|
|
Post by ballistic on Mar 23, 2023 9:34:57 GMT -5
I thought I’d throw this out for discussion as it’s recently come up with questions on stocks.
What’s everyone using and how or does the recoil pad affect your accuracy.
#1 - Do you shoot more accurately on target at 100 yards with a really soft/medium or hard recoil pad ?
#2 -Recoil Management. This is a little different as it deals with after the shot. Does your recoil pad of choice keep you on target after the shot ? Or does your gun jump up and to the left or right after firing - but still hits the target well ?
I’m going to tell you what works best for me and why.
I like a medium to stiff recoil pad. Super soft recoil pads (during recoil) have a tendency to take the path of least resistance. This results in an inconsistent walking motion in the pocket of my shoulder. Accuracy is great - but after recoil a lighter weight rifle will be pointing to the left or right of the target. So I’m talking about recoil management which is after the shot. I like the rifle to be pointing at the target after the shot. As a past steel competitor it was paramount to see where your shot had hit or missed the target. The same is true as a hunter -especially as the shot distance increases. The stiffer pad has its downsides. Long strings of fire create discomfort -and that starts to affect accuracy.
So what’s everyone’s thoughts on the above 2 and what do you prefer ?
|
|
|
|
Post by encore50a on Mar 23, 2023 10:15:25 GMT -5
I had a Limbsaver put on my McMillan when I ordered it, which I guess would be considered soft?
However, besides the recoil pad, I also use a PAST shoulder recoil pad. Never really paid that much attention to the muzzle at the shot, only the POI. I don't have a rifle with a hard recoil pad on it to compare.
|
|
|
|
Post by flattopusa on Mar 23, 2023 10:21:00 GMT -5
I like the Decelerator recoil pad for heavy recoiling rifles. They are a medium hard pad and comfortable to shoot. Accuracy is good off the bench and off hand and recovery is ok. For my small bores, 22's, or strictly bench guns I use no pad at all...just a butt plate.
Some folks are "recoil sensitive" (I am not) so I am sure they would choose comfort over other considerations.
|
|
|
|
Post by jeepeater on Mar 23, 2023 15:43:56 GMT -5
Most of my centerfire rifles are magnums, and most have muzzle brakes that tame them down to .243 or less recoil. I also like for the brake to help control the muzzle so that I can see shot impact on game. Also, they help for faster follow up shots.
I’m starting to see there’s definitely some differences when shooting heavy recoil loads in smokeless, and recoil management definitely is a challenge with them. I’m definitely leaning more towards the softer side than hard. There’s enough recoil that with the harder pad, I can’t manage the recoil and see impact. The recoil itself doesn’t bother me, but not being able to see impact does.
|
|
|
|
Post by Sideshow on Mar 25, 2023 16:11:17 GMT -5
I suppose this is a personal taste thing as well as a shooters form behind that rifle before and after the shot .
Soft pads such as Limbsavers i like better on a field bird shotgun really . Kinda squeamish on a rifle ?? Plus if you bottom them i find eye relief as well as that running start ka-bam not very appealing . The only exception ive found is that 1 1/2" nitro magnum that ive never bottomed out but that eye relief bussiness i still dont like scopes racing rearward . And its even a bit more ....sqeamish to me . Not a solid anchor i guess feeling . Ive also noticed a weird subtle vibration in the rifle useing them . Crazy maybe but replaced my groups shrunk . A target guy that tries not to have solid contact may experiance these points differently in function and reasons to have that too . Me i dont like jello or trampolines . You wont find me prone either . Limbsavers got a hollow inside and are actualy air bladders .
Decellorators are a good pad . Durable pad that does hold up well and mitigates recoil well . Probably why theyre used most often . Over the years i had one turn into a brick on me , got rock hard so it was replaced . But theyre not my favorite although a good pad .
I like on a rifle a Kick-eez . No they dont hold up the best IF youre not carefull with them loading a muzzy . Theyll tear if twisted on the ground sometimes . Like everything else we do you gotta pay attention to Details !!!
I find shooting a realky stiff recoiling rifle #1) they Dont bottom out and then ka-bam !!! #2) my eye is safe . #3) i like the recoil signature Best for My Tastes . #4) i definately feel i have the best control with one keeping in line after the shot to see blood spray . The only thing i dont care for is theyre on the Heavy side but that can also help balance -> Especially the 1 3/8" or 1 1/2" Magnum job . NASA developed sorbothane theyre made of is big time good stuff as a pad material in my book . It was developed to absorb vibration and impact shock for electronics .
Of the top 3 pads ive used this is my findings or obsevations anyway .
On a side note with a grind to fit or any stickier pad ive found Carnuba Wax a great help to make them shoulder easier as well as preserve them . Dont forget to round the edges as the last step grinding them too . They snag less and tear less .
Oh and i think this also needs said - To me a recoil pad is Not a Forever Thing . They do in fact Need occasionally to be Replaced with Fresh Ones . Most guys dont do that until its obviously damaged in 1 form or another . They Do lose effectiveness over time . The wax helps keep life in Any pad . Keep oil or solvents far away from anybodys recoil pad also .
|
|
|
|
Post by buckeye68 on Mar 25, 2023 19:29:08 GMT -5
Here is my take on recoil pads.
On my CVA Loud Mouth, I’m still using the stock pad that comes with it from the manufacturer. Zero issues with it so far.
My old CVA Scout V2 that I called Zip Tie, the plastic stocks was changed out to Boyd’s laminated butt stock and forearm. I added a grind to fit Kick-EZ. It was 1 1/8” thick and it helped tame the recoil of the 300 grain bullets. I shot the gun free recoil with a bipod and rear bag.
My 40 cal Wild Bill had a HS Precious stock. I kept the factory recoil pad and I didn’t have an issue with it shooting free recoil off the bench.
Monroe and We The Poole, both are full blown 45 cal bench rest guns with a McMillan MBR stocks. Monroe shoots a 325 grain bullet with 105 grains H4895 and We The People shoots a 350 grain bullets with a whole whole lot more powder than Monroe. I run NO recoil pad on either. Both gun are shot free recoil.
|
|
