Old firearms often feature compromised components, with recoil pads or butt plates frequently found cracked or broken. Rifleshooter.com recently detailed a straightforward process for upgrading these, specifically replacing an aged plastic recoil plate on a side-by-side shotgun with a new rubber pad. This upgrade is not merely aesthetic; a properly fitted recoil pad significantly enhances shooting comfort and control.
The process, while presented as straightforward, requires specific tooling. A specialized fixture designed to mount on a belt grinder is highlighted as the primary unique tool. According to rifleshooter.com, the task begins by securing the chosen replacement rubber recoil pad—an example cited was a Pachmayr pad—to the shotgun's stock using the provided screws. In the described instance, the new pad's screw holes aligned precisely with those of the original plastic plate, simplifying initial attachment.
Once the new pad is provisionally attached, precision fitting is paramount. The stock and pad are secured within a rubber-jawed vise to prevent marring, allowing for the critical step of outlining the stock's perimeter onto the new pad. A marking knife is employed for this tracing, ensuring an exact replication of the stock's dimensions. Following the trace, chalk is filed over the pad and rubbed, causing the dust to highlight the traced outline. This clear visual reference is then transferred to the grinding fixture.
The specialized grinding fixture itself requires careful calibration to the stock. Its front piece is secured with a screw, which, when loosened, allows for adjustment of the fixture's top and the butt plate angle to meticulously match the stock's contours. With the pad now affixed to this precisely adjusted fixture, it is ready for the belt grinder. The grinding process involves carefully working down to the marked white line, with the recommendation to "split the line in two" for the most precise, flush fit. Rifleshooter.com notes the efficiency of coarser grit belts for this task, as finer belts tend to generate heat and melt the rubber, hindering a clean cut. While initially challenging, proficiency improves significantly with practice.
It is important to note, as rifleshooter.com explicitly states, that all contents provided are for informational purposes only and should be performed exclusively by competent gunsmiths. They stress that Rifleshooter.com and its authors do not assume responsibility for the safety of readers attempting these tasks or for the use or misuse of any information. Furthermore, any modifications to a firearm should be undertaken solely by a licensed gunsmith. Failure to adhere to this advice can lead to voided warranties, an unsafe firearm, personal injury, or even death, as modifications can cause malfunctions or improper operation.
