Reddit mentions: The best recoil pads

Use more of a chickenwing with your triggerside elbow. Bring the elbow up so it's parallel with the ground. This will create a deeper pocket in your shoulder for the butt of the rifle. Pull that in nice and snug and you'll absorb the recoil MUCH better. This or this butt pad will fit your rifle and should also help. You might also try throwing a towel over your shoulder, but a better chickenwing will certainly help. Don't listen to idiots who say you shouldn't chickenwing- it's part of a good shooting stance with .30cal rifles like the 91/30.

Clean everything. Then clean it again. Then heat it in your oven for a bit and give it another good scrubbing. You still won't have all the cosmoline out, but at least you tried. For my Mosin I took all of the metal parts off, soaked them in degreaser for a few days, then obsessively assembled and disassembled the bolt, applying a liberal amount of oil each time to make sure it all soaked back into the metal. I still occasionally have to force the bolt, but it's the smoothest of all my friends Mosins. Oh also, invest in some headspace gauges (like 15 bucks on amazon) and snapcaps and convince yourself that everything is mechanically sound as far as tolerances go.

For the shoulder issue, you're probably holding it wrong. These guns were designed for Russians in the early 1900s (people were shorter back then) wearing bulky winter gear, so chances are that the stock is too short for you. If it feels awkward pulling it in tight, get one of [these] (https://www.amazon.com/Sports-Nagant-1-Inch-Extended-Buttpad/dp/B003VPEBH4/). It worked wonders for me not so much because it was padded (though it's obviously an improvement over a metal buttplate), but because that extra inch of stock allowed me to actually pull it into my shoulder without hunching over in an awkward position to see the sights. Bonus that you can attach it right on top of the metal buttplate using the existing screws, so you're not making an irreparable mod or anything.

Not much to add to what's already been said, but i always found one of the cheap slip-on recoil pads to make mine a bit more comfortable. Something like this . It's a big heavy gun, so while it'll have more recoil than something like a .223, it's not terrible, and the pad seemed to help take the edge off it a bit when shooting for any length of time.

Thank you so much!!! Your review has definitely given me confidence in buying the Ruger American. Hahah yeah I heard the mag is just cheap plastic, and It's recommend to purchase a [LimbSaver](LimbSaver AirTech Slip-On Recoil Pad, Small/Medium https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00LDPLYQU/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_gfOMyb5JTEA86)

Pocket the buttstock so it sits firmly in your shoulder? Recoil shouldn't beat you up unless you're shooting a massive amount.

Hickok45 turned me on to the limbsaver. Like him, I'm tall so for shorter rifles it helps with a proper cheek weld. It absorbs a lot of the recoil and it has been a perfect fit on dozens of rifles, including the M1 family.

LimbSaver AirTech Slip-On Recoil Pad, Small https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00KCS5X8O/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_lwdPBbAWVNDXB

I love that look, it's exactly what i was going for.
Butt pad doesn't absorb much recoil but is A LOT better than the steel plate and makes the stock long enough to hold comfortably. It was originally made for small russian farmers with shorter arms.
https://www.amazon.com/Sports-Nagant-1-Inch-Extended-Buttpad/dp/B003VPEBH4

I went Diamonback HP 3-12x42. I am shooting 130gr Hornady SST

Sited it in for 200 yards and love it. Mine was averaging 3077 fps at about 10 foot with the Hornady. I also put a Limbsaver recoil pad on it and you barely notice any kick, its great.

Good idea. We use shoulder pads on a few of our shotguns for my cousins when they shoot. Easy to take on and off depending on who needs them. Found some for a good price on amazon, we use the RangerPad ones and they've held up well so far https://www.amazon.com/RangerPad-Gel-Recoil-Arm-Pad/dp/B078RP479C/ref=sr_1_24?ie=UTF8&qid=1519874889&sr=8-24&keywords=shotgun+shoulder+pad

I just ordered one of these. http://www.amazon.com/Shooterpads-Recoil-Gel-Filled-Pads/dp/B00081Q7E4/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1301086377&sr=8-1

I don't like the ones specifically made for the Mosin because it requires removing the original metal. The universal pad I ordered works great! All of my high powered rifles hurt my shoulder after about 20 rounds. My newer rifles have rubber pads which helps some. That gel pad is the best money I've spent on a gun accessory in a long time.

