5 of the Best Shotgun Recoil Pad: The Top Picks For Shotgun Geeks

There is something that you should realize when you are using a shotgun: it should not come without a recoil pad. Regardless of the application, you still need to get the best shotgun recoil pad. With this accessory, your body can handle the recoil of the firearm, which is notoriously potent, by the way.

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Specifically, a recoil pad provides extra padding between the buttstock of the gun and your shoulder. Usually, good recoil pads are of rubber, leather, or specialized foam. They can be inserted on the buttstock or worn on your shoulder via straps. With them, you can shoot without experiencing too feeling too much stress.

Of course, you have a myriad of options when it comes to this shooting accessory. You don’t have to dig deep or scour the market just to get a recoil pad. In fact, you can just stay here and learn a lot. I have listed some of the high-quality selection of shotgun recoil pads that you should include in your shopping checklist.

Best Shotgun Recoil PadBest Shotgun Recoil Pad: Full Round-Up1. LimbSaver AirTech Recoil Pad – Best Overall Recoil Pad2. Pachmayr Decelerator Recoil Pad – Alternative Pick3. Hogue EZG Recoil Pad – Budget-Friendly Option4. Shooterpads Gel-Filled Recoil Pads – High-End Recoil Pad5. Tourbon Buttstock Recoil Pad – The Best Shotgun Recoil Pad for ProtectivenessWhy A Recoil Pad for Shotgun is ImportantChoosing the Best Shotgun Recoil PadFinal Verdict

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Best Shotgun Recoil Pad: Full Round-Up

1. LimbSaver AirTech Recoil Pad – Best Overall Recoil Pad

One of the finest options for a shotgun recoil pad is the LimbSaver AirTech. It can gradually reduce the recoil that you can feel by up to 70%. That is due to its unique chambered construction that enhances its shock absorption capabilities. It features a uniform and consistent dissipation of energy, which further improves its performance on the field. This pad also has an anti-muzzle jump component. The latter allows you to do quicker re-acquisition of your target.

Notably, the LimbSaver AirTech Slip-On Recoil Pad can enhance the accuracy of your shots. Since you are not feeling much of the recoil, you will be able to attain maximum stability on your shots. Another great feature that this recoil pad is its compatibility with different rifles, muzzleloader, and shotgun stocks. It can fit in perfectly without the need for prior modifications. It is a hassle-free feature that you should take into account.

The entire recoil pad comes with the Noise and Vibration Control Material (NAVCOM). Therefore, you can expect that it can absorb any frequency range, which results in powerful vibration and energy dissipation. It also contributes to the overall durability of the pad. It can withstand harsh conditions and climates. It won’t slip out even when the gun becomes drenched in the rain.

Pros:

  • checkCompatible with various stocks
  • Slip-free construction
  • Durable and rugged
  • Easy to install (no modifications needed)
  • Active shock absorption)

Cons:

  • times-circleSome gun stocks would need you to adjust the recoil pad regularly

2. Pachmayr Decelerator Recoil Pad – Alternative Pick

From the get-go, the Pachmayr Decelerator Slip-On Recoil Pad is already a perfect fit for your shotgun. It has a solid construction and fantastic appearance that can just match your favorite firearm. This particular recoil pad is quite versatile as well, as you can fit it to other types of weapon platforms (mostly rifles). Specifically, the Pachmayr Decelerator can slip through factory stocks with .5-inch tolerance.

The shock absorption that the Pachmayr Decelerator Slip-On Recoil Pad does is pretty efficient. The recoil that shotguns can do is adequately mitigated once you installed this pad already. It feels comfortable to the shoulders, which allows you to create the perfect shooting form. As a result, each of your shoots become stable. The tendency to miss your target would reduce, too.

Overall, this recoil pad is easy to install. But for those who are still new with these accessories, the Pachmayr Decelerator offers an installation manual. If your stock has factory pads mounted on them, then you have to remove them first before you can install this item. Once you can install it, you can guarantee that the pad won’t be going anywhere. Even if the gun is wet, it won’t slip away!

Pros:

  • checkRugged and durable design
  • Accommodates various factory stocks
  • Guarantees snugly fit on compatible firearms
  • Non-slip recoil pad
  • Minimizes vibration and energy efficiently

Cons:

  • times-circleIt can’t lessen the impact of hunting-type of rifles

3. Hogue EZG Recoil Pad – Budget-Friendly Option

People who have some degree of restrictions when it comes to spending still have viable options when it comes to recoil pedal. I will introduce to you the Hogue EZG Recoil Pad. Aside from its user-friendly price, this pad provides excellent performance, especially when dealing with high recoil. It can negate substantial impacts in a very efficient rate. Your shoulders will be able to withstand the stress for a long time!

The construction of the Hogue EZG Recoil Pad is pretty durable and rugged as well. Specifically, it is of elastomer material that is soft and sturdy at the same time. It also comes with a base plate that tightly mounts to the pad. The latter acts as a supplementary support so that you can manage the outgoing force from the gun. I can attest that this unit is powerful; even it doesn’t have any metal reinforcement.

Moreover, the Hogue EZG Recoil Pad is immune to warping and bending. It can wrap tightly any stocks without any visible gaps. Of course, you just have to make sure that you are going to insert it on an appropriate stock. Fortunately, this one comes in different sizes. Therefore, you won’t run out of options.

