1" Pachmayr Decelerator with rubber heel insert (sporting clays model)
1.5" Pachmayr F990
Limbsaver
Most of my guns use the Pachmayr Decelerator, and I have been satisfied with it so far. However, if there is a better way to go, I'm all ears. Recoil attenuation is the most important factor, as this gun will be unbraked, and will mostly be shot for fun (I have a .470 Capstick for when things get serious ). George
[ 12-01-2003, 22:36: Message edited by: GeorgeS ]
Posts: 14623 | Location: San Antonio, TX | Registered: 22 May 2001
I put the black Decels on everything. If you don't want the added inch you can buy 1/2 inch Decels from Brownells. From what I have been told the Limbsavers work well also, however I have no first hand knowledge of them. I have not used the Decel with insert or the F990.
I have used several Pachmayr Decelerators and one Kick-Eez pads. I find the Kick-Eez to be a very soft sorbothane pad which works very well. The Decelerator is also very soft but has a rigid framework which limits the amount of recoil absorbed.
Steve
Posts: 439 | Location: Kansas by way of Colorado and Montana | Registered: 04 April 2001
Ditto on Kick-Eze. It is also a solid pad, unlike most pachmayers which are hollow.
It was originally designed and marketed for clays shooters, who fire thousands of rounds a year. But it works very well for rifle applications. The sporting clays pad has a beveled heel which makes mounting your gun very easy.
George, just got my first big bore shooter in 458 Winnie, it's not really pretty with the Boyds laminated stock but with the 1" decellerator I was able to shoot comfortably from the bench. Here's the target at 50 yd's(yeah I can't believe it either) but Jeffe was there. The previous largest bore I had shot was Jeffes 416 Rem. and I think my 458 kicks less.
I think my lightweight sporter in 8x57 with only a butt plate kicks much worse. With the decellerator the 458 is really just a big push, not sharp at all.
OK, OK I'm showing off, but a middle aged, balding, 1/2 blind fat guy has to be happy about something, so I sneak the target into every post I can.
Posts: 1242 | Location: Houston, TX, USA | Registered: 04 April 2002
Another trick is to make your own neoprene pad by folding one of those 8 inch wide exercise belts over and over into a 6X8 pad and wear it under your shirt when doing target work. Cost is $7 at Walmart and I guarantee that it will be more comfortable and more effective than any other recoil pad system out there.
Neoprene is extremely soft and light...they make wet suits out of it...and when layered it has the same rate of compression resistance as coil springs, but with a delayed rebound. Also, there are simply no edges to the butt of your rifle and the jab is spread over a very wide area.
Posts: 1111 | Location: Afton, VA | Registered: 31 May 2003
I have a few Deccelerators on rifles up to 375H&H. Love 'em - for both their efficacy and their looks.
I've only had my first F990 for several months now, but I am quite pleased with it. The rifle is a 500NE, (Ruger #1), and weighs 9.75#.
I still prefer the appearance of the Deccelerator, but the prospect of leather wrapping the 990 may just equalise things! Nice idea.
Personally, for the 458 W/M, I'd probably go with the Deccelerator as it will damp things quite nicely for you. I shot a 458 #1 for quite a while and really liked the Deccelerator, especially when compared to the factory Ruger pad!
Of course, when you re-chamber it at a later date for a harder punchin' load, you'll be wanting the 990!
Regards,
Posts: 1171 | Location: Wyoming, USA | Registered: 03 June 2000
I have to admit I got the leather covering idea from Butch Searcy. All you do is take some decent thin cowhide( the color should match the stock and/or you can dye it) then soak it in water and cover the pad. I use some rubber tubing to hold it in place until dry. I worked out all the folds with a wooden stick. When dry Cut it to shape with a razor, remove it carefully and then coat the pad with fast drying epoxy lightly and put the leather covering back on. It looks pretty good when done.
Posts: 6314 | Location: Las Vegas,NV | Registered: 10 January 2001
I have a F990 om my 450 Rigby and I'm very pleased. I'm shooting so far mostly of the bench. Best load is 2395fps with 500grains Hornady. (Hot load)...
Posts: 240 | Location: Finland | Registered: 16 July 2002
quote:Originally posted by Robgunbuilder: I have to admit I got the leather covering idea from Butch Searcy. All you do is take some decent thin cowhide( the color should match the stock and/or you can dye it) then soak it in water and cover the pad. I use some rubber tubing to hold it in place until dry. I worked out all the folds with a wooden stick. When dry Cut it to shape with a razor, remove it carefully and then coat the pad with fast drying epoxy lightly and put the leather covering back on. It looks pretty good when done.
Got it! So, the leather is not folded underneath the pad, just around the sides and over the back, correct?
George
Posts: 14623 | Location: San Antonio, TX | Registered: 22 May 2001
i USED to like the kickeeze, till i tried a f990...
the kickeeze TEARS in the field.. easily... it will not stand up to a 21 day safari... heck, it barely lives through range days and a 15 or sao days a year pig hunting...
the f990 is soft feeling, hard wearing and light..
i should weigh the two, but that's too much like work... i expect the f990 is 6-8 oz, and the kickeeze is 12-14
Jeff, your 458, with those bullets, does kick less than the 416.... in fact, it feels pretty nice... did it go off?
George, if you go with the new, red Pachmayr 1" Decelerator, you'll be very happy with its performance, and with its appearance. I wouldn't use anything else.
I agree with you. The London Guns pad seems to have the best of all worlds. It's classic in shape and color and it seems to be the perfect density to me. Although, I haven't used them on anything bigger than a .338. It may not hold up to the big kickers.
I have used the Silver's pad on 458. What a mistake. It's a beautiful pad and great to work with, but it is so hard that it affords no help in terms of recoil.
Jeffe, are you sure you used a London gun's pad? Or was it a Silver's?
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