Recoil Pads on 12 gauge

[brandonlee333]

Wondering if you double up on recoil pads if it would give more reduction to felt recoil compared to just one adjustment. So you would switch out the recoil pad on the stock for a nice custom one and then put on a nice slip on one as well. Would that make a difference or should I not even bother and just do one or the other? Thank you to anyone who replies for your time.

 

[Rpg]

Multiple pads would require shortening the stock to maintain a reasonable length of pull. The added length would make the gun hard to shoot well. Recoil pads are a cheap way to lengthen a stock .

I don’t have recoil pads on any of the 12 ga guns I shoot regularly and can’t imagine why I’d want one, let alone two.

 

[Scharfschuetzer]

Between hunting and target shooting (Skeet, Trap and 5 Stand) I shoot well over 5,000 rounds of 12 and 20 gauge a year. To be honest, I'm not a huge fan of recoil pads. If you pull the shotgun into your shoulder firmly, that will mitigate issues with recoil pretty well.

If you really do want a recoil pad, try the "Kick eez" recoil pads. They are very popular at the air base gun club where I shoot a lot. I do have one on a Model 12 trap gun (return a shortened stock to the normal LOP) and they are nice and soft compared to other brands.

Here is a link: MidwayUSA

As RPG mentions above, too much padding on the stock, if the stock is not shortened to compensate, will make for too long a length of pull (LOP) and cause you more misses and discomfort than you really want.

Shotgun accuracy is all about the stock's fit. The standard LOP is about 13 1/4 to 13 and 1/2 inches. If you are of normal stature, much less or more can really disrupt your shooting so add on pads can often extend the LOP out to far, unless of course you're a very large person.

 

[ISCS Yoda]

I like Decelerator recoil pads on my shotguns.

 

[S-W4EVER]

... I don’t have recoil pads on any of the 12 ga guns I shoot regularly and can’t imagine why I’d want one, let alone two.

The first Riot Gun I was issued, a Winchester Model 12 didn’t come with a recoil pad. While it never really bothered me, my wife could always tell when I’d been at the range by the bruise on my right shoulder. I really appreciated the recoil pad on the Remington 870P they replaced it with.

 

[kenjen]

Limbsaver also make a very nice recoil pad in a couple different styles, slip on, made to fit and grindable.

 

[yeti]

Make sure the length of pull and stock pitch are what you prefer before installing the pad/cutting the stock.

One quality recoil pad, installed.

 

[OLDSTER]

I have a long "length of pull" . So years ago, I simply added a recoil pad to my 1100 Tournament Grade Skeet. That would be the best scenario instead of cutting a nice buttstock to accomodate a pad. To the OPs question, now days there are several options available for recoil pads so finding one that reduces felt recoil without changing the "length of pull" would be best.

 

[Hair Trigger]

I have recoil pads on all three of my 12 gauge guns, I guess I'm a wuss. I like a longer length of pull than my arm length suggests, mainly because I find it difficult to get my head into a good sight picture position with a shorter one.

My Mossberg 500 has a Pachmayr recoil pad, my Fox B double has a Kick-Eze, both are replacements for the screw-on butt plates. My CZ double has a leather slip-on type; I couldn't find a suitable screw-on because of the curvature of the stock at the butt plate. They all work well for me.

Sorry for upside down picture, it's not like that on my drive.

 

[M29since14]

I think nix on the two pads idea. I don’t think you would be happy with how the gun handled, even if you could arrange for the correct length of pull. Slip on pads can be a little “wiggly” and feel distracting when you shoulder the gun. As a general rule, I’m not impressed with them, though I have seen some types that looked reasonably solid when installed. Remember, with any long arm that kicks a bit, it is imperative that it is pulled firmly into your shoulder.

I suggest you install a 3/4”-1” pad of your choice, either Kick Eez or Decelerator. Both are good. I dislike extraordinarily soft pads like the Limbsaver. I think they give the shotgun a chance to “get a run at you.”

If recoil still bothers you, you might consider trading your shotgun on a gas-operated autoloader. Anything from an older Remington 1100 to a new Beretta A400 will make a considerable difference in felt recoil. Porting is popular in target shotguns, but I doubt it has any considerable effect on felt recoil.

 

[Nevada Ed]

Most adults do not feel the need in a Trap gun with the light loads being shoot with just 250 rounds.

Childen or small framed people might need the recoil reduced with a 12 Ga.
but as mentioned the stock needs to fit them when done.

If you don't mind the snickers and chuckles behind your back, two recoil pads, will work.

 

[Drm50]

If recoil bothers you that much you might want to try one of the recoil reducers that goes in stock bolt hole under butt plate.

 

[AJ]

Double Recoil Pads????? This I gotta see!! Post pictures when you do it.

 

[Drm50]

Recoil sensitive people could get themselves a Caldwell Lead Sled. It is a little restrictive for wing shooting or clays.

 

[Eric300]

How about just trying a shooting vest that has a padded shoulder instead of messing with the shotgun?

 

[GSP Fan]

I have a couple of 12's that came with a recoil pad. A Fox CE 32 in trap gun and a Parker BHE live bird gun. I like a long LOP almost 15". To get this on these guns I use a Galco slip on pad which gains me an inch. The slip on pad has no adverse effect on gun fit. I use the slip on pad mostly to get the longer LOP vs recoil. I shoot 2 1/2 inch shells with either 7/8ths or 3/4 oz of shot and the clay targets break just as well.

 

[toddimusnimski]

How about just trying a shooting vest that has a padded shoulder instead of messing with the shotgun?

That's a great option. Also Past, Caldwell, Limbsaver etc make these attachable pads that seem popular with some.

 

[Velle]

All of my recoil pads are hard plastic or steel.

 

[H Richard]

A"properly" fit shotgun negates a majority of the felt recoil. Fitting a shotgun is not always an easy job, and there are times only an expert can get it done.

 

[M E Morrison]

Multiple pads would require shortening the stock to maintain a reasonable length of pull. The added length would make the gun hard to shoot well. Recoil pads are a cheap way to lengthen a stock .

I don’t have recoil pads on any of the 12 ga guns I shoot regularly and can’t imagine why I’d want one, let alone two.

Speaking for myself, advancing arthritis makes recoil pads mandatory.