The EAR Head Hunter Rem Choke 20 Gauge Turkey Matte Black .555 Made a Bold First Impression
As a seasoned outdoor and tactical gear specialist, I’ve spent countless hours fine-tuning shotguns for optimal performance in the field. When the EAR Head Hunter Rem Choke 20 Gauge Turkey Matte Black .555 crossed my path, I was immediately intrigued. Could this choke tube truly deliver the “extreme patterns down range at further distances” it promised?
My goal was simple: to tighten my 20-gauge’s pattern for ethical and effective turkey hunting at longer ranges. I was tired of seeing birds just outside my effective range, knowing a tighter pattern could make the difference. I ordered the EAR Head Hunter Rem Choke 20 Gauge Turkey Matte Black .555 hoping it would bridge that gap.
Upon unboxing, the matte black finish of the choke exuded a no-nonsense, tactical aesthetic. The choke felt solid and well-machined; it instilled confidence, promising durability and a precise fit. Compared to some of the more generic, ported chokes I’ve used in the past, the EAR Head Hunter felt like a purpose-built tool.
I chose the EAR Head Hunter over other, similarly priced chokes from Carlson’s and Trulock due to its unique, patented “multi-staged” interior bore design. I was drawn to the idea that this design could offer superior shot and wad separation, leading to denser and more consistent patterns. My first impression was definitely one of excitement. This choke looked and felt like it was built to perform, and I couldn’t wait to put it to the test.
Real-World Testing: Putting EAR Head Hunter Rem Choke 20 Gauge Turkey Matte Black .555 to the Test
First Use Experience
My first test of the EAR Head Hunter Rem Choke 20 Gauge Turkey Matte Black .555 took place at my local shooting range, on a crisp autumn morning. The air was still, providing ideal conditions for pattern testing. I set up targets at 20, 30, and 40 yards, using a variety of 20-gauge turkey loads.
The EAR Head Hunter showed promise right away. At 20 yards, the pattern was incredibly tight, almost too tight, showing that the choke was indeed performing as intended. At 30 yards, the pattern opened up slightly, providing a dense and even spread with excellent pellet distribution.
There were no immediate issues, though the extreme tightness at close range suggested it might not be ideal for very close-quarters shots. Recoil felt marginally increased, which is typical of tighter chokes. This first experience certainly piqued my interest and warranted further testing in actual hunting scenarios.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of testing and use during the fall turkey season, the EAR Head Hunter Rem Choke 20 Gauge Turkey Matte Black .555 has proven its reliability. The matte black finish has held up well, showing only minor wear despite regular cleaning and use in dense cover. Cleaning the choke after each range session proved easy; a quick scrub with a bore brush and solvent was all it needed.
The EAR Head Hunter has consistently delivered tight, dense patterns at extended ranges. This choke has outperformed previous chokes I’ve used by giving me more confidence in shots out to 40 yards. The results give me the confidence to take shots that I would have previously passed up, knowing I have the pattern density to make a clean, ethical kill.
Breaking Down the Features of EAR Head Hunter Rem Choke 20 Gauge Turkey Matte Black .555
Specifications
- The EAR Head Hunter Rem Choke 20 Gauge Turkey Matte Black .555 is specifically designed for 20-gauge shotguns with Remington-style choke threads. Its .555 constriction is optimized for tight turkey patterns at extended ranges.
- The choke features JEBS patented “multi-staged” interior bore designs. This design promotes better shot and wad separation for denser patterns.
- The EAR Head Hunter boasts a durable matte black finish. This finish helps protect against corrosion and reduces glare, important for hunting situations.
These specifications are critical for turkey hunting, where a tight, consistent pattern is paramount for ethical kills. The .555 constriction is a sweet spot for many 20-gauge loads, delivering excellent pellet density at typical hunting distances. The multi-staged bore design enhances pattern consistency.
Performance & Functionality
The EAR Head Hunter Rem Choke 20 Gauge Turkey Matte Black .555 excels at its primary function: delivering extremely tight and dense patterns for turkey hunting. Its accuracy at 30-40 yards is impressive, providing a significant advantage for hunters who need to reach out to wary birds. However, the extreme tightness at closer ranges could be a disadvantage in certain situations, potentially leading to misses if the bird is too close.
