First Thoughts on the EAR Head Hunter Retay 12 Gauge Turkey Matte Black .655
Turkey hunting. It’s a tradition steeped in patience, skill, and, perhaps most importantly, the right gear. For years, I’ve relied on my trusty (and admittedly, slightly generic) choke tube, but I’ve always wondered if I was leaving performance on the table. When I stumbled upon the EAR Head Hunter Retay 12 Gauge Turkey Matte Black .655, I was intrigued. The promises of extreme patterns and extended range were exactly what I was looking for to take my turkey game to the next level.
My quest for the perfect choke stemmed from a series of frustrating hunts last season. Too many times, I watched toms strut just outside my comfortable range, knowing my shot pattern wouldn’t be dense enough for a clean kill. I needed a solution that would extend my effective range without sacrificing pattern density.
Upon unboxing the EAR Head Hunter Retay 12 Gauge Turkey Matte Black .655, the first thing I noticed was the solid, well-machined feel. The matte black finish is both functional and aesthetically pleasing, reducing glare in the field. Its weight felt appropriate, suggesting quality construction without being overly heavy. Compared to my standard, ported choke tube, the EAR Head Hunter Retay 12 Gauge Turkey Matte Black .655 appears more robust and precisely engineered. While other chokes I’ve seen prioritize fancy designs, this one seems to focus on performance.
I chose this choke over others I considered because of JEBS Chokes‘ patented “multi-staged” interior bore design. This is intended to better separate the shot and wad cup for more precise and dense patterns, which is exactly what I was after. My initial impression was excitement. If this choke performs as advertised, it could be a game-changer for my turkey hunting.
Real-World Testing: Putting EAR Head Hunter Retay 12 Gauge Turkey Matte Black .655 to the Test
First Use Experience
My first test of the EAR Head Hunter Retay 12 Gauge Turkey Matte Black .655 was at my local shooting range. I was eager to see how it patterned with different loads. The weather was clear, with a slight breeze – ideal conditions for sighting in. I set up targets at 20, 30, and 40 yards.
The initial shots were impressive. The patterns were noticeably tighter than with my standard choke, especially at the 30 and 40-yard marks. The choke performed consistently across a range of turkey loads, from Winchester Long Beard XR to Federal Premium Grand Slam. There were no unexpected issues; installation was smooth and straightforward, and the choke tube tightened securely.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of use, including multiple trips to the range and two turkey hunts, the EAR Head Hunter Retay 12 Gauge Turkey Matte Black .655 has held up remarkably well. There are no signs of wear or tear, and the matte black finish still looks pristine. Cleaning is simple; a quick scrub with a bore brush and solvent is all it takes.
Compared to my previous experiences with other choke tubes, the EAR Head Hunter Retay 12 Gauge Turkey Matte Black .655 noticeably outperforms them. The consistent, dense patterns give me confidence when taking longer shots. It’s easy to clean and maintain, a huge plus for any piece of hunting gear.
Breaking Down the Features of EAR Head Hunter Retay 12 Gauge Turkey Matte Black .655
Specifications
The EAR Head Hunter Retay 12 Gauge Turkey Matte Black .655 is specifically designed for 12-gauge Retay shotguns. It is designated as a “Turkey” choke, meaning it’s optimized for tight patterns at typical turkey hunting ranges. The choke has a matte black finish, which helps to minimize glare and reflection in the field. Its choke size is .655 constriction, which is quite tight and creates denser patterns at longer distances.
The .655 constriction is a key element. A tighter constriction generally results in a denser pattern, allowing for a more ethical and effective shot at greater distances. This is particularly beneficial in turkey hunting, where shots can often be longer than in other types of shotgun hunting.
Performance & Functionality
The EAR Head Hunter Retay 12 Gauge Turkey Matte Black .655 performs its job exceptionally well. It consistently delivers dense, even patterns at distances of 20-40 yards. The tight constriction ensures a high pellet count within the vital area of a turkey target.
The choke’s biggest strength is its ability to extend effective range. While I always aim for close shots, knowing I can confidently take a shot at 40 yards if necessary is a huge confidence booster. There are no significant weaknesses. It functions as advertised.
Design & Ergonomics
The EAR Head Hunter Retay 12 Gauge Turkey Matte Black .655 features a robust, well-machined construction. The matte black finish is not only aesthetically pleasing, but also functional, minimizing glare that could spook wary turkeys. Its weight is balanced, adding minimal weight to the end of the barrel.
There is no learning curve. The choke screws in easily using a choke tube wrench. It’s a straightforward and user-friendly design.
Durability & Maintenance
Given its solid construction, the EAR Head Hunter Retay 12 Gauge Turkey Matte Black .655 is built to last. Regular cleaning after use is all that’s required to keep it in top condition. The finish appears durable and resistant to scratching or corrosion.
Maintenance is minimal. A quick scrub with a bore brush and solvent is sufficient. It is easy to keep it clean and ready for the next hunt.
Accessories and Customization Options
The EAR Head Hunter Retay 12 Gauge Turkey Matte Black .655 doesn’t come with any accessories beyond the choke tube itself. Customization options are limited, as it’s a specialized choke designed for a specific purpose. However, it’s compatible with any standard choke tube wrench designed for Retay shotguns.
This choke’s primary function is to tighten the pattern, so there aren’t many logical customization options beyond selecting the appropriate shotgun shell. Its focus is on optimizing existing setups rather than requiring additional accessories.
Pros and Cons of EAR Head Hunter Retay 12 Gauge Turkey Matte Black .655
Pros
- Extremely tight and consistent patterns: Denser patterns result in ethical kills at longer distances.
- High-quality construction: The choke feels durable and well-made, ensuring longevity.
- Easy to install and maintain: Simple to install and clean, saving time and effort.
- Matte black finish: Reduces glare, preventing spooking wary turkeys.
- Noticeably extends effective range: Allows for confident shots at longer distances.
Cons
- Limited to Retay 12-gauge shotguns: Not compatible with other shotgun brands or gauges.
- Very tight pattern may require careful aiming at closer ranges: Could be too tight for extremely close shots.
Who Should Buy EAR Head Hunter Retay 12 Gauge Turkey Matte Black .655?
The EAR Head Hunter Retay 12 Gauge Turkey Matte Black .655 is perfect for turkey hunters who use Retay 12-gauge shotguns and are looking to extend their effective range and improve pattern density. This choke is ideal for those who hunt in areas where longer shots are common or who simply want the confidence of knowing they can make a clean kill at a greater distance.
Hunters who primarily hunt in very dense cover where shots are always close might want to skip this product. The tight pattern could be too restrictive at extremely close ranges. A good choke tube wrench is a must-have accessory for installing and removing the choke.
Conclusion on EAR Head Hunter Retay 12 Gauge Turkey Matte Black .655
The EAR Head Hunter Retay 12 Gauge Turkey Matte Black .655 is an excellent choke tube that delivers on its promise of tight, consistent patterns. Its durable construction, ease of use, and ability to extend effective range make it a valuable addition to any turkey hunter’s arsenal. At $89.99, the price is justified by the improved performance and confidence it provides in the field.
I would wholeheartedly recommend the EAR Head Hunter Retay 12 Gauge Turkey Matte Black .655 to any Retay 12-gauge shotgun owner serious about turkey hunting. Upgrade your shotgun today and experience the difference a quality choke tube can make!