EAR Head Hunter Benelli Crio 12 Gauge Turkey Matte Black .655 Review

The EAR Head Hunter Benelli Crio 12 Gauge Turkey Matte Black .655 Made a Bold First Impression

As a seasoned outdoor and tactical gear specialist, I’ve seen countless shotgun chokes come and go. But the EAR Head Hunter Benelli Crio 12 Gauge Turkey Matte Black .655 immediately grabbed my attention with its promise of “extreme patterns down range.” The bold claim sparked my interest, and I was eager to see if it could live up to the hype in the unforgiving turkey woods.

My usual hunting grounds presented a challenge this year: increased pressure from other hunters had made the birds warier and more likely to hang up just outside my comfortable range. I needed a choke that could consistently deliver tight, dense patterns at those extended distances, providing me with the confidence to take ethical shots. The EAR Head Hunter seemed like a potential solution.

Unboxing the EAR Head Hunter, the matte black finish gave a serious, no-nonsense impression. It felt solid and well-machined, inspiring confidence in its ability to withstand the rigors of the hunt. The Crio threading looked clean and precise, suggesting a perfect fit for my Benelli.

I considered other popular turkey chokes like the Carlson’s Long Beard XR and the Primos Jelly Head Max, but the EAR Head Hunter‘s unique “multi-staged” interior bore design piqued my curiosity. The promise of better “shot & wad cup” separation for denser patterns was the deciding factor. My initial impression was one of guarded optimism. I was eager to get it to the range and see if it could translate its promises into performance.

Real-World Testing: Putting EAR Head Hunter Benelli Crio 12 Gauge Turkey Matte Black .655 to the Test

First Use Experience

My first field test of the EAR Head Hunter Benelli Crio 12 Gauge Turkey Matte Black .655 took place at my local shooting range. I focused on patterning various turkey loads at 30, 40, and 50 yards. I wanted to see how it handled different shot sizes and shell velocities.

The performance was immediately impressive, even under relatively ideal range conditions. The patterns were consistently tighter and more uniform than with my factory choke. There were no noticeable flyers, and the majority of pellets stayed within a 20-inch circle at 40 yards.

I found that the choke preferred heavier loads with larger shot sizes (e.g., #4 and #5). The recoil was manageable, and the choke showed no signs of loosening or shifting during the session. I did not need any additional tools to properly install or remove the choke.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks of use, including a week-long turkey hunt in varying weather conditions, the EAR Head Hunter continued to perform admirably. It endured rain, mud, and the occasional bump against trees and brush without any issues. The matte black finish proved to be durable and resistant to scratches.

Maintenance has been a breeze: a quick cleaning with a choke tube brush and solvent after each use has kept it in top condition. I’ve experienced no rust or corrosion, even after being exposed to moisture. Compared to my previous experiences with other chokes, the EAR Head Hunter delivers significantly more consistent and denser patterns at extended ranges, giving me a noticeable advantage in the field.

Breaking Down the Features of EAR Head Hunter Benelli Crio 12 Gauge Turkey Matte Black .655

Specifications

The EAR Head Hunter Benelli Crio 12 Gauge Turkey Matte Black .655 is a dedicated turkey choke tube designed specifically for Benelli shotguns with Crio-style threading. It features a constriction of .655 inches, optimized for tight, dense patterns with turkey loads.

The choke is constructed from high-quality stainless steel with a matte black finish for corrosion resistance. The internal bore is designed with JEBS patented “multi-staged” technology to improve shot and wad separation. This is the key element contributing to its performance.

Performance & Functionality

The EAR Head Hunter Benelli Crio 12 Gauge Turkey Matte Black .655 excels at delivering exceptionally tight and consistent patterns at extended ranges. It significantly increases the effective range of my Benelli shotgun for turkey hunting.

Its strength lies in its ability to maintain pattern density at distances where other chokes start to fail. The only potential weakness is that the extremely tight patterns might be too unforgiving at very close ranges. This makes precise aiming even more crucial. It exceeded my expectations, transforming my shotgun into a true long-range turkey hunting tool.

Design & Ergonomics

The choke’s build quality is excellent. The stainless steel construction and matte black finish inspire confidence in its durability. The fit and finish are impeccable, and it installs easily into my Benelli’s Crio threads.

The design is straightforward and functional, with no unnecessary frills. The choke is user-friendly and requires no special tools for installation or removal.

Durability & Maintenance

The EAR Head Hunter Benelli Crio 12 Gauge Turkey Matte Black .655 is built to last. The stainless steel construction makes it highly resistant to corrosion and wear. With proper care and cleaning, it should provide years of reliable performance.

Maintenance is simple, requiring only regular cleaning with a choke tube brush and solvent. The choke tube’s easy maintenance makes it perfect for the demanding hunter.

Accessories and Customization Options

The EAR Head Hunter Benelli Crio 12 Gauge Turkey Matte Black .655 does not come with any additional accessories. However, it is compatible with any standard choke tube wrench designed for Benelli Crio chokes.

There are no specific customization options available for the choke itself. However, hunters can fine-tune their setup by experimenting with different turkey loads to find the optimal combination for their shotgun and hunting conditions. Selecting the correct shell will affect the pattern significantly.

Pros and Cons of EAR Head Hunter Benelli Crio 12 Gauge Turkey Matte Black .655