Recoil pad suggestions?

[Quincy12]

I would like your thoughts/suggestions regarding a replacement recoil pad. I recently picked up a Winchester Model 12, 12 gauge with a 28” modified barrel. Besides having a pretty heavy scratch in the receiver, it’s in great shape. It has the standard hard plastic butt plate on it and I’d like to replace it with a recoil pad. I don’t think it has any real collector value as Winchester made around 2 million of these things and having the scratch knocks it out. So what would your suggestions be? I’ve used Kick-Eez in the past, but that was a long time ago and there may be better ones on the market now.

Thanks for your thoughts, Q

 

[LeonCarr]

Kick-Eez is still a good choice. I would also recommend the Pachmayr Decelerator and the LimbSaver as good choices also .

Just my .02,
LeonCarr

 

[gunut]

I wouldn't.....
if you wanted one with a pad you could of found one for probably a lot less than you paid for yours.....then a pad will cost you around 50 and at least another 75 to have it fitted....so you will be sticking around 125 onto the price you already paid for yours.....and it will be worth about 100-125 less....loosing proposition from what I can see......but if you just enjoy throwing money away...have at it....

If you decide to do it anyhow the red pachmayr old English would look right on the model 12....

 

[CaptTripps]

I've used Pachmayr before and thought it was a good pad. If you are handy you can fit one yourself, take your time and it will come out fine.

 

[Quincy12]

Install

I've installed two of them already, one on a 16 ga. SxS and one on a 12 ga. Ugartechea. Installation is easy enough.

I've been watching them on GB for a while now and they are hardly selling for what I'd calling "collector" value, unless they are truly unique. I purchased this one for under $500. I suspect the market has shifted quite a bit over the last 10 years to semi-auto rifles. If one is truly into shotguns, it seems O/U and auto's have a lot more demand than older pumps... I could be missing something however.

 

[Vette Jockey]

Put the pad on. It will make the gun much more useful to you and that's what counts. The model 12's day is past, so do worry to much about collector value. Besides, it sounds like you have a rather common variant. Yes, there are still some who clamor for model 12's but they are fewer and farther between than some years ago.

 

[rule303]

You are right, there isn't much collector value for a standard 12ga model 12 these days. To me, putting a pad on it to actually use in the field makes a lot more sense than letting it languish in the safe. I like the Limbsaver myself.

 

[oneounceload]

Kick-Eez is still a good choice. I would also recommend the Pachmayr Decelerator and the LimbSaver as good choices also .

Anyone of those will be a good choice

 

[Sheepdog1968]

Mostly have used the limbsavers and been very happy. I have one shotgun I put a kickease on and it was good as well. If I had either one on I wouldn't change it for the other. If I had to buy one, I would probably go with a limbsaver but they two are so close it is like splitting hairs.

 

[Sheepdog1968]

You are right, there isn't much collector value for a standard 12ga model 12 these days. To me, putting a pad on it to actually use in the field makes a lot more sense than letting it languish in the safe. I like the Limbsaver myself.

You could always buy another stock and get that one modified. That way still have the original if modifying the original one bothers you.

 

[Kp321]

The Limbsaver is the best pad available, IMHO but they are a PITA to install unless you find one that fits with no grinding. The Pachmayer Decelerator is nearly as good and much easier to install.

 

[Quincy12]

What makes the limbsaver difficult to install? I haven't tried that one, but didn't have any trouble installing a grind-to-fit Kick-Eez.

 

[Kp321]

The Limbsaver rubber is softer and gets gummy when you are grinding on it. It then tears and leaves a rough finish. I typically put the pad in the freezer for an hour before grinding then use a new sharp belt on the sander to achieve a smooth finish. Since I put several pads on a week, time is money and the Limbsavers take more time.

 

[Quincy12]

Thanks Kp for the information. Makes sense.

 

[AFK]

I agree with Sheepdog. I did exactly that with a Remington 1100 Standard frame 20 gauge. I didn't want to cut the original stock, so I found one for a 12 gauge to cut down and install a Kick-EEZ pad. Now my wife can shoot it with the pad, and shorter LOP, and I can shoot it if I re-install the original stock.

I wouldn't worry about collector value. If you bought it as a safe queen then you wouldn't be considering the pad and you would not have bought one with a scratch. When I purchase something that I want, of course I try to get a good deal and not pay a ridiculous price, but to me, there is also value in having something I enjoy. I don't think twice about dropping a little more money in to it to make it even better in my eyes.

When I bought the 1100 Standard it was about $350. I then put time and money in to it to refinish the wood myself, say another $50. I then bought another stock for $75. Then I bought a new recoil pad for about $50. So I have about $525.00 in to the gun. Do I ever think I'll get that back if I sell it? Nope, but I have a gun that is super fun to shoot and a gun that is comfortable for my wife to shoot. A day at the sporting clays course with her, and no kids (LOL), is worth more then that to me. Oh, and I am also considering getting it re-blued. That will really put me in the hole! Still, doesn't matter to me.

 

[loose noose]

What kp said about the Limbsaver, they are a definite PITA to install, I use a combination belt/wheel sander with a jig and do about one a week. I myself prefer the Pachmeyer pad myself for installation, makes the job a lot quicker and easier. I haven't done too many Kickeez pads so I couldn't really comment on those.