Hi Folks!
A question about recoil reduction and how stock design can help. I have a 416 Rigby that I love, but it is right at my threshold in terms of recoil. It is a standard factory Dakota Africa Grade with a 13.5 inch LOP and standard factory pad. I am definitely going to replace the pad with a softer pad. Any suggestions? And I was considering adding a stock spacer to increase the LOP to atleast 13.7 inches, maybe close to 14. I am 6 ft. and have 35 inch sleeve length. I was thinking a longer LOP might reduce perceived recoil. I also hate muzzle breaks / ports. And I am concerned that a mercury tube might throw balance and / or make rifle to heavy or sluggish. Your thoughts?

hugh,

The 416 is about all I want to stand too. On my CZ I put a 1/2" spacer and sims vibration pad, really helped out, I have a long LOP so the fit is about right. The 1/2" spacer wont win a beauty constest, but I will work till I get my longer stock finished.

I like the sims pad better than the pac 990, although mine hasnt torn yet, it will tear easy, but works on recoil. NECG has some pads that look like they would work also and several different lengths, but I havent used them, my guess they will work also.

Hugh,
Nice rifle, but the Dakota issue stock has a small footprint in the butt. If you replace the pad with the 1.5" thick Pachmayr F990 "Triple Magnum" pad, you might increase the "footprint" in area as well as the length of pull and cushioning will be much better. I am about your size and Dakota measured me at 14.25" LOP. I definitely notice an easing of recoil with 14.25" instead of 13.5", all other variables constant.

I have heard that some have leather covered the F990 if they don't like the ventilated appearance of that pad. I like the pad's appearance as is, as long as the white line is black! It is a great pad. 470Mbogo recommends it on his bruisers too.

add 4oz in the forarm, 6-8 in the butt and use a 990 pad.. it ROCKS... much better than the kickeez (rob and dave talked me into using these)

jeffe

I know the thumb holes are not very popular with the DGR crowed; however I personally love the TH stock. They will eat up lots of recoil by transferring most of the recoil to your arm and not your recoil pad. I have not found that they slow down my shot speed as some would tell you. Additionally a well made and fitted TH stock is a thing of beauty to see, hold, and shoot. JMHO