First Thoughts on the EAR Head Hunter Invector 12 Gauge Turkey Matte Black .655
The EAR Head Hunter Invector 12 Gauge Turkey Matte Black .655 choke tube is a specialized piece of equipment aimed at maximizing turkey hunting success. Designed by EAR and built for Invector 12-gauge shotguns, it promises tighter patterns and longer-range performance. At $89.99, it sits in a competitive price range, making it an accessible upgrade for serious turkey hunters looking to improve their shot.
I’ve spent years chasing gobblers, and consistent patterns at longer ranges have always been my holy grail. The allure of the EAR Head Hunter was its promise of delivering “extreme patterns down range at further distances.” I needed a choke that would allow me to ethically and effectively harvest birds at those challenging, late-season distances when they’re wary and less likely to commit.
The EAR Head Hunter arrived in simple, functional packaging. My initial impression was of solid construction and a clean matte black finish. It felt substantial and well-made.
Compared to my previous choke, a basic extended turkey choke from a different manufacturer, the EAR Head Hunter’s design looked more aggressive with more pronounced internal features. I also considered the Carlson’s Long Beard XR Turkey Choke and the Patternmaster Code Black Turkey Choke, but the EAR’s purported focus on “shot & wad cup” separation caught my attention. My prior chokes gave okay patterns, but always seemed to have holes I couldn’t explain. I chose the EAR hoping to mitigate that.
My first impression was one of cautious optimism. The choke looked the part, and the promises were enticing. I was excited to see if the EAR Head Hunter Invector 12 Gauge Turkey Matte Black .655 could live up to the hype in the field.
Real-World Testing: Putting EAR Head Hunter Invector 12 Gauge Turkey Matte Black .655 to the Test
First Use Experience
My first test of the EAR Head Hunter was at my local shooting range, patterning it with a variety of turkey loads. I used Federal Premium TSS, Winchester Long Beard XR, and some standard lead loads. The weather was clear and cool, around 50 degrees Fahrenheit, with a light breeze.
The difference compared to my older choke was immediately noticeable. The patterns were consistently tighter and more evenly distributed, especially with the Federal TSS and Winchester Long Beard XR loads. There were fewer gaps in the pattern, giving me more confidence in hitting the vital area of a turkey’s head and neck at 40 yards.
Installation was easy, and the choke seated perfectly into my shotgun. No issues after first use.
Extended Use & Reliability
After a full spring turkey season of using the EAR Head Hunter, I can attest to its reliability and durability. The choke held up well to repeated use and cleaning. No signs of rust or wear despite being exposed to various weather conditions from rain to mud to dust.
Maintaining the choke is straightforward. A quick scrub with a bore brush and solvent after each use kept it clean and free of fouling.
Compared to my previous choke, the EAR Head Hunter consistently outperformed it in terms of pattern density and range. While I bagged a few birds with my older choke, the EAR gave me the confidence to take shots at slightly longer distances with increased assurance of a clean kill. My longest harvest was at 48 yards, something I never would have attempted before installing the EAR Head Hunter Invector 12 Gauge Turkey Matte Black .655.
Breaking Down the Features of EAR Head Hunter Invector 12 Gauge Turkey Matte Black .655
Specifications
The EAR Head Hunter Invector 12 Gauge Turkey Matte Black .655 is specifically designed for Invector-choked 12-gauge shotguns. Its constriction is .655″, optimized for turkey loads. The choke tube is constructed from high-quality steel and features a matte black finish for corrosion resistance and reduced glare.
The defining feature is EAR’s patented “multi-staged” interior bore design. This design is intended to improve “shot & wad cup” separation, resulting in denser and more consistent patterns. This design optimizes the release of the shot column for tighter groupings at longer ranges.
Performance & Functionality
The EAR Head Hunter Invector 12 Gauge Turkey Matte Black .655 excels at producing tight, dense patterns at extended ranges. Accuracy with premium turkey loads like Federal TSS and Winchester Long Beard XR is exceptional. The .655 constriction proved to be an excellent balance between pattern density and pellet distribution.
The main strength lies in its ability to consistently deliver lethal patterns at distances that would be marginal with less specialized chokes. The improved shot & wad separation is palpable. One potential weakness could be its tight constriction may not be ideal for very close-range shots (inside 20 yards), where a more open choke might be preferable.
The choke exceeded my expectations in terms of pattern consistency and effective range. It transformed my shotgun into a true turkey hunting machine.
Design & Ergonomics
The EAR Head Hunter’s build quality feels robust and durable. The matte black finish is not only aesthetically pleasing but also functional in minimizing glare, crucial for avoiding spooking wary turkeys. The choke’s weight is negligible, adding no noticeable bulk to the shotgun.
Installation is simple and requires no special tools. The choke tube is easy to grip and tighten by hand. No learning curve to speak of.
Durability & Maintenance
The choke’s steel construction and matte black finish ensure long-lasting durability. After a season of use, there are no signs of rust or corrosion.
Maintenance is easy, requiring only basic cleaning after each use to remove powder residue and plastic wad fouling. A solvent and bore brush are all that’s needed to keep the choke in top condition. It feels like it will last for many years with proper care.
Accessories and Customization Options
The EAR Head Hunter Invector 12 Gauge Turkey Matte Black .655 doesn’t come with any additional accessories. Customization is limited to choosing the appropriate load for your shotgun and hunting conditions.
It is compatible with any standard Invector-choked 12-gauge shotgun. While there are no direct customization options for the choke itself, its performance can be tailored by selecting different turkey loads and adjusting your sighting system accordingly.
Pros and Cons of EAR Head Hunter Invector 12 Gauge Turkey Matte Black .655
Pros
- Delivers extremely tight and dense patterns at longer ranges.
- Noticeably improved shot & wad separation for consistent performance.
- Durable steel construction with a corrosion-resistant matte black finish.
- Easy to install and maintain.
- Significantly increases effective range for turkey hunting.
Cons
- Tight constriction may not be ideal for very close-range shots (under 20 yards).
- May require some experimentation with different loads to find the optimal pattern for your specific shotgun.
Who Should Buy EAR Head Hunter Invector 12 Gauge Turkey Matte Black .655?
The EAR Head Hunter Invector 12 Gauge Turkey Matte Black .655 is perfect for serious turkey hunters who want to maximize their effective range and pattern density. It’s ideal for those who hunt in areas where long shots are common or necessary. It’s also a great choice for hunters who want more confidence in their shot patterns and ethical harvests.
This choke may not be necessary for hunters who primarily hunt in thick cover where shots are consistently close range. Beginners may also find it overkill if they are not yet focused on optimizing their patterns for longer distances.
A must-have accessory is a high-quality red dot sight or scope to help with precise aiming at longer ranges. Experimentation with different turkey loads is also highly recommended to find the optimal combination for your shotgun and hunting conditions.
Conclusion on EAR Head Hunter Invector 12 Gauge Turkey Matte Black .655
The EAR Head Hunter Invector 12 Gauge Turkey Matte Black .655 is a well-designed and effective choke tube that delivers on its promise of tighter patterns and extended range. It dramatically improved the performance of my shotgun and instilled confidence in taking ethically sound shots at longer distances.
At $89.99, the price is justified given the performance gains and durability. It’s a worthwhile investment for serious turkey hunters.
I would highly recommend the EAR Head Hunter to anyone looking to enhance their turkey hunting success. If you’re tired of marginal patterns and missed opportunities, this choke tube is a game-changer. Upgrade your shotgun today and experience the difference for yourself!