The EAR Head Hunter Rem Choke 12 Gauge Turkey Matte Black .660 Made a Bold First Impression
Turkey hunting. It’s a passion that grips you, demands precision, and rewards patience. It’s why I’ve dedicated years to refining my setup, always searching for that edge to put more gobblers on the ground. My quest for tighter patterns led me to the EAR Head Hunter Rem Choke 12 Gauge Turkey Matte Black .660, and its promise of extreme range and dense patterns immediately piqued my interest.
Years of dealing with inconsistent patterns from factory chokes had me pulling my hair out. I was searching for a choke that could consistently deliver tight groupings at longer distances, ensuring a clean, ethical kill. The EAR Head Hunter Rem Choke 12 Gauge Turkey Matte Black .660 from EAR arrived in a no-frills package, but the matte black finish and solid construction gave an immediate impression of quality. It felt substantial in hand, suggesting robust build quality.
Compared to my old factory choke tubes and a couple of aftermarket extended chokes from other brands, the EAR Head Hunter stood out. The others felt almost flimsy in comparison. I chose the EAR Head Hunter primarily for its advertised multi-staged bore design. It promised better shot and wad separation, a concept I hoped would translate to tighter patterns. I was cautiously optimistic, hoping it would live up to the hype and solve my patterning frustrations.
My initial impression was one of anticipation mixed with a healthy dose of skepticism. I’ve been burned before by products promising the moon and delivering only stardust. Still, the EAR Head Hunter Rem Choke 12 Gauge Turkey Matte Black .660 felt different. Its heft and the visible attention to detail in its construction suggested this might be the real deal.
Real-World Testing: Putting EAR Head Hunter Rem Choke 12 Gauge Turkey Matte Black .660 to the Test
First Use Experience
My first test took place at my local gun range. I brought a variety of turkey loads – both lead and copper-plated – along with a target board for patterning at 30 and 40 yards. The weather was typical for early spring: a bit damp and with a slight breeze. Installing the EAR Head Hunter Rem Choke 12 Gauge Turkey Matte Black .660 was straightforward. It screwed in easily and securely to my Remington 870.
The choke performed remarkably well under these conditions. My initial patterns at 30 yards were significantly tighter than with my previous choke. There were no noticeable gaps and a much denser concentration of pellets in the vital zone of a turkey target. I did experience a slight increase in felt recoil. It was a worthwhile trade-off for the enhanced pattern density.
The initial use provided a very positive experience. The choke exceeded my expectations regarding pattern density at typical hunting ranges. I observed consistent results with different types of ammunition. This suggested it wasn’t overly sensitive to specific load characteristics.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of use during pre-season scouting and patterning sessions, the EAR Head Hunter Rem Choke 12 Gauge Turkey Matte Black .660 has held up admirably. There are no visible signs of wear and tear. The matte black finish still looks new despite regular cleaning and handling.
Durability has been excellent so far. I’ve put several boxes of shells through it without any loosening, cracking, or other issues. Cleaning is simple. A quick scrub with a bore brush and solvent removes any residue.
Compared to my previous extended choke tubes, the EAR Head Hunter offers significantly better pattern consistency and range. The EAR Head Hunter has instilled confidence in my setup that I never had before. It consistently delivers where other chokes have failed.
Breaking Down the Features of EAR Head Hunter Rem Choke 12 Gauge Turkey Matte Black .660
Specifications
- Caliber: 12 Gauge, specifically for Remington (Rem) threaded barrels. This ensures compatibility with a wide range of popular shotguns.
- Constriction: .660 inches. This is a tight constriction designed for maximum pattern density at extended ranges.
- Material: High-quality steel with a matte black finish. This provides excellent durability and corrosion resistance.
- Design: JEBS patented “multi-staged” interior bore design. This design is engineered to optimize shot and wad separation, leading to tighter and more consistent patterns.
These specifications are critical because they directly impact the choke’s performance in the field. The tight .660 constriction is specifically tailored for turkey hunting, ensuring maximum pellet density in the vital zone. The multi-staged bore design is the key to the choke’s effectiveness, separating it from simpler designs.
