First Thoughts on the EAR Head Hunter Invector Plus 20 Gauge Turkey Matte Black .560
The pursuit of that perfect turkey pattern – the one that transforms a challenging hunt into a successful harvest – is a quest every seasoned turkey hunter understands. When I first encountered the EAR Head Hunter Invector Plus 20 Gauge Turkey Matte Black .560, I was immediately intrigued. Could this choke tube be the key to unlocking tighter, more devastating patterns from my 20-gauge shotgun?
My frustration stemmed from inconsistent patterns I was experiencing with factory chokes. I needed a choke that could consistently deliver dense, even patterns at longer ranges, giving me the confidence to take those shots when a wary gobbler hung up just outside my comfort zone. The promises of the EAR Head Hunter Invector Plus 20 Gauge Turkey Matte Black .560, specifically its patented “multi-staged” bore design piqued my interest.
Upon receiving the EAR Head Hunter Invector Plus 20 Gauge Turkey Matte Black .560, my initial impression was positive. The matte black finish was clean and functional, minimizing glare in the turkey woods. The choke itself felt solid and well-made, giving an immediate sense of quality.
I had been considering a Carlson’s Long Beard XR choke and a Trulock Precision Hunter choke, but the EAR Head Hunter Invector Plus 20 Gauge Turkey Matte Black .560‘s focus on “shot & wad cup” separation sold me. The price point, at $79.99, felt reasonable for a specialized choke tube claiming superior performance.
Initially, I was excited but cautiously optimistic. I’ve been burned before by overhyped hunting gear. However, the potential for improved patterns and increased confidence in the field made me eager to put the EAR Head Hunter Invector Plus 20 Gauge Turkey Matte Black .560 to the test.
Real-World Testing: Putting EAR Head Hunter Invector Plus 20 Gauge Turkey Matte Black .560 to the Test
First Use Experience
My first opportunity to test the EAR Head Hunter Invector Plus 20 Gauge Turkey Matte Black .560 came during a pre-season patterning session at my local shooting range. The weather was mild, with a slight breeze, offering ideal conditions for evaluating choke performance. I was using a Benelli Montefeltro 20 gauge and a variety of turkey loads, including Winchester Long Beard XR and Federal Premium TSS.
The most noticeable difference was the pattern density at 40 yards. My previous choke was producing adequate patterns, but the EAR Head Hunter Invector Plus 20 Gauge Turkey Matte Black .560 tightened things up considerably. There were noticeably fewer holes in the pattern, and the core was much denser.
There were no immediate issues. The choke screwed in smoothly and securely, and cleaning was straightforward after the range session. I was very encouraged by the initial results.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of use, both at the range and during actual turkey hunts, the EAR Head Hunter Invector Plus 20 Gauge Turkey Matte Black .560 has continued to impress. The matte black finish has proven durable, with no signs of significant wear despite being subjected to brush and handling in the field. Cleaning remains simple, requiring only a quick wipe-down after each use.
Compared to my previous experiences with other aftermarket chokes, the EAR Head Hunter Invector Plus 20 Gauge Turkey Matte Black .560 delivers more consistent and predictable patterns. I’ve noticed fewer flyers and a tighter, more uniform spread, especially at longer ranges. It has noticeably outperformed the factory chokes I previously relied on.
Breaking Down the Features of EAR Head Hunter Invector Plus 20 Gauge Turkey Matte Black .560
Specifications
- Gauge: 20 Gauge. This choke is specifically designed for 20-gauge shotguns, ensuring proper fit and optimal performance.
- Choke size: Turkey. The choke constriction is optimized for turkey hunting, producing tight patterns at extended ranges.
- Model: Invector-Plus. This model is compatible with shotguns using the Invector-Plus choke system, a popular and widely used standard.
- Finish: Matte. The matte black finish reduces glare and provides a non-reflective surface, crucial for concealment in the turkey woods.
- Constriction: .560. The .560 constriction is designed to deliver extremely tight patterns with modern turkey loads.
