My 30-06 Tikka Hunter (wood stock)slaps me in the face during recoil; what can be done to mitigate the effect (strap on cheek piece etc)? Ruger and Kimber stocks don't seem to tag my cheek as much.

Thanks.

Does your rifle pop you when shooting from field positions or only at the bench? Is the stock's length of pull correct for you? Is your scope mounted where it needs to be? I've seen somewhere a thin sheet of adhesive-backed recoil pad elastomer that can be applied to cheekpieces. It may be a shotgunners accessory. Perhaps such a contrivance would help. It's possible of course that this stock and your face might be a bad match...

Do you find yourself raising your face off the stock to look through the scope?
You may need lower scope rings to help you improve the fit and prevent the slap.
Just another thought but hard to tell without seeing you and the rifle together.

It's easy enough to see if a strap on cheek piece will help. Put some towels between your face and the stock. Build it up to the max where you are still getting a good unforced sight picture. Than fire one off and make a judgement. roger

I had a Tikka M695 in 270win some years ago. I sold it on, and felt recoil was one of the major reasons for its departure. I was never happy with the stock shape on the rifle.

Was a good rifle in most other respects.

I actually love the Sako/Tikka stock configuration, but I have a big head and very long neck.

quote:

Originally posted by martinbns:
I actually love the Sako/Tikka stock configuration, but I have a big head .

You're not the only one on this forum with a big head. I'm sorry .I just couldn't let that one go. roger

Check the pitch of the stock. With the butt on the ground and the barrel standing straight up the gun should be very close to a 90 degree angle standing straight up. If the forend side is pointing more down the gun will slap you more. Cut or add angled shims to correct the pitch. This can have a huge effect on face slap.
If the pitch is good, well then the stock is just not right for you. Try a thin soft pad on the comb.

quote:

Originally posted by martinbns:
I actually love the Sako/Tikka stock configuration, but I have a big head and very long neck.

I have a big head also, but a short fat neck.

Germanic style stocks seem to suit me perfectly, Sauer and Steyr stocks in particular. Blaser stock are excellent also.