Cool. This one ? And small is the best size for the 91/30?

I have heard this bad boy works well.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B000W8FOME?pc_redir=1408078262&robot_redir=1

Nice because you don't have to alter the rifle to use it, just slip it on over the butt plate. I think pachmayr make something similar, but I don't know if one is better than the other.

For 10/22 if you are tall check this. Gets my LOP and eye relief right where I like it.

Yep, $10 on Amazon will help a lot https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B003C6PXKQ

Alternatively to a limbsaver, you could consider getting one of these. 7.62x54R is very similar to .30-06, so I guarantee that it's the steel buttplate that's getting you.

I'd highly recommend against sporterizing it- there are better platforms for a deer rifle, and you'd be killing all of its historical value. A cheap .308 would probably be a better investment IMO.

> limbsaver

Is this the limbsaver you speak of? http://amzn.com/B000W8FOME

This the best cover to get?

Limbsaver has a pad specifically for AR-15 style butt stocks.

LimbSaver Snap-On Recoil Pad for 6-Position Adjustable Stocks, Black https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0044XE6J0/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_Ils2BbR6SJH2V

I used this on a Mesa Tactical Enidine Stock kit for my Mossberg 590A1 for the longest time. Made the felt recoil on slugs much more manageable. It’ll do great for an AR-15 or AR-10.

I just ordered this LimbSaver Slip-On Recoil Pad for my Mosin. I'm hoping to be able to comfortably shoot thousands of rounds with it.

Yes, it's a sissy pad. You got a problem with that? Cause I don't give a shit what you think.

Found this on Amazon.

Hogue makes some good stuff.

You can get one for between 80-120$, usually around 100$. Fun rifle, extremely simple. Not a lot of moving parts, very little to go wrong.

Funny story, when I first went to shoot mine all I got was a little click, no boom. Turned out the trigger pin had fallen out while I was doing the cosmoline removal. Limp trigger syndrome...

They are a bit bitchy to clean, Soviet surplus ammo uses Berdan primers, so you'll need a solution of ammonia(you can use windex) in addition to the usual oil and solvent, and I'd recommend cleaning right after every time you go shooting. It's easier when the barrels still a bit hot, and those Berdan primers are nasty. The upside of this is that surplus 7.62x54r is among the cheapest ammo out there.

Note that the Russians made the stock 1" inch undersize so it could be used more easily with bulky winter clothing, so it may feel a little short to you.

Fortunately, you can get a 1" rubber buttpad for about 10$, easy to add in, easy to remove, completely reversible. Doesn't really effect the look of the rifle much, usually I don't even notice it.

Also, be prepared to deal with cosmoline if you buy one fresh from the surplus crate. The entire rifle will require a thorough cleaning. This includes the stock. Cosmoline is a bitch, but there are guides for getting rid of it.

Yup sorry, should have added a link in my original comment. You can buy them on Amazon. I bought mine at Cabelas. I think its a bit cheaper on Amazon, but you don't get that instant gratification :)

https://www.amazon.com/LimbSaver-10809-Precision-Fit-Browning-Winchester/dp/B00KCS5SNY/ref=sr_1_10?ie=UTF8&qid=1468243253&sr=8-10&keywords=limbsaver

You can get either a slip on one, or one that actually screws onto the gun. You remove the original butt plate piece with two screws, and screw on the new one. Five minute job. I linked the screw on one.

These have been posted here before. I have no idea which is better or how well they would work, though.

https://www.amazon.com/Ultimate-Arms-Gear-Insignias-Springfield/dp/B008UAQ06A

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00KCS5X8O/

You could try chopping off the plastic or wood stock to the desired length then adding a slip on recoil pad

http://www.amazon.com/Shooterpads-Recoil-Gel-Filled-Pads/dp/B00081Q7E4/ref=sr_1_10?s=sporting-goods&ie=UTF8&qid=1394459121&sr=1-10&keywords=butt+stock+recoil+pad

http://www.amazon.com/Leather-Slip-On-Shotgun-Extender-Extension/dp/B00FXR54KG/ref=sr_1_28?s=sporting-goods&ie=UTF8&qid=1394459138&sr=1-28&keywords=butt+stock+recoil+pad

http://www.amazon.com/Pachmayr-Decelerator-Slip-On-Black-Medium/dp/B000WSUZ50/ref=sr_1_31?s=sporting-goods&ie=UTF8&qid=1394459138&sr=1-31&keywords=butt+stock+recoil+pad

> is that a masen 10/22 butt pad spacer?

