Recoil pads

[TehK1w1]

I just bought a Ruger M77 MKII in 338 Win Mag , and I'm trying to decide if I should get a new recoil pad put on it before I shoot it. It's a little larger than anything I've shot before, and I'm hoping to try and reduce felt recoil a little. Muzzle brakes are out, but I'm thinking about replacing the recoil pad. I've heard that some of the aftermarket recoil pads are much better than the Ruger factory pads.

So, should I get a new pad put on it, or man up and trying shooting it first before messing with it?

 

[hoghunting]

I use both Limbsavers and Kick-Eez recoil pads, and my first choice is the Kick-Eez. If you are looking for a fitted pad, I would use the Limbsaver if Kick-Eez is not available.

 

[A-FIXER]

as others have said the limbsaver is a good thing you should shoot a few rounds through it then add the pad to know just how much it helps and congrats on your new ruger....

 

[dubbleA]

I cant understand why Ruger doesnt use a good recoil pad on their rifle? Sheez, a $300 marlin XL 7 has a good pad, why cant Ruger? Rant off..........

Limbsavers have worked for me.

 

[stevelyn]

I put a Limbsaver on my Tikka T3 Lite. Even though it's only a .30-06 it would become a meat tenderizer after a few shots of Federal HE off the bench while I was zeroing it.

Big difference after the Limbsaver was put on.

 

[Red State]

I know this is a really old thread, but I was about to ask the same question and this one already has a poll.

I have a 30.06 Remington 700 BDL. It is the wood stock with the plastic butt plate (so no recoil pad).

With no pad, it is downright painful to shoot. I have heard of lots of brands:
Pachmyr
Limbsaver
Kick Eez

What do you all recommend?

My primary goal is recoil reduction.

 

[dakotasin]

i have multiple examples of limbsaver, kick-eeze, and decelerator. i am a firm believer there is no pad on the market right now that is better than kick-eeze.

decelerator is a great pad, but is outclassed by the kick-eeze. the limbsaver reduces recoil better than the decelerator, but comes w/ other issues that i don't like.

my own 338 wears a decelerator, but at the time i bought it kick-eeze wasn't an option. but my rums and 375 ruger wear kick-eeze...

 

[pikid89]

i voted limbsaver...i have on on my ruger dupont zytel stock...but another good one is the remington super cell...unfortunately they only fit remingtons lol

 

[NWCP]

I use a Pachmayr Decelerator on my Browning BAR .38 Win Mag. It works well for me.

 

[spartanpride]

I used the Hogue grind to fit one, to get a true custom fit and look. I like the Hogue one better because when you're sanding it down, it stays firm and keeps it shape. With my experience the LimSaver ones tend to tear sometimes on the sander because they are so soft. So yeah the Hogue grind to fit was the way to go for me, not too soft, and yet not too firm.

 

[Al LaVodka]

If I were you I would take it to a good gunsmith friends recommend and have him buy it from you for a song and a dance after you confess you are a girlie man and weep that you made a mistake you hope he'll help you out of. Why would you buy a gun you are so afraid to shoot?

What's going on on THR -- can we implement an entrance exam or something!?

Al

 

[jmr40]

The new Hawkeye's come with a pretty good pad on them. At least the stainless synthetic's do, and I thought the wood ones do as well. If so, that is about as good as it gets, no point spending more money.

 

[Red State]

Dakota, I am gonna take you at your word. Kick-Eez it is for me.

Alavodka, the gun was a gift from my father, so I am not really interested in selling it. The gun is great as a hunting rifle, but I have been spending more time with it at the range recently and I would like that to be as pleasant as possible. So thank you for the name calling and thank you for making assumptions about a situation that you don't know anything about.

 

[Al LaVodka]

Just teasing ya as I chose your own option to "man-up" and shoot it. Still, if its a gift you really can't use I'm sure Dad wouldn't mind you getting a .30-06 Ackley Improved for it...
Al

 

[madcratebuilder]

I have a lot of mil-surps with steel butt pads so I just have a shirt with a slip in Browning Reactor pad, works great with everything I shoot.
http://pinetreecustomsportswear.com/

 

[aka108]

Best recoil recoil pad is the world is a PAST recoil shield. No modification needed for any firearm. you wear it either outside your shirt or you can wear it under your shirt so shooting friendswon't think you're a wuss. I've worn one for 20 years and you can shoot heavies all day long and not get black and blue markings on a worn out shoulder. Midway and Natchez carry them.