Are all butt pads the same?

[ArmedArtist]

I recently got a very old single shot Savage 12 gauge from a family friend. He bought it at a garage sale in the 70's and was very worn when I got it. The butt pad was rotted and when I re finished the stock I just tossed it. I have been looking at butt pads but Turners seems to only sell one size or a slip on pad. Currently it doesn't have a pad and I really wanted to shoot it for the first time in the desert. Needless to say, 20 rounds of birdshot later and I have a large purple shoulder...
So are all butt pads "universal" and I would just trim it to fit the stock? Are the slip on ones any good?

[Dozen Gauge]

Limbsaver makes a good recoil pad. Follow this link: http://www.walnutcreekarchery.com/in...roducts_id=349

and on the right side under "recoil pad templates" you can download lifesize templates of Limbsaver pads to print out and compare to your stock. You should be able to find a very close fit.

[ArmedArtist]

Awesome thanks.

[Cheap Shot]

"Does this pad make my butt look big?"

[bickybiskit]

your shoulders fine . 20 or 200 . anyway i have been looking into pads . seems to me like you gotta get the right size slip on and modify the bolt ons . i think its bs im going to take in my stock and get a slip on as i believe thats the easiest way to get the right size and wont mind the extra inch of added stock length . dude at the gun shop bs'ed and was talking about all kinds of modifying to use a bolt on for size issues . anyway ill update when i get one but thats my 2 cents

[Mesa Tactical]

So are all butt pads "universal" and I would just trim it to fit the stock? Are the slip on ones any good?

Dozen Gauge mentioned the Limbsaver. Pachmayr produces a similar pad, the Decelerator. These two are special "gel" pads that significantly reduce felt recoil; most other pads are simply ribber pads that feel better on your shoulder the a wooden butt.

Limbsaver and Decelerator pads are available in a variety of styles and sizes, including slip-on and grind-to-fit. Slip-ons are problematic because they add length to the stock and in any case can be hard to fit (your LGS isn't likely to have a large stock of them you can try out).

If you expect to keep the shotgun for any length of time, the best bet is to take it to a gunsmith and ask him to install a grind-to-fit pad. Last time I did this it cost $80. It looks factory and feels great.