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Do Recoil Pads Really Work?The answer is a resounding yes. But the benefits vary greatly from shooter to shooter.
Recoil pad and manufacturers claim reductions in felt recoil from 40% to 95%. The numbers are all over the place, not because they are misleading but primarily the measurement of felt recoil depends so much on the action of the shotgun, how the shotgun fits and the body of the shooter.
The science of shotgun recoil has become an industry. Some companies enhance your basic rubber pad while others use hydraulic technology that puts the principles of your car’s shock absorbers on the butt of your shotgun stock.
Then there’s the other kind of recoil pads that fit along the comb to cushion your cheek from felt recoil. Mostly, though, when the discussion turns to recoil pads the implication is that you’re talking about the kind that sit between your stock butt and shoulder.
The underlying physics of all recoil pads is that they compress when you shoot, absorbing the felt recoil and reducing the jolt to your shoulder. Instead of a sharp jab you feel a gentle shove.
When it comes to factory replacements, the recoil-pad market offers up either a soft rubber substance or a gel. The primary difference is that the rubber variants compress in a straight line while the gel can spread the recoil because of its different compression characteristics. Can you really feel the difference between the two? You’re the only one who can answer that.
Some pads will easily fit right onto your shotgun. They could be predrilled to fit into the existing holes. Better yet, you could buy a slip-on recoil pad that doesn’t need any tools. But if you want something permanent and less noticeable, you have to go for the rubber or gel pads that mount on the butt of the stock. Taking this route can be more expensive. Unless you manage to find a direct-fit replacement, the rubber pad in particular can be ground down for a perfect fit -- and that typically requires the expertise of a stockfitter.
The same is true of hydraulic recoil systems. This approach couples the traditional rubber pad with hydraulic shock-absorbing cylinders. The cylinders compress -- protecting you from the rearward thrust of the shot. Often, these systems let you adjust the amount of compression for maximum comfort and fit.
Hydraulic recoil pads are longer than the rubber or gel recoil pads -- making a stock cut mandatory in most installations.
Any time you add a recoil pad to the stock, unless it’s a perfect factory fit, you’re going to alter the dimensions of the stock --and in turn change the fit.
The same is true of cheek pads. They slip over the comb of the stock to cushion your cheek against recoil. The downside is that the cheek pad raises your cheek on the stock -- throwing off the line of sight between your eye and the beads. In effect, cheek pads made your stock higher.
They can be helpful if in fact you need a higher comb and don’t have a stock with a cut, adjustable comb. Use it for recoil, though,and you'll need to consider the implications of using one.
Fortunately, cheek pads are relatively inexpensive. Developments in adhesive also make it possible for you to apply and remove it without any damage to the wood on your stock -- think peel-and-stick.
Just remember, any changes you make to the stock of your shotgun will definitely impact your score. Be prudent in your choice, because some of them may be irreversible.
