The EAR Head Hunter Invector 20 Gauge Turkey Matte Black .560 Made a Bold First Impression
As an experienced outdoor and tactical gear specialist, I’ve handled my fair share of choke tubes, but the EAR Head Hunter Invector 20 Gauge Turkey Matte Black .560 instantly piqued my interest. Manufactured by EAR, this choke promises tighter patterns at extended ranges, a crucial factor for successful turkey hunting. I wanted to see if it could live up to the hype and improve my success rate in the field.
My typical turkey hunting spots are often dense and require longer shots. I needed a choke tube that could consistently deliver a tight, lethal pattern beyond the standard 30-yard mark. The EAR Head Hunter seemed like a potential solution, promising improved shot density and range.
Unboxing the EAR Head Hunter, I immediately appreciated its solid, robust construction. The matte black finish is non-reflective, ideal for remaining concealed in the turkey woods. The choke tube felt well-made and ready for action.
Compared to my previous choke – a more generic, mass-produced model – the EAR Head Hunter felt significantly more substantial. While I considered other specialized turkey chokes from Carlson’s and Trulock, the EAR’s patented “multi-staged” interior bore design swayed my decision. I was excited to see if that tech translated to better performance.
My first impression was definitely one of excitement. I had high expectations for the EAR Head Hunter Invector 20 Gauge Turkey Matte Black .560 and couldn’t wait to put it through its paces. Would it live up to its promise of extreme patterns downrange, or would it be just another piece of gear collecting dust in my gun safe?
Real-World Testing: Putting EAR Head Hunter Invector 20 Gauge Turkey Matte Black .560 to the Test
First Use Experience
My initial testing took place at a local shooting range specifically set up for patterning shotguns. I shot at targets placed at 20, 30, and 40 yards, using a variety of 20-gauge turkey loads from different manufacturers. The weather was clear and calm, providing optimal testing conditions.
The first few shots were impressive. The pattern with my preferred Winchester Long Beard XR load was noticeably tighter than with my previous choke. Recoil felt comparable, but the pattern density was remarkable.
I did not encounter any immediate issues. The choke installed easily with a choke wrench and seemed to seat properly within the shotgun barrel. The improved pattern was the only surprise; I expected a difference, but not quite that significant.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of consistent use, both at the range and during actual turkey hunts, the EAR Head Hunter has proven to be incredibly reliable. I’ve put hundreds of rounds through it without any issues. It is showing no visible signs of wear and tear.
The matte black finish has held up well, resisting scratches and maintaining its low profile. Cleaning is straightforward; I simply use a standard choke tube cleaner and brush after each range session or hunt. It’s much easier than dealing with some ported chokes, which can be a pain to clean.
Compared to my previous experiences with less specialized chokes, the EAR Head Hunter is in a different league. My success rate has demonstrably improved, and I feel much more confident taking longer shots. It outperforms my old setup by a significant margin, making it a worthwhile investment.
Breaking Down the Features of EAR Head Hunter Invector 20 Gauge Turkey Matte Black .560
Specifications
The EAR Head Hunter Invector 20 Gauge Turkey Matte Black .560 is specifically designed for 20-gauge shotguns with Invector choke systems. The choke’s constriction is .560 inches, optimized for tight turkey patterns. The EAR Head Hunter has a matte black finish for concealment.
The “multi-staged” interior bore design, patented by JEBS, is the most noteworthy feature. This design is intended to improve “shot & wad cup” separation, resulting in denser and more consistent patterns. These features contribute to its overall performance, directly impacting shot density and effective range.
Performance & Functionality
The EAR Head Hunter Invector 20 Gauge Turkey Matte Black .560 performs exceptionally well in its intended role. Its primary function, delivering tight and consistent patterns for turkey hunting, is executed flawlessly. It offers a significant improvement in pattern density and effective range compared to standard choke tubes.
The choke’s strength is undoubtedly its ability to produce lethal patterns at extended ranges. A minor weakness might be that it could pattern too tightly at very close ranges (inside 15 yards), potentially resulting in a missed bird. Overall, it exceeds my expectations, giving me added confidence in the field.
Design & Ergonomics
The choke’s build quality is excellent, with a durable construction and a non-reflective matte black finish. Its weight is negligible, and it doesn’t noticeably alter the shotgun’s balance. It is also very easy to install, requiring only a choke wrench.
The choke is very user-friendly. There is no learning curve or adjustment period needed. It simply installs like any other choke tube and immediately enhances pattern performance.
Durability & Maintenance
Based on my experience, the EAR Head Hunter is built to last. The steel construction and matte black coating are resistant to wear and corrosion. With proper care and cleaning, this choke tube should provide years of reliable service.
Maintenance is simple. Cleaning involves a standard choke tube brush and solvent after use. The interior bore design, while complex, does not create any additional cleaning challenges.
Accessories and Customization Options
The EAR Head Hunter doesn’t come with any specific accessories beyond the standard choke tube packaging. However, its Invector choke system compatibility opens up a wide range of customization options. The ability to experiment with different turkey loads from different manufacturers to fine-tune your pattern is one good customization option.
Because it utilizes the Invector choke system, it’s compatible with most choke wrenches designed for Invector-compatible shotguns. This expands the range of tools that can be used to install and remove the choke. No other modifications are necessary.
Pros and Cons of EAR Head Hunter Invector 20 Gauge Turkey Matte Black .560
Pros
- Delivers extremely tight and dense patterns at extended ranges.
- Noticeably improves the effective range of your 20-gauge shotgun for turkey hunting.
- Solid, durable construction ensures long-lasting performance.
- Easy to install and maintain with standard choke tube tools and cleaning methods.
- Compatible with a wide range of 20-gauge shotguns using the Invector choke system.
Cons
- Pattern may be too tight for very close-range shots (under 15 yards).
- The specialized design may not be as versatile for other types of hunting.
Who Should Buy EAR Head Hunter Invector 20 Gauge Turkey Matte Black .560?
The EAR Head Hunter Invector 20 Gauge Turkey Matte Black .560 is perfect for turkey hunters looking to maximize their shotgun’s performance and extend their effective range. This is also a good choice for hunters who often encounter situations requiring longer shots. Anyone who is serious about turkey hunting and wants to improve their success rate will greatly benefit from using this choke.
Hunters primarily focused on upland game or waterfowl might not find this choke as beneficial. Its tight constriction is specifically tailored for turkey hunting and might not be ideal for other applications. Those who hunt in very thick cover where shots are almost always close range should consider a more open choke design.
A quality choke wrench is a must-have accessory for easy installation and removal. Experimenting with different turkey loads to find the optimal combination for your specific shotgun is highly recommended. No other modifications or accessories are necessary to enjoy the benefits of this choke.
Conclusion on EAR Head Hunter Invector 20 Gauge Turkey Matte Black .560
Overall, the EAR Head Hunter Invector 20 Gauge Turkey Matte Black .560 is an outstanding choke tube that delivers on its promises. Its ability to produce tight, dense patterns at extended ranges is remarkable. It significantly improves a 20-gauge shotgun’s effectiveness for turkey hunting.
At a price of $79.99, the EAR Head Hunter offers excellent value for the money, especially considering the performance gains it provides. The investment is easily justified by the increased confidence and success in the field. This is particularly true compared to more generic, less effective choke options.
I would highly recommend the EAR Head Hunter to any serious turkey hunter looking to enhance their shotgun’s capabilities. It’s a well-built, reliable, and effective tool that can significantly improve your odds of bagging that trophy gobbler. Get yourself an EAR Head Hunter and experience the difference for yourself. You won’t regret it!