The Weatherby thread made me remember to seek our favorite recoil pad. Since getting old and having shoulder surgery, I just cannot shoot the magnums much any more. My largest is a Model 70 (pre 64, of course) 375HH. Also a pre 70 in 338 Win mag. Even a light weight 3006 is not so fun any more.

I am very used to the Decelerator line as I have put them on several rifles.

Any others that work better. (And look good)

I can't suggest another, although I have a Limbsaver on my 870, but I just put a decelerator on my 45/70, and it looks (IMHO) much nicer:

I had a Kick-Eez pad put on a light-ish 12ga over-under that had an ancient, broken-down, rock-hard rubber pad on it. It made a huge difference.

Kick-Eez has some "pre-fit" pads that are supposed to be about the right size for various stocks, but they also make "grind to fit" pads that come a bit oversized that you grind down to exactly match your stock (this is what I had done).

They look like a factory black recoil pad rather than a slip-on.

I am familiar with Decelerator and Kick-Eez -- they both work well.

quote:

Originally posted by Hamden106:
Since getting old and having shoulder surgery, I just cannot shoot the magnums much any more.
Even a light weight 3006 is not so fun any more.

A recoil pad will help with the initial recoil shock, but it won't radically change the recoil equation. There comes a time in life when we must face reality. It sounds like your days of shooting heavy-recoiling rifles is past. Consider selling the heavy guns and re-investing in something you can use, enjoy, and shoot well down the road.

Maybe a 243 Win or 6 Creedmoor on the higher end, if factory ammo is your preference.
Maybe moderate-capacity 6mm if you reload -- such as 6BR, 6BRA, 6 Dasher.

Maybe a 223 Remy bolt action. I just completed one from components acquired over the last two years. It's an amazing rifle -- minimal recoil, great looks and feel, great accuracy. Even in my hands it exhibits 1/2 MOA accuracy out to 400+ yards. Dinging plates out to 700 yards has been both easy and fun.

I have a Past recoil pad that I wear on my shoulder. Very effective and I don't have to buy one for each rifle.

I just slip a Limbsaver on whatever I'm shooting. I keep it in my range bag so I'm never without.

My Tikka T3 in 270 wears a limb saver - the kind that replaces the stock butt pad. Its been a good, inexpensive upgrade.

+

We were just talking about this on a rifle forum I go to.
sorbothane cut to size is what several are using. I'm planning on attaching a cut piece to my 30cal br.

quote:

Originally posted by Haveme1or2:
We were just talking about this on a rifle forum I go to.
sorbothane cut to size is what several are using. I'm planning on attaching a cut piece to my 30cal br.

Kick-Eez pads are sorbothane with a rigid mounting plate backer.

I too use the PAST wearable recoil pad. Works for everything.
And if you want to look macho and recoil loving, you can wear it under your shirt!

I used to install a lot of the decelerator pads on rifles for people with issues like you're having (I'm there with you since my shoulder is rebuilt). A better pad helps, but a muzzle brake added makes it perfect. If you don't like the look of a normal brake then go with a vias. I used to turn them down to match the barrel counties and it would look seamless. Then just finish it to match.

Those two things combined and I've yet to run into the hunting rifle round that does me in. I do still prefer small bore rifles though.

The slip on Limbsaver makes a huge difference when shooting 12 gauge. The only negative is the increased length of pull.

Limbsaver replacement pad definitely takes the edge off. Tikka lite in 300 mag though still not fun is pretty manageable.