The EAR Head Hunter Rem Choke 12 Gauge Turkey Black Nitride .650 Made a Bold First Impression
The EAR Head Hunter Rem Choke 12 Gauge Turkey Black Nitride .650 promises to be a game-changer in the turkey woods, and I couldn’t wait to get my hands on it. As a seasoned hunter, I’ve chased gobblers across varied terrains, and a reliable choke is paramount to success. The Head Hunter’s design, promising tighter patterns at extended ranges thanks to JEBS‘ patented multi-staged bore, immediately piqued my interest.
For years, I struggled with inconsistent patterns from my Remington 870’s factory choke. I needed a choke that could deliver a consistent, dense pattern at 40+ yards, giving me the confidence to take those longer shots when necessary. I’ve tried various extended chokes, some with baffling ports and others with simple constrictions, but none delivered the consistent performance I craved.
Upon unboxing, the EAR Head Hunter Rem Choke exuded quality. The black nitride finish was sleek and felt incredibly durable, suggesting it could withstand the rigors of the hunt. The weight felt balanced, and the .650 constriction was clearly marked, offering immediate reassurance of its purpose.
Compared to my previous choke, a Carlson’s Long Beard XR, the EAR Head Hunter appeared more robust and its internal design, though unseen, felt more advanced based on the marketing materials. I also considered a Briley X2, known for its precision machining, but the Head Hunter’s focus on turkey patterns specifically and its price point swayed me. My first impression was one of cautious optimism; this choke looked the part, but the real test would be in the field.
Real-World Testing: Putting **EAR Head Hunter Rem Choke 12 Gauge Turkey Black Nitride .650** to the Test
First Use Experience
My initial test took place at my local shooting range, using a variety of 12-gauge turkey loads. I set up targets at 20, 30, and 40 yards to assess the pattern density and consistency. The weather was clear and calm, providing ideal conditions for testing.
Right away, I noticed a significant improvement in pattern tightness compared to my old choke. At 40 yards, the EAR Head Hunter delivered a noticeably denser pattern, with a higher percentage of pellets within a 10-inch circle. The choke was easy to install, screwing in smoothly with no need for excessive force.
There were no immediate issues, but I did notice a slight increase in felt recoil, likely due to the tighter constriction.
<h3>Extended Use & Reliability</h3>After several weeks of use, including three turkey hunts in varying weather conditions, the EAR Head Hunter Rem Choke continued to impress. It endured rain, mud, and the occasional bump against trees with no visible signs of wear and tear. I cleaned the choke after each use with a standard bore solvent and brush, and it remained free of rust or corrosion.
The black nitride finish proved remarkably durable, resisting scratches and maintaining its sleek appearance. Compared to my previous choke, which showed signs of wear after a single season, the Head Hunter seems built to last. The EAR Head Hunter consistently delivered tight patterns, giving me the confidence to take ethical shots at longer ranges than I previously would have considered.
Breaking Down the Features of **EAR Head Hunter Rem Choke 12 Gauge Turkey Black Nitride .650**
Specifications
The EAR Head Hunter Rem Choke 12 Gauge Turkey Black Nitride .650 is designed specifically for Remington 12-gauge shotguns. It features a .650″ constriction, optimized for tight turkey patterns. The choke is constructed from high-quality steel with a black nitride finish, ensuring durability and corrosion resistance.
The multi-staged interior bore design, a patented feature by JEBS, is intended to improve shot and wad separation. This design purportedly leads to denser and more consistent patterns. The extended design of the choke facilitates easier installation and removal.
<h3>Performance & Functionality</h3>The EAR Head Hunter Rem Choke excels at delivering tight, dense patterns at extended ranges. Its performance consistently exceeded my expectations, providing ethical kill shots on turkeys at distances beyond 40 yards. While recoil is slightly increased due to the tight constriction, the trade-off in pattern density is well worth it.
The only minor weakness is the slightly increased recoil. However, this can be mitigated by using lower-recoil turkey loads. The EAR Head Hunter Rem Choke meets and exceeds expectations for its intended purpose: maximizing pattern density for turkey hunting.
<h3>Design & Ergonomics</h3>The EAR Head Hunter Rem Choke’s build quality is exceptional. The materials feel premium, and the choke is neither too heavy nor too light, contributing to a balanced feel on the shotgun. The extended design makes it easy to install and remove, even with gloved hands.
The choke is user-friendly, requiring no specialized tools or knowledge for installation. There is no learning curve; simply screw it in and start shooting.
<h3>Durability & Maintenance</h3>The black nitride finish on the EAR Head Hunter Rem Choke provides excellent corrosion resistance and protects against wear and tear. With proper cleaning and maintenance, this choke should last for many seasons of hard use. Maintenance is straightforward, requiring only standard bore solvent and a brush.
The choke is easy to clean and does not require any specialized maintenance procedures.
<h3>Accessories and Customization Options</h3>The EAR Head Hunter Rem Choke does not come with any included accessories, but its compatibility with standard Remington 12-gauge shotguns allows for a wide range of customization options. Owners can pair it with various aftermarket sights and optics to further enhance accuracy.
The choke is compatible with any Remington 12-gauge shotgun that accepts screw-in chokes. There are no specific customization options beyond those available for the shotgun itself.
Pros and Cons of **EAR Head Hunter Rem Choke 12 Gauge Turkey Black Nitride .650**
Pros
- Delivers exceptionally tight and dense patterns at extended ranges.
- The black nitride finish provides excellent durability and corrosion resistance.
- Easy to install and remove due to its extended design.
- Noticeable improvement in pattern density compared to factory chokes.
- Solid construction and high-quality materials ensure longevity.
Cons
- Recoil is slightly increased compared to less restrictive chokes.
- Limited to Remington 12-gauge shotguns.
Who Should Buy **EAR Head Hunter Rem Choke 12 Gauge Turkey Black Nitride .650**?
The EAR Head Hunter Rem Choke 12 Gauge Turkey Black Nitride .650 is perfect for serious turkey hunters who demand maximum pattern density and extended range. It’s ideal for those who hunt in areas where longer shots are often necessary. Anyone wanting a reliable and durable choke that significantly improves their shotgun’s performance will benefit.
This product is not suitable for hunters who primarily hunt at close range (under 20 yards) or those who are recoil-sensitive. It’s also not the right choice for those who own shotguns other than Remington 12-gauge models. A quality red dot sight can be helpful to ensure precise aiming.
Conclusion on **EAR Head Hunter Rem Choke 12 Gauge Turkey Black Nitride .650**
The EAR Head Hunter Rem Choke 12 Gauge Turkey Black Nitride .650 lives up to its promise of delivering exceptionally tight and dense patterns for turkey hunting. Its durable construction, easy installation, and significant improvement in pattern density make it a worthwhile investment.
The price of $89.99 is justified by the performance and quality of the choke. I would definitely recommend it to any serious turkey hunter looking to maximize their shotgun’s potential. Upgrade your Remington 12-gauge today and experience the difference the EAR Head Hunter can make!