These specifications are crucial for turkey hunting because they directly impact the pattern density and effective range of the shotgun. The Invector-Plus compatibility ensures a secure fit in many popular shotgun models. The tight .560 constriction optimizes the pattern for taking down turkeys at longer distances.
Performance & Functionality
The EAR Head Hunter Invector Plus 20 Gauge Turkey Matte Black .560 excels at its primary job: delivering dense and consistent patterns at extended ranges. Accuracy is noticeably improved compared to factory chokes, and the reliability has been flawless throughout testing. The choke is easy to install and remove, and the matte finish helps to reduce glare.
The main strength is its ability to consistently produce tight patterns with a variety of turkey loads. One potential weakness might be that the very tight constriction could lead to excessively tight patterns at very close ranges (inside 20 yards), potentially resulting in a missed shot if the turkey moves unexpectedly. However, this is easily mitigated by knowing your gun’s pattern at different ranges.
The choke meets, and in many cases exceeds, expectations. It delivers on its promise of tighter patterns and improved performance in the turkey woods.
Design & Ergonomics
The build quality is excellent. The materials feel durable and well-machined, and the matte black finish is both functional and aesthetically pleasing. The choke is relatively lightweight and adds minimal bulk to the shotgun.
The EAR Head Hunter Invector Plus 20 Gauge Turkey Matte Black .560 is extremely user-friendly. There is no learning curve. Simply screw it in and head to the range.
Durability & Maintenance
Based on my experience, the EAR Head Hunter Invector Plus 20 Gauge Turkey Matte Black .560 should last for many seasons with proper care. It is made from high-quality materials, and the finish is durable enough to withstand typical hunting conditions.
Maintenance is simple. Cleaning after each use to remove powder residue is recommended to prevent corrosion and ensure consistent performance.
Accessories and Customization Options
The EAR Head Hunter Invector Plus 20 Gauge Turkey Matte Black .560 does not come with any specific accessories. However, its Invector-Plus compatibility means it will work with any shotgun that accepts Invector-Plus chokes.
No customization is offered or necessary for a choke tube. The critical aspect is choosing the correct load for your specific shotgun and choke combination to achieve the optimal pattern.
Pros and Cons of EAR Head Hunter Invector Plus 20 Gauge Turkey Matte Black .560
Pros
- Consistently delivers tight, dense patterns at extended ranges.
- Durable matte black finish reduces glare.
- Compatible with Invector-Plus choke systems for wide shotgun compatibility.
- Improved shot & wad cup separation increases accuracy.
- Reasonably priced at $79.99.
Cons
- Very tight constriction may result in excessively tight patterns at very close ranges.
- No included accessories.
Who Should Buy EAR Head Hunter Invector Plus 20 Gauge Turkey Matte Black .560?
This choke is perfect for turkey hunters who are looking to improve the performance of their 20-gauge shotgun and achieve tighter, more consistent patterns at longer ranges. It’s also ideal for hunters who are using modern turkey loads, such as Winchester Long Beard XR or Federal Premium TSS, which are designed to perform optimally with tight choke constrictions.
Hunters who primarily hunt in very close quarters (inside 20 yards) or who are using older, less advanced turkey loads might want to skip this product. They may find the constriction too tight for their needs.
Must-have accessories would include a choke tube wrench for easy installation and removal, and a bore cleaning kit to keep the choke clean and free of debris. Experimentation with different turkey loads is also crucial to find the optimal combination for your specific shotgun.
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 an excellent choke tube that delivers on its promise of tighter, more consistent patterns for turkey hunting. The improved accuracy and extended range it provides are well worth the investment for serious turkey hunters.
The price of $79.99 is justified by the performance and durability of the product. It offers a significant upgrade over factory chokes and is a worthwhile investment for anyone looking to improve their turkey hunting success.
I would personally recommend the EAR Head Hunter Invector Plus 20 Gauge Turkey Matte Black .560 to any 20-gauge turkey hunter who is looking for a reliable and effective choke tube. If you’re ready to take your turkey hunting to the next level, give it a try and see the difference it can make!