It looks like this Aim Sports model.

I put one of those and one of these on mine. It is actually comfortable to shoot now.

I can't recommend this enough. It's a shoulder saver for sure. https://www.amazon.com/Sports-Nagant-1-Inch-Extended-Buttpad/dp/B003VPEBH4

Amazon.com, limbsaver got mine locally at Gander Mtn though. Makes the Mosin very manageable in terms of recoil, usually my shoulder doesn't hurt after a trip to the range (unless it's a long trip).

I got this one off of amazon.
It does add a little bit of length but not noticeably because it replaces the metal plate.

Gel filled recoil pad $20.98 (prime)

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00081Q7E4/ref=oh_details_o08_s00_i00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

https://www.amazon.com/Sports-Nagant-1-Inch-Extended-Buttpad/dp/B003VPEBH4

remember this rifle was meant to be shot in russia in the winter (ie with a very thick coat on)

It's a LimbSaver recoil pad. Here's a link for it.

http://store.carolinashooterssupply.com/servlet/-strse-363/AK47-Saiga-Orignal-Recoil/Detail

Maybe a small version of this?
http://www.amazon.com/Pachmayr-Decelerator-Slip-Recoil-Pad/dp/B00542J1PO/ref=pd_sim_sg_2

https://www.amazon.com/Global-Military-Gear-Precision-M4-Style/dp/B004O6EMLE

Adds a decent amount of weight, about 10oz all in the rear. Havent tested it for functionality. I was looking for something to be a counterweight for the rear while adding considerable length to the stock. Met my purpose.

Try a youth model shotgun or those with adjustable LOP and add a recoil pad

http://www.amazon.com/LimbSaver-AR-15-Snap-On-Recoil-Black/dp/B0044XE6J0/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1406947719&sr=8-3&keywords=a2+recoil+pad&dpPl=1

There's cheaper stuff that you can permanently affix to your A2 stock. Just gotta look around man.

http://www.amazon.com/Sports-Nagant-1-Inch-Extended-Buttpad/dp/B003VPEBH4/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1367704953&sr=8-1&keywords=mosin+butt+pad

A couple guys swear by these

https://www.amazon.com/Recoil-Eraser-Slip-Pad-Filled/dp/B01LZAG19X?SubscriptionId=AKIAIJHRZJZZMUGCHTGQ&tag=ammoatlas-20&linkCode=xm2&camp=2025&creative=165953&creativeASIN=B01LZAG19X

https://www.midwayusa.com/product/1002531259

https://www.lymanproducts.com/decelerator-slip-on-pads

Nothing special. The rifle is as-is from Russia, with the sole addition of a rubber buttpad.

LimbSaver AirTech Slip-On Recoil Pad, Small/Medium https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00LDPLYQU/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_n0pSybSJ9NYAM

Get this to help with the recoil. After shooting mine for a while the first time I had to stop because it was to annoying kicking the bruise on my shoulder it created, got this and hardly feel any recoil.

Wear some layers and hold it tight to the meaty part of your shoulder (not your collarbone), and it's not bad at all.

If you are wearing thin clothes and/or holding the stock in the wrong spot and/or holding it loosely because you're anticipating the recoil, you're going to have a bad time.

Also, if it's still a bit much, this made a significant difference for me:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003VPEBH4

Those bitches hurt to shoot.

Here's the equipment I bought for mine to make it better.

http://www.amazon.com/Sports-Nagant-1-Inch-Extended-Buttpad/dp/B003VPEBH4/ref=pd_sim_200_9?ie=UTF8&dpID=31ZUj3rwfCL&dpSrc=sims&preST=_AC_UL160_SR160%2C160_&refRID=158YNF6AHR1SH51V0XQD

http://www.amazon.com/TPP-AR-15/dp/B00LCHYIWQ/ref=sr_1_14?s=sporting-goods&ie=UTF8&qid=1462812191&sr=1-14&keywords=mosin+muzzle+brake

The muzzle brake really makes all the difference.