How long to stock pads last?

[Mana4real]

I have a Winchester 101 that was willed to me. The pad on it is as far as I can tell, the original pad. Do these things harden up over time? I've seen the same pad on the gun for my entire existence of 30 years. The gun is from 1965. It's my everyday trap gun. I'm just wondering if I should pick up a new pad tomorrow when we make a run out to bass pro shops. Going for ammo, maybe a range bag, another shotgun case, and to drool.

Edit: dunno how to edit the title... How long DO stock pads last??

[aippi]

Old pads do get hard over time as opposed to the modern day ones that will last a life time. Much depends on the make of the weapon. If the pad has not hardened then I would leave it be. Or, upgrade to a limbsaver pad and your shoulder will thank you later.

[Fjold]

None of the replcement pads will be an exact fit. It will have to be sanded down to fit the lines of the stock.

[Mana4real]

I was looking at limb savers today at bass pro shop in Manteca. My old Winchester 101 wasn't listed on the guns that it fits. So I wasn't sure if I should pick one up. It was a 50 mile drive and I didn't want to get the wrong one.

[coy80176]

take off the old pad...

and trace the stock end and holes, or just bring the old pad with you.

The Limbsavers are a great option and come in different sizes. I recently changed the pad on an equally old SG, and it crumbled...I was able to re-use the same screws/washers, and it looks great, and more importantly, feels awesome when shouldered.

Cheers!

[bjl333]

How long DO stock pads last??

As long as your shoulders don't hurt!! When they harden your shoulder will let you know it is time for a new pad!

[Mana4real]

As long as your shoulders don't hurt!! When they harden your shoulder will let you know it is time for a new pad!

It's really hard, almost like no pad at all. Me shooting it every weekend is killing me. I think my shoulder was never the same since I shot my 270 WIN. That thing has a super hard pad too. I traced my stock tonight. I'm not getting bruised, but I get those little blood dots on my shoulder. The gun fits and I am holding it right.

[bjl333]

It's really hard, almost like no pad at all. Me shooting it every weekend is killing me. I think my shoulder was never the same since I shot my 270 WIN. That thing has a super hard pad too. I traced my stock tonight. I'm not getting bruised, but I get those little blood dots on my shoulder. The gun fits and I am holding it right.

I'm guessing you shot the 270 from a bench... Most people get messed up on a bench because you're usually hunched over too much shooting the rifle.

I think it would be easier to take your pad off and use it to check which pad would come closest. Just place the pads back to back and take the one closest to your pad.

I have a Limbsaver and they work pretty well. I love my KickEzz pad even more, but the KickEzz would have to be fitted to the gun.

[Mana4real]

I'm guessing you shot the 270 from a bench... Most people get messed up on a bench because you're usually hunched over too much shooting the rifle.

I think it would be easier to take your pad off and use it to check which pad would come closest. Just place the pads back to back and take the one closest to your pad.

I have a Limbsaver and they work pretty well. I love my KickEzz pad even more, but the KickEzz would have to be fitted to the gun.

KickEzz huh? I'll look into that too. I think you're right about the rifle. I was benched and that was the first time ever shooting it. It was the largest caliber rifle I've ever shot. I'm just not used to it. Thank you for all your help. Any idea if Big 5 sells the limb savers? Or do I have to get them at a real gun shop? It's just more of a drive, big 5 is about a half mile away lol.