The benefits of different types of recoil pads for your shotgun
Recoil pads are designed to mitigate the recoil or kick generated when firing a shotgun. They offer several benefits, including improved comfort, reduced recoil impact, and enhanced shooting performance. Different types of recoil pads provide varying levels of recoil reduction and may cater to specific shooting requirements. Here are some common types of recoil pads and their benefits:
1. Rubber/Plastic Recoil Pads: Rubber or plastic recoil pads are typically made of materials like synthetic rubber, silicone, or high-density polymer. They provide a good balance between recoil reduction and affordability. These pads absorb and distribute recoil energy over a larger surface area, reducing the felt recoil and minimizing the impact on your shoulder. They are also relatively lightweight and durable.
2. Gel Recoil Pads: Gel pads consist of a soft gel-like material that molds itself to the shape of your shoulder when you shoulder the shotgun. This customization helps to evenly distribute the recoil forces and reduce the peak impact. Gel pads are known for their superior shock absorption properties, providing enhanced comfort and reduced felt recoil. They are particularly suitable for individuals who are sensitive to recoil or shoot heavy-recoiling shotguns.
3. Decelerator/Recoil Reducer Pads: Decelerator pads are made of a specialized rubber compound that is designed to absorb and dissipate recoil energy. They often feature a unique internal structure with recoil-reducing chambers or inserts that further enhance their performance. Decelerator pads offer excellent recoil reduction, making them popular among shooters who use powerful or magnum shotguns. They provide a noticeable decrease in felt recoil, which can improve accuracy and follow-up shot speed.
4. Air Cushion/Inflatable Recoil Pads: Air cushion pads utilize a system of air chambers that can be adjusted to vary the amount of recoil reduction. By inflating or deflating the chambers, you can customize the pad's firmness and adapt it to your personal preferences or shooting conditions. This adjustability makes air cushion pads versatile, allowing you to fine-tune the recoil absorption to your liking.
5. Sorbothane Recoil Pads: Sorbothane is a viscoelastic material known for its exceptional shock-absorbing properties. Recoil pads made from Sorbothane effectively reduce recoil energy by dissipating it as heat. These pads offer excellent vibration damping and recoil absorption, resulting in reduced felt recoil and enhanced shooting comfort. Sorbothane pads are often favored by competitive shooters or individuals seeking maximum recoil reduction.
When choosing a recoil pad, it's important to consider factors such as personal comfort, shooting discipline, shotgun weight, and the amount of recoil you're willing to tolerate. Remember that proper gun fit and shooting technique are also essential for managing recoil effectively.
Written by Anthony Diaz, gunsmith, East Tennessee Gunsmith Services