- Significantly improves effective range and shot confidence for turkey hunting.
Cons
- Pattern may be too tight for very close-range shots (inside 20 yards).
- No included accessories or customization options.
Who Should Buy EAR Head Hunter Optima HP Beretta A400 12 Gauge Turkey Matte Black .650?
Pros
- Delivers exceptionally tight and consistent patterns at extended ranges.
- The “multi-staged” interior bore design effectively separates shot and wad, maximizing pattern density.
- Durable steel construction with a corrosion-resistant matte black finish.
- Easy to install and maintain.
- Significantly improves effective range and shot confidence for turkey hunting.
Cons
- Pattern may be too tight for very close-range shots (inside 20 yards).
- No included accessories or customization options.
Perfect for: Experienced turkey hunters seeking to extend their effective range and improve pattern density with their Beretta A400 shotgun. It’s also well-suited for hunters who prioritize ethical shots at longer distances.
Who should skip this product? Hunters who primarily hunt in thick cover where shots are typically at very close range may find the pattern too tight. Novice hunters might benefit more from a more forgiving choke with a slightly wider pattern.
Must-have accessories or modifications? A high-quality choke tube wrench is essential for easy installation and removal. A choke tube case will help protect the EAR Head Hunter during storage and transport.
Conclusion on EAR Head Hunter Optima HP Beretta A400 12 Gauge Turkey Matte Black .650
The EAR Head Hunter Optima HP Beretta A400 12 Gauge Turkey Matte Black .650 is a top-tier turkey choke that delivers on its promise of tight, consistent patterns at longer ranges. The innovative “multi-staged” interior bore design truly makes a difference in shot and wad separation, resulting in impressive pattern density.
At $89.99, the price is justified by the choke’s performance and durability. While it might not be the best choice for very close-range hunting, it is an excellent investment for hunters who want to maximize their effective range and improve their odds of success.
I would definitely recommend the EAR Head Hunter to any serious turkey hunter using a Beretta A400. If you’re ready to experience tighter patterns and longer-range confidence in the turkey woods, give the EAR Head Hunter a try. You won’t be disappointed.