Pros:

  • checkExtremely rugged recoil pad
  • Effectively negates impact and vibration
  • Immune to warping and bending
  • Available in different sizes
  • Easy to install

Cons:

  • times-circleInstalling to wooden stocks is quite tricky

4. Shooterpads Gel-Filled Recoil Pads – High-End Recoil Pad

If you can pay the price, I will recommend this recoil pad to you. The Shooterpads is a high-quality option for a recoil pad. I usually see this item used in competitive shooting events and big game hunts. It has a unique construction that exhibits maximum durability and ruggedness. The material used on this recoil pad is efficient in absorbing shock and excess energy coming from the recoil. Specifically, the visco-elastic gel improves the comfort that your shoulder feels whenever you are grinding.

This particular pad also features mini cell pads that you can either remove or add. Depending on the situation, the presence of these pads will improve the efficiency of impact absorption. They can also help you augment the full length of the rifle. It is an innovative feature that is not present on most of its counterparts. It is also one of the reasons why professionals love this recoil pad.

Moreover, the Shooterpads Gel Filled Recoil Pads has quick and easy installment. You can mount it on the butt of any shotgun or rifles in less than a minute. It won’t deter your pace or efficiency on the field. Also, this recoil pad can be switched from one gun to another without any prior modifications or tools. Such ergonomic capability makes the Shooterpads as one of the best recoil pads on the market today.

Pros:

  • checkAdjustable and flexible recoil pad
  • Comes with cell pads for additional support
  • Quick and easy installment
  • Highly rugged and durable construction
  • Provides extreme comfort to its users

Cons:

  • times-circleIt should come in different sizes

5. Tourbon Buttstock Recoil Pad – The Best Shotgun Recoil Pad for Protectiveness

It would be great if you would consider the Tourbon Vintage Leather on your shopping list. It has a rugged construction that can guarantee your safety whenever you are using a shotgun with high recoil. After all, this recoil pad comes with authentic leather. The said material does not bend, warp, or crap. It is extremely sturdy, which improves your overall performance and accuracy. A thick silicone pad also makes up this recoil pad. It enhances the energy-absorption capabilities that this pad features. You can expect that up to 80% of the recoil of the shotgun can be negated once you install this pad. It is a highly protective pad that can shield your shoulder from unwanted impacts that could damage your posture and body. There is also a velcro strap included on the system of the Tourbon Vintage. The former acts as an enclosure to the recoil pad so that it won’t slip away. You will also appreciate the aesthetics and quality of this item. The appearance is classy and soothing to the skin. In short, it is a premium grade pad that justifies its price tag.

Pros:

  • checkImpressive energy absorption capabilities
  • Eloquent and classy design
  • Comes with a strap for a slip-free performance
  • Protects your shoulder from potential damages
  • Genuine leather construction

Cons:

  • times-circleIt has limited compatibility

Why A Recoil Pad for Shotgun is Important

If you are planning to purchase a shotgun, you must never forget to include a recoil pad. The function of this accessory is pretty straightforward. It is the safety net between you and the potential pain and damages that a recoil can inflict to you. Just remember one thing: shotguns are powerful. Their kickbacks are quite something, especially for those that have new arms.

Firing a shotgun is quite challenging, but fulfilling. A recoil pad can also act as the bridge between frustration and success. Once you can have total control over the recoil, the stability of your shots will be guaranteed. If you are hunting or doing some competitive action, this kind of feature is necessary. A quick and precise target acquisition can certainly make the difference.

Some of you might think that a recoil pad is not necessary anymore once you are dependent on using this firearm. Well, I can say that it is partly right. But if you want to improve your comfort and performance, then you should always install this device on the buttstock of your shotgun. Don’t act tough and cool. When dealing with firearms, you should be complete with the necessary amenities to keep you safe and sound.

Choosing the Best Shotgun Recoil Pad

5 of the Best Shotgun Recoil Pad The Top Picks For Shotgun Geeks 2

Now, there are some few things that you should bear in check whenever you are selecting a recoil pad for your shotgun. The first one is compatibility. Various recoil pads on the market today can fit in different buttstocks, regardless if they are from rifles or shotguns. If you can get a versatile recoil pad, then that is great. You can use it on your other firearms, which would eventually lessen your need to invest in another pad. But if you want to ensure a snugly fit, you can choose those pre-fitted options. They would certainly wrap the buttstock of your shotgun without seams. This type of construction prevents the recoil pad from slipping. Also, don’t forget the material in which makes up the recoil pad. Multiple manufacturers have used unique construction on their recoil pads for them to be reliable and efficient. As you have seen the list that I made, most of the recoil pads come with different materials. Some of them are leather and specialized fabrics. Regardless of what you choose, make sure that they are durable. It would be a bad deal if you will end up with a defective unit. That recoil pad won’t protect you at all.

Final Verdict

All the recoil pads that I have featured are a decent form of investments. They can ensure that your body will become protected from the kickback of high recoils. Therefore, choosing between any of them would not be a regrettable choice.

But I have to emphasize that the LimbSaver AirTech Slip-On Recoil Pad has the best performance and capabilities. It has a sturdy design that can expel any incoming surges of impact. At the same time, you can feel utmost comfort with this recoil pad, even if you are tightly grinding with it. Moreover, it has a perfect fit with most shotgun buttstocks. Therefore, compatibility will never be an issue for this recoil pad.

That is my list of the best shotgun recoil pad. I hope that this helped you choose the right pad for your favorite firearm. If you have something to say or recommend, then just tell me in the comment section below.​

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