Performance & Functionality
The EAR Head Hunter Rem Choke 12 Gauge Turkey Matte Black .660 performs its primary function—delivering dense, consistent patterns at extended ranges—exceptionally well. Accuracy is significantly improved compared to a standard choke. This is enabling ethical shots at distances that were previously out of reach.
Its strength lies in its ability to consistently produce tight groupings with various loads. The only weakness I’ve observed is a slight increase in felt recoil. It’s a manageable trade-off for the enhanced performance. It definitely exceeded my expectations, providing a noticeable improvement in pattern density and range.
Design & Ergonomics
The build quality is excellent. The materials used feel robust and durable. The matte black finish offers both aesthetic appeal and practical corrosion resistance.
It is user-friendly, with a simple screw-in design that requires no specialized tools for installation. There’s virtually no learning curve. Any shotgun owner familiar with changing chokes can install it in seconds.
Durability & Maintenance
Given its robust construction and high-quality materials, the EAR Head Hunter Rem Choke 12 Gauge Turkey Matte Black .660 should last for many seasons with proper care. I anticipate it will outlast many of the shotguns it’s installed in.
Maintenance is straightforward. Regular cleaning with a bore brush and solvent is all that’s needed to keep it in optimal condition. No special tools or procedures are required.
Accessories and Customization Options
The choke itself doesn’t come with any additional accessories. Since it’s a choke tube, there are no direct customization options like grips or optics.
However, the EAR Head Hunter Rem Choke 12 Gauge Turkey Matte Black .660 is compatible with any Remington 12-gauge shotgun designed to accept Rem Chokes. This allows users to experiment with various ammunition types to find the optimal load for their specific shotgun and hunting conditions.
Pros and Cons of EAR Head Hunter Rem Choke 12 Gauge Turkey Matte Black .660
Pros
- Exceptional Pattern Density: Delivers incredibly tight and consistent patterns at extended ranges, increasing the effective range of your shotgun.
- Multi-Staged Bore Design: JEBS patented design effectively separates shot and wad, resulting in superior pattern performance.
- Durable Construction: Made from high-quality steel with a matte black finish, ensuring long-lasting performance and corrosion resistance.
- Easy Installation: Simple screw-in design allows for quick and easy installation without specialized tools.
- Versatile Ammunition Compatibility: Performs well with a variety of turkey loads, allowing you to fine-tune your setup for optimal results.
Cons
- Slight Increase in Recoil: Tighter constriction may result in a slightly noticeable increase in felt recoil.
- Specialized Use: Primarily designed for turkey hunting and may not be optimal for other shotgun applications.
Who Should Buy EAR Head Hunter Rem Choke 12 Gauge Turkey Matte Black .660?
This choke is perfect for serious turkey hunters who demand the best possible performance from their shotgun. It is also great for hunters who want to extend their effective range and ensure ethical shots. This is a great choice for seasoned veterans or those new to the sport who are seeking an edge.
Hunters primarily using their shotguns for other applications (e.g., waterfowl, upland birds) might want to consider a more versatile choke option. It is also not for those overly sensitive to recoil as the tighter constriction will cause higher levels of it.
A quality set of ear protection is a must-have accessory for use with this choke due to the increased report. A reliable rangefinder can also be beneficial for accurately judging distances and ensuring ethical shots at extended ranges.
Conclusion on EAR Head Hunter Rem Choke 12 Gauge Turkey Matte Black .660
The EAR Head Hunter Rem Choke 12 Gauge Turkey Matte Black .660 is, in my opinion, a game-changer for turkey hunters seeking maximum performance from their shotguns. The promised range and density are delivered. The quality in manufacturing can be seen and felt.
The price of $89.99 is justified given the significant improvement in pattern density and effective range. It’s an investment that can pay off handsomely in the turkey woods.
I would wholeheartedly recommend this choke to any serious turkey hunter looking to elevate their setup. If you’re tired of inconsistent patterns and want to extend your effective range, the EAR Head Hunter Rem Choke 12 Gauge Turkey Matte Black .660 is well worth the investment. Upgrade your shotgun, head to the range, pattern your gun, and get ready to put more gobblers on the ground this season!