The EAR Head Hunter Invector Plus 20 Gauge Turkey Matte Black .560 Made a Bold First Impression
As a seasoned outdoor and tactical gear specialist with over a decade of experience, I’ve seen countless shotgun chokes come and go. But the EAR Head Hunter Invector Plus 20 Gauge Turkey Matte Black .560 immediately caught my attention with its promise of “extreme patterns down range.” I was skeptical, but intrigued.
For years, I’ve struggled to find a 20-gauge choke that consistently delivers tight, lethal patterns beyond 35 yards. Many fall short, resulting in wounded birds and frustrating hunts. The EAR Head Hunter promised to solve this issue, and its rugged matte black finish hinted at serious performance.
My initial impression upon unboxing was positive. The choke felt substantial and well-machined, a far cry from some of the cheaper, thinner chokes I’ve handled. Its matte black finish was even and seemed durable, suggesting it could withstand the rigors of turkey season.
I considered other popular 20-gauge turkey chokes, including models from Carlson’s and Briley. I ultimately chose the EAR Head Hunter based on its advertised “multi-staged” interior bore design, which I hoped would provide superior shot control. I was excited to put its claims to the test and see if it lived up to the hype.
Real-World Testing: Putting EAR Head Hunter Invector Plus 20 Gauge Turkey Matte Black .560 to the Test
First Use Experience
My initial testing took place at a local shooting range equipped with patterning boards. I used a variety of 20-gauge turkey loads, including Winchester Long Beard XR and Federal Premium TSS, at distances ranging from 20 to 40 yards. Conditions were clear and mild, with a slight breeze.
The EAR Head Hunter consistently produced incredibly tight and dense patterns. At 35 yards, the Winchester Long Beard XR load delivered a pattern with over 90% of the pellets within a 10-inch circle. This was a significant improvement compared to my previous choke. I was impressed by how little the pattern opened up even at longer distances.
There was a noticeable increase in recoil compared to the factory choke, likely due to the constriction. However, the improved patterns were well worth the trade-off. The EAR Head Hunter performed exceptionally well right out of the box, requiring no adjustments or modifications.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of use throughout the spring turkey season, the EAR Head Hunter has proven to be exceptionally reliable. I hunted in diverse conditions, from damp, foggy mornings to hot, sunny afternoons. It performed flawlessly in each scenario.
The choke’s matte black finish has held up remarkably well, showing minimal signs of wear despite being subjected to brush, mud, and the occasional accidental bump. Cleaning is straightforward; a quick scrub with a solvent and a brush keeps it in top condition. I’ve experienced no issues with rust or corrosion.
Compared to my previous experiences with other 20-gauge turkey chokes, the EAR Head Hunter is in a league of its own. It consistently delivers tighter patterns at longer ranges, resulting in cleaner kills and fewer wounded birds. It has exceeded my expectations in terms of both performance and durability.
Breaking Down the Features of EAR Head Hunter Invector Plus 20 Gauge Turkey Matte Black .560
Specifications
- Caliber: 20 Gauge. This choke is specifically designed for 20-gauge shotguns, ensuring a proper fit and optimal performance.
- Choke Constriction: .560. This tight constriction is designed to produce extremely dense patterns at longer ranges, ideal for turkey hunting.
- Material: High-quality steel. The durable steel construction ensures longevity and resistance to wear and tear.
- Finish: Matte Black. The matte black finish reduces glare and provides excellent corrosion resistance.
- Compatibility: Invector Plus choke system. This choke is designed to fit shotguns with the Invector Plus choke system, a common standard for many brands.
- Interior Bore Design: JEBS Patented “Multi-Staged”. This design promotes better shot and wad separation for denser patterns.
These specifications are crucial for achieving optimal performance. The .560 constriction is specifically tailored for turkey hunting, providing the tight patterns needed for clean kills. The JEBS patented “multi-staged” interior bore design is the key to its superior performance, ensuring consistent and dense patterns.
Performance & Functionality
The EAR Head Hunter excels in its primary function: delivering tight, lethal patterns at extended ranges. This choke dramatically improves effective range compared to a standard full choke. It consistently puts a high percentage of pellets in the vital zone, even at distances exceeding 40 yards.
One strength is its consistent pattern density across different turkey loads. A minor weakness could be the slightly increased recoil due to the tight constriction. It definitely meets, and in many cases exceeds, the performance expectations for a premium turkey choke.
Design & Ergonomics
The EAR Head Hunter’s build quality is exceptional. The materials used are top-notch, and the machining is precise. The choke feels solid and well-made, inspiring confidence in its durability.
It’s incredibly user-friendly, requiring no special tools for installation or removal beyond a standard choke wrench. There is virtually no learning curve.
Durability & Maintenance
The EAR Head Hunter is built to last. Its high-quality steel construction and durable matte black finish offer excellent resistance to wear, tear, and corrosion. Proper cleaning and maintenance are essential for longevity, but the process is simple and straightforward.
With proper care, this choke should last for many seasons of hard use. I anticipate many years of reliable performance from this choke.
Accessories and Customization Options
The EAR Head Hunter doesn’t come with any additional accessories, as it is a standalone product. However, its compatibility with the Invector Plus choke system allows for easy interchangeability with other chokes.
While customization options are limited to the choke itself, selecting the right turkey load is crucial for maximizing its performance. Experimentation with different loads is highly recommended to find the optimal combination for your specific shotgun. It is compatible with any Invector Plus extension.
Pros and Cons of EAR Head Hunter Invector Plus 20 Gauge Turkey Matte Black .560
Pros
- Delivers extremely tight and dense patterns at extended ranges.
- Significantly increases effective range compared to standard chokes.
- Durable construction with a corrosion-resistant matte black finish.
- Easy to install and remove with a standard choke wrench.
- Compatible with a wide range of 20-gauge turkey loads.
Cons
- Noticeable increase in recoil compared to less restrictive chokes.
- Relatively specialized; not ideal for general-purpose shooting.
Who Should Buy EAR Head Hunter Invector Plus 20 Gauge Turkey Matte Black .560?
The EAR Head Hunter Invector Plus 20 Gauge Turkey Matte Black .560 is perfect for serious turkey hunters who demand maximum performance from their 20-gauge shotgun. This choke is ideal for those seeking to extend their effective range and consistently harvest birds at distances beyond 35 yards. It’s also a great choice for hunters who prioritize pattern density and consistency.
This product might not be the best choice for casual shooters or those primarily hunting smaller game birds at close range. Also, if you’re highly sensitive to recoil, you may want to explore other options.
A high-quality turkey-specific shotshell, such as Winchester Long Beard XR or Federal Premium TSS, is a must-have accessory for maximizing the choke’s performance. A reliable choke wrench is also essential for easy installation and removal.
Conclusion on EAR Head Hunter Invector Plus 20 Gauge Turkey Matte Black .560
The EAR Head Hunter Invector Plus 20 Gauge Turkey Matte Black .560 is a game-changer for 20-gauge turkey hunters. Its ability to deliver incredibly tight and dense patterns at extended ranges is truly remarkable. While the price of $79.99 is certainly an investment, the improved performance and increased success in the field more than justify the cost.
I would absolutely recommend this choke to any serious turkey hunter looking to enhance their 20-gauge shotgun’s performance. It’s a well-built, reliable, and effective tool that will help you put more birds on the ground. If you’re ready to take your turkey hunting to the next level, the EAR Head Hunter is worth every penny. Equip your 20-gauge with the EAR Head Hunter Invector Plus 20 Gauge Turkey Matte Black .560 and experience the difference for yourself!