Using stock pad on double rifles

[pacomb]

Today, all modern guns will have rear pad in the stock to reduce recoil and make it more comfortable.

But from what I see on old catalogues, rifles used to have a pad, but double rifles didn’t. For example I have in front of me the Holland catalogue from 1910, where rifles would have pads, but the 375 double rifle wouldn’t.

Personally, I like the esthetic of a plain stock with no pad, and tend to think that maybe medium double rifles may not use it as it is very rare to shoot many times, compared to normal rifles where you can shoot up to 5 times for example….

What is your opinion on not using pads on >375 size?

 

[Raven]

This is, of course, possible, but hardly advisable. I don't think there are many willing people.

 

[franzfmdavis]

If you like the aesthetic of a stock without a pad, but want the cushion of a pad, you could consider getting a hunting shirt with a removable pad. I have several from Filson and it does help. You may want to take into account the extra 1/4” that will be added to LOP for proper fitting of the gun.

 

[Red Leg]

Traditional pads on traditional double rifles were and are not now placed there to reduce recoil. The hard red rubber pad was extremely effective at preventing damage to the base of the buttstock but did nothing to absorb recoil. Most fine bespoke shotguns of the period had checkering on the base of the stock. The rubber pad created some friction between the material covering the shoulder and the butt allowing a quicker recovery from recoil.

 

[275r7x57]

The traditional British S. W. Sliver pad is very stiff with virtually no give.

The Pachmayr Decelerator Old English has more give and is actually a recoil pad. It looks the part as well. This is what I personally prefer.

New England Custom Gun and Connecticut Shotgun I believe have their own make of pads. I have no experience with them, but I would suspect they are of good quality.

 

[275r7x57]

Traditional pads on traditional double rifles were and are not now placed there to reduce recoil. The hard red rubber pad was extremely effective at preventing damage to the base of the buttstock but did nothing to absorb recoil. Most fine bespoke shotguns of the period had checkering on the base of the stock. The rubber pad created some friction between the material covering the shoulder and the butt allowing a quicker recovery from recoil.

Correct me if I am wrong, but the tradition of leather covering a pad was originally for shotguns to aid in quick shouldering. Traditionally rifles did not have leather covered pads.

I personally prefer the looks of a leather covered pad on a rifle, but it can have the tendency to be slick and not be securely anchored in the shoulder.

 

[pacomb]

I love plain stocks with the original checkering. A solution is to use those rubber pads than can be installed and removed as they are press fitted with rubber.

 

[pacomb]

If you like the aesthetic of a stock without a pad, but want the cushion of a pad, you could consider getting a hunting shirt with a removable pad. I have several from Filson and it does help. You may want to take into account the extra 1/4” that will be added to LOP for proper fitting of the gun.

View attachment 692771

Yes, that is a good solution!

 

[Kdgj]

The catalogs may show double rifles without a pad, but customer could order one. I have an H&H double in 500/450 3.25” nitro made in 1904 with a silvers pad. The order book says “recoil shield” for the butt.

Ken

 

[pacomb]

The catalogs may show double rifles without a pad, but customer could order one. I have an H&H double in 500/450 3.25” nitro made in 1904 with a silvers pad. The order book says “recoil shield” for the butt.

Ken

Ken, what is a silver pad? I am not familiar with the name. Maybe the metal protection some stocks have so the wood is not damaged will resting?

I have seen many H&H shot guns form the early days with no pad, just a very nice checkering. Shotguns will certainly shoot many many more times than a rifle, so a pad really makes sense... but a rifle or double rifle, where only 1, 2, 3, 4 (no many more shots will be made, I feel the pad can be removed, and not be a problem. Most people should be able to shoot 1-4 shots and have no problem, except age, shoulder problems, etc.... Or very very big came caliber

no?

 

[Red Leg]

Correct me if I am wrong, but the tradition of leather covering a pad was originally for shotguns to aid in quick shouldering. Traditionally rifles did not have leather covered pads.

I personally prefer the looks of a leather covered pad on a rifle, but it can have the tendency to be slick and not be securely anchored in the shoulder.

Absolutely correct. Of course, one can order a bespoke Rigby Rising Bite double rifle and have it delivered with a leather covered pad - after all, it is the client's money - but they will talk about you.

 

[Red Leg]

Ken, what is a silver pad? I am not familiar with the name. Maybe the metal protection some stocks have so the wood is not damaged will resting?

I have seen many H&H shot guns form the early days with no pad, just a very nice checkering. Shotguns will certainly shoot many many more times than a rifle, so a pad really makes sense... but a rifle or double rifle, where only 1, 2, 3, 4 (no many more shots will be made, I feel the pad can be removed, and not be a problem. Most people should be able to shoot 1-4 shots and have no problem, except age, shoulder problems, etc.... Or very very big came caliber

no?

Silvers was the company that made the traditional hard red rubber pads found on many British SxS shotguns and rifles. I borrowed the image below from someone else here on the site. Order a current production Rigby Highland Stalker it will be so equipped.

They were not intended to absorb recoil. Rather, they protected or "shielded" the butt from recoil damage and facilitated shot recovery by preventing slippage of the butt. The gun is also a lot easier to stand in a corner. On SxS shotguns - particularly competitive pigeon guns - they were often leather covered to insure quick mounting of the gun without dragging on the shooting vest or jacket. It is a game where a split second can mean the difference between the purse and a loss.

 

[Kdgj]

Ken, what is a silver pad? I am not familiar with the name. Maybe the metal protection some stocks have so the wood is not damaged will resting?

I have seen many H&H shot guns form the early days with no pad, just a very nice checkering. Shotguns will certainly shoot many many more times than a rifle, so a pad really makes sense... but a rifle or double rifle, where only 1, 2, 3, 4 (no many more shots will be made, I feel the pad can be removed, and not be a problem. Most people should be able to shoot 1-4 shots and have no problem, except age, shoulder problems, etc.... Or very very big came caliber

no?

The Silvers pad is the reddish orange hard rubber pad you see on a lot of British guns. The first picture is from the order book showing the “recoil heelplate” request.

Ken

 

[grand veneur]

Ken, what is a silver pad? I am not familiar with the name. Maybe the metal protection some stocks have so the wood is not damaged will resting?

...

 

[franzfmdavis]

Unfortunately, I believe that the Silvers pads are no longer going to be made available to the consumer market. I tried to buy one for a replacement a few months back and was told that they’re being discontinued. Most of the companies that sold 3/4 and 1 inch pads have sold out. There were some 2” pads at Connecticut Shotgun but those look a bit too wide. The closest available red/orange pad that is easily attainable in the US is from NECG.

 

[grand veneur]

I have some Silver's pads on older rifles, but I would not have one mounted on a modern custom rifle.There are much better butt plate pads available nowadays and even some models that might satisfy traditionalists.

 

[BonUm16]

I keep several of the Galco Pads sitting on top of my safe. I’ve only ever used them on shotguns but plan on fitting one to my 7lb 9.3x62 the next trip to the range. More to provide a bit more length but should be beneficial in mitigating recoil over the current rock hard pad.

 

[alby]

There is a gentleman Craig Klintworth who makes and sells replica Silvers pads, with and without nib, varying degrees of hardness, have ordered a couple to try. Have attached photo from Facebook, not sure if allowed-mods delete if not. Will report back when I get them.
Cheers Alby