The choke’s strength lies in its ability to extend the effective range of a 20-gauge for turkey hunting. It meets and even exceeds expectations in terms of pattern density and consistency at longer distances. A slight weakness could be the increased recoil compared to more open chokes, which could be a factor for smaller-framed shooters.
Design & Ergonomics
The EAR Head Hunter features a simple, functional design. The matte black finish is both aesthetically pleasing and practical, reducing glare in the field. The choke is easy to install and remove using a standard choke wrench.
The build quality is excellent. The choke feels robust and well-machined, suggesting it can withstand the rigors of hunting. The choke threads smoothly into the barrel and the exterior finish is even and durable.
Durability & Maintenance
Based on my testing, the EAR Head Hunter Rem Choke 20 Gauge Turkey Matte Black .555 should last for many seasons with proper care. The durable matte black finish resists scratches and corrosion effectively. Regular cleaning with a bore brush and solvent will help maintain its performance and extend its lifespan.
The choke’s simple design means there are no small parts to break or wear out. The choke is relatively easy to maintain and repair, requiring only basic cleaning tools.
Accessories and Customization Options
The EAR Head Hunter Rem Choke 20 Gauge Turkey Matte Black .555 doesn’t come with any specific accessories, as it’s a standalone choke tube. Customization options are limited, primarily revolving around the choice of shotshell. The performance of the choke is highly dependent on the load used.
The EAR Head Hunter is compatible with any 20-gauge shotgun that utilizes Remington-style choke threads. It is also compatible with most standard choke wrenches designed for this thread pattern. Aftermarket choke cases can be used to store and protect the choke when not in use.
Pros and Cons of EAR Head Hunter Rem Choke 20 Gauge Turkey Matte Black .555
Pros
- Delivers exceptionally tight and dense patterns at extended ranges, increasing effective shooting distance.
- JEBS patented “multi-staged” interior bore designs provide superior shot and wad separation, enhancing pattern consistency.
- Durable matte black finish offers excellent corrosion resistance and reduces glare.
- Easy to install and clean, simplifying maintenance.
- Noticeably improves pattern density compared to factory chokes, leading to more ethical kills.
Cons
- Patterns can be too tight at very close ranges (inside 20 yards), potentially causing misses.
- Recoil may be slightly increased compared to more open chokes.
Who Should Buy EAR Head Hunter Rem Choke 20 Gauge Turkey Matte Black .555?
The EAR Head Hunter Rem Choke 20 Gauge Turkey Matte Black .555 is perfect for turkey hunters who primarily hunt in areas where longer shots are common. This choke is also ideal for those seeking to maximize the effective range of their 20-gauge shotgun for turkey hunting. This choke is great for hunters looking for a simple, reliable, and high-performing choke tube that will tighten their patterns and improve their success rate.
This choke might not be the best choice for hunters who typically hunt in dense, close-cover environments where shots are always at close range. Also, smaller-framed shooters sensitive to recoil might want to consider a ported choke or adjust their shotshell selection to mitigate the increased recoil.
A good quality choke wrench is a must-have accessory for easy installation and removal. Experimenting with different turkey loads is crucial to finding the optimal combination for this choke and your specific shotgun. Consider a protective choke case to keep it safe and clean when not in use.
Conclusion on EAR Head Hunter Rem Choke 20 Gauge Turkey Matte Black .555
The EAR Head Hunter Rem Choke 20 Gauge Turkey Matte Black .555 is a specialized tool that excels at what it’s designed to do: deliver incredibly tight and dense patterns for turkey hunting at longer ranges. The choke’s performance and reliability make it a worthwhile investment for serious turkey hunters. At $79.99, the price is justified, considering the performance gains it offers over factory chokes.
I would personally recommend the EAR Head Hunter to any turkey hunter looking to extend the effective range of their 20-gauge shotgun. It’s a well-built, high-performing choke that will undoubtedly increase your confidence and success in the field. So, if you’re ready to take your turkey hunting to the next level, give the EAR Head Hunter Rem Choke 20 Gauge Turkey Matte Black .555 a try. You might just be surprised at the results!