The EAR Head Hunter Retay 12 Gauge Turkey Matte Black .660 Made a Bold First Impression
The EAR Head Hunter Retay 12 Gauge Turkey Matte Black .660 choke tube promises to deliver tighter, more consistent patterns at extended ranges, a claim every turkey hunter wants to believe. I’ve spent years chasing gobblers through dense woods and open fields, and the one constant has been the need for a reliable, predictable shotgun pattern.
My quest for the perfect turkey setup led me to the EAR Head Hunter. I was tired of the frustrating misses and marginal hits that come with inconsistent patterns, especially when those birds hang up just outside comfortable range. This choke tube, with its promise of enhanced shot and wad separation, seemed like a potential solution.
Unboxing the EAR Head Hunter, the matte black finish immediately gives it a serious, no-nonsense look. The construction felt solid, hinting at the durability needed for demanding hunts. Compared to my previous choke tubes, a Remington Super Full and a Carlson’s Long Beard XR choke, the EAR Head Hunter appeared to have a more complex interior design, which I assume is JEBS patented “multi-staged” bore.
My first impression was cautiously optimistic. This choke tube appeared well-made and purpose-built. It was definitely something that I was keen to test out on the range.
Real-World Testing: Putting EAR Head Hunter Retay 12 Gauge Turkey Matte Black .660 to the Test
First Use Experience
My initial test of the EAR Head Hunter Retay 12 Gauge Turkey Matte Black .660 took place at my local shooting range. I mounted the choke on my Retay Gordion 12 gauge and patterned it with various turkey loads: Winchester Long Beard XR, Federal Premium Grand Slam, and Hornady Black.
Conditions were ideal, with a slight breeze and clear skies. The choke screwed in smoothly and securely, inspiring confidence. I immediately noticed a difference in recoil compared to my factory choke. Recoil felt slightly more pronounced, which I attributed to the tighter constriction.
My first three shots, using Winchester Long Beard XR, revealed a significantly denser pattern at 40 yards than I was used to. The pattern was centered and showed fewer flyers compared to my previous choke tube. This was a promising start.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of range sessions and a full turkey season, the EAR Head Hunter has proven to be a reliable performer. The matte black finish shows minimal wear, despite being exposed to brush, rain, and the occasional bump in the woods. Cleaning the choke is straightforward with a standard choke tube brush and solvent.
Compared to my earlier experiences with other aftermarket chokes, the EAR Head Hunter stands out for its consistent pattern density across different loads. It has outperformed my expectations, delivering confidence-inspiring results. It’s a noticeable step up from factory chokes and even some other dedicated turkey chokes I’ve tried.
Breaking Down the Features of EAR Head Hunter Retay 12 Gauge Turkey Matte Black .660
Specifications
Caliber: 12 Gauge.
- This limits the choke tube’s use to only 12-gauge shotguns, excluding 20-gauge or other shotgun calibers.
Compatibility: Retay.
- Ensure your shotgun is a Retay, and the choke threads are compatible.
Constriction: .660.
- This tight constriction is specifically designed for turkey hunting, creating extremely dense patterns at typical turkey hunting ranges.
Finish: Matte Black.
- The non-reflective finish helps to keep it concealed in the field.
Design: JEBS Patented “Multi-Staged” Interior Bore.
- This is the key to the choke’s performance, designed to optimize shot and wad separation for consistent and dense patterns.
Performance & Functionality
The EAR Head Hunter Retay 12 Gauge Turkey Matte Black .660 excels at producing extremely tight and consistent patterns at distances ranging from 20 to 50 yards. This enhanced pattern density directly translates to increased confidence and higher success rates when turkey hunting.
The EAR Head Hunter choke tube delivers on its promise of improved shot and wad separation. The dense patterns observed during testing support this claim, making it a reliable tool for turkey hunters seeking longer-range performance.
The enhanced recoil is a potential drawback, and some shooters may find it uncomfortable, but the benefit of the tighter patterns outweighs this downside in my opinion. The need to use different loads to get the best performance can be seen as a drawback if you just want to stick to one.
Design & Ergonomics
The matte black finish of the EAR Head Hunter Retay 12 Gauge Turkey Matte Black .660 is functional and aesthetically pleasing. The choke tube blends seamlessly with most shotgun barrels, minimizing glare and preventing spooking wary turkeys.
The installation is simple. It screws in easily, providing a secure and reliable fit.
Durability & Maintenance
The EAR Head Hunter Retay 12 Gauge Turkey Matte Black .660 is built to withstand the rigors of turkey hunting. The robust construction and durable finish ensure long-lasting performance, even in harsh environments.
Regular cleaning is essential to maintain optimal performance. Cleaning with a standard choke tube brush and solvent after each use will prevent residue build-up and ensure consistent patterns.
Accessories and Customization Options
The EAR Head Hunter itself doesn’t require any additional accessories. The choke is optimized for use with various turkey loads.
Compatibility with different loads is an important consideration. It’s crucial to pattern your shotgun with different loads to find the optimal combination for your specific firearm and hunting conditions.
Pros and Cons of EAR Head Hunter Retay 12 Gauge Turkey Matte Black .660
Pros
- Extremely tight and consistent patterns. This translates to increased effective range and greater confidence in the field.
- Durable construction ensures long-lasting performance. The matte black finish is resistant to wear and tear.
- Improved shot and wad separation results in denser patterns and fewer flyers.
- Simple installation requires no specialized tools.
- Compatible with Retay shotguns ensures a perfect fit and reliable performance.
Cons
- Increased recoil may be a concern for some shooters.
- Requires patterning with different loads to find the optimal combination.
Who Should Buy EAR Head Hunter Retay 12 Gauge Turkey Matte Black .660?
The EAR Head Hunter Retay 12 Gauge Turkey Matte Black .660 is perfect for serious turkey hunters looking to extend their effective range and improve pattern density. Experienced hunters who demand consistent performance will appreciate the choke’s reliability and accuracy.
Hunters who are recoil-sensitive or prefer not to experiment with different loads may want to explore other options. This choke is designed for those who are willing to fine-tune their setup for maximum performance.
A quality turkey-specific optic, such as a red dot sight or low-power scope, would be a must-have accessory, as well as a comfortable shooting stick or tripod.
Conclusion on EAR Head Hunter Retay 12 Gauge Turkey Matte Black .660
The EAR Head Hunter Retay 12 Gauge Turkey Matte Black .660 is a worthwhile investment for serious turkey hunters. The choke tube delivers on its promises of tighter patterns and increased effective range, significantly improving your odds of success in the turkey woods.
At $89.99, the price is justified by the noticeable improvement in performance and pattern consistency. For a serious turkey hunter, this represents great value.
I would personally recommend the EAR Head Hunter to any Retay shotgun owner looking to maximize their turkey hunting potential. Tighten those patterns, extend your range, and bring home that trophy gobbler!