EAR Head Hunter Rem Choke 12 Gauge Turkey Matte Black .650 Review

The EAR Head Hunter Rem Choke 12 Gauge Turkey Matte Black .650 Made a Bold First Impression

As a seasoned outdoor and tactical gear specialist with over a decade of experience, I’ve seen countless shotgun chokes promising tighter patterns and longer ranges. The EAR Head Hunter Rem Choke 12 Gauge Turkey Matte Black .650 immediately stood out, not just for its aggressive name, but for the promise of JEBS‘ patented “multi-staged” interior bore design. This choke claimed to deliver extreme patterns at extended ranges, a crucial factor for successful turkey hunting.

My pursuit of the perfect turkey choke stemmed from years of frustrating hunts where birds were missed or wounded due to inconsistent shot patterns. I needed a choke that could reliably put a dense pattern on a turkey’s head and neck at distances beyond 40 yards. Unboxing the EAR Head Hunter Rem Choke 12 Gauge Turkey Matte Black .650, I was immediately impressed by its solid construction and sleek matte black finish. It felt robust and well-made, inspiring confidence.

Compared to my previous chokes, a Carlson’s Long Beard XR choke and a Briley X2, the EAR Head Hunter felt more substantial, with a more complex interior geometry visible at a glance. I picked this choke hoping for a significant improvement in pattern density and consistency over my existing options. Initial impressions were positive; the choke looked and felt like a premium product, and I was eager to see if it would live up to the hype in the field.

Real-World Testing: Putting EAR Head Hunter Rem Choke 12 Gauge Turkey Matte Black .650 to the Test

First Use Experience

My first experience with the EAR Head Hunter Rem Choke 12 Gauge Turkey Matte Black .650 was on a crisp spring morning in the Missouri Ozarks during turkey season. I tested it with a Remington 870 shotgun, using a variety of turkey loads, including Winchester Long Beard XR, Federal Premium Grand Slam, and Hevi-Shot Magnum Blend. The weather was cool and slightly damp, typical for that time of year.

The choke performed admirably, producing exceptionally tight and dense patterns at 40 yards with the Winchester Long Beard XR. The Federal Premium Grand Slam also patterned well, but slightly wider. There were no malfunctions, and the choke installed and removed easily using a standard choke tube wrench.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks of use during turkey season, the EAR Head Hunter Rem Choke 12 Gauge Turkey Matte Black .650 continued to perform consistently. I subjected it to various weather conditions, including rain and mud, and it showed no signs of rust or corrosion. The matte black finish proved durable, resisting scratches and wear from regular handling in the field.

Maintenance was simple: I cleaned the choke after each hunt with a standard shotgun cleaning kit, and it remained in excellent condition. Compared to my previous chokes, the EAR Head Hunter consistently delivered tighter and more reliable patterns at longer ranges, giving me greater confidence in my shots. It outperformed my expectations, especially with the Winchester Long Beard XR ammunition.

Breaking Down the Features of EAR Head Hunter Rem Choke 12 Gauge Turkey Matte Black .650

Specifications

• The EAR Head Hunter Rem Choke 12 Gauge Turkey Matte Black .650 is specifically designed for 12-gauge shotguns with Remington Rem Choke threads. Its constriction is .650 inches, which is an extra-full choke designed to produce extremely tight patterns at extended ranges.

• The choke tube is constructed from high-quality steel, and features a matte black finish for corrosion resistance and reduced glare. This construction is essential for durability in harsh hunting conditions.

Performance & Functionality

• The EAR Head Hunter Rem Choke 12 Gauge Turkey Matte Black .650 excels at delivering dense and consistent patterns at distances of 40 yards and beyond. Its performance is significantly enhanced when paired with quality turkey loads like Winchester Long Beard XR.

• One minor weakness is that the extremely tight pattern may be too restrictive for closer shots (inside 20 yards), potentially leading to missed birds. The choke meets and often exceeds expectations for long-range turkey hunting.

Design & Ergonomics

• The EAR Head Hunter boasts a robust and well-machined design, instilling confidence in its durability. The matte black finish is functional, minimizing glare and preventing spooking wary birds.

• The choke tube is easy to install and remove with a standard choke wrench, making it user-friendly even in the field. There’s no learning curve, it performs as expected straight from the box.

Durability & Maintenance

• The EAR Head Hunter Rem Choke 12 Gauge Turkey Matte Black .650 is built to last, with a steel construction that resists wear and tear. The matte black finish provides excellent corrosion resistance, ensuring years of reliable performance.

• Cleaning and maintenance are straightforward, requiring only standard shotgun cleaning tools and solvents. With regular care, the choke will maintain its performance and appearance for many seasons.

Accessories and Customization Options

• The EAR Head Hunter Rem Choke 12 Gauge Turkey Matte Black .650 does not come with any additional accessories beyond the choke tube itself. There are no specific customization options offered directly by the manufacturer.

• It is compatible with any standard Remington Rem Choke wrench. Other brand accessories such as different choke tube cases and cleaners can also be used.

Pros and Cons of EAR Head Hunter Rem Choke 12 Gauge Turkey Matte Black .650