I want to put a new recoil pad on my Browning A5 light 12. Bought a Pachymyer pad for it, but can't find a gunsmith locally to fit it. Only "gunsmiths" I can find basically just put together AR-15s and change sights. Any advice on trying to do this myself? Might involve purchase of a spindle sander, but thought I'd ask the forum before doing so. Thanks!

Watch Midway's gunsmithing videos or some Youtube videos to see if you think the job is within your skill zone. I've done a few and they've turned out good, but I sweated them.

Thanks for the advice on Midway videos. What did you use to sand them to proper size/shape?

I do some low level gunsmithing and have installed recoil pads. I don't enjoy doing it and only do it under duress( a lot of duress). I never install on a nice or important gun. JMO..... Best wishes !! mike

I would search for gunstock repair online. I used a fellow many years ago to do a shotgun stock repair. He did wonderful recoil pad installations. With the Browning A5, why risk the stock to an amateur? You can send the stock alone, and the stock repair shop will fit the new pad without damage to the original finish.

Just realized I never updated this thread. Got a recommendation for Simmons Gun repair, simmonsguns.com, in Olathe, Kansas. Contacted them online and then by phone, felt comfortable they could competently do the work, and sent off my pad, measurements to cut and the buttstock. Received it back in about 10 days, at a reasonable price and the work was excellent. Happy to recommend them!

My Winchester MDL. 12 has been to Simmons a couple times. A firing pin replacement and a second barrel fitting with a matching serial number. GREAT work both trips!