I have a .404 Jeffery being built - a full on custom on a GM DSB action. I have a really fine piece of French walnut I have been saving for over 25 years... plan on double extended tangs, English styling, steel grip cap, barrel band sling swivel, folding front sight, and a Rigby style folding peep sight. I'll probably mount a quality 1-4 or 5X scope on detachable scope mounts. In other words I am sparing no expense.

A minor dilemma has arisen... what recoil pad do I have fitted? I like leather covered pads and have them on other weapons, but I am thinking a red Pachmyr might be more traditional and less prone to slipping under recoil. So I am asking opinions from your comments and advice.

What do you think?

That is all I use. Red, black, and brown. When I want a thin red rifle pad, I get them from Brownells. Otherwise, Pach Decelerator. Old English base.

Here is my 404 I fitted a Pachmayr Old English red pad to. Soaks up the recoil nicely and does not slip. I deliberately shape the heal of the pad as it shows in the photo, I don't like sharp pad heels following the stock heel angle, rifles or shotguns, as I find they often catch on clothing when quickly shouldering the firearm.
The second photo is the rear view of the pad on mounted on the Mauser, don't butcher the screw holes through the pad as some do, it is possible to insert the screws and mount the pad leaving the slits invisible as in the photo. Would certainly recommend the Pachmayr route.

My first choice is a Neidner steel butt plate, second is a Silvers pig skin covered pad, third is a Silvers pad or the solid red pachmyer above..

Ive seen many old English 404s with leather covered pads, why would you change that? Sliping under recoil, not so, what they do achieve and were designed to do is keep the gun from hanging up on your clothing under a dangerous situation, thus the leather covering.

I went with Wiebe steel buttplate. He has gone up to 375H&H, so thought 404J would be ok. Nice, trim look and get an extra 1/2” of Bastogne!

The problem I have with rubber butt pads is they hang up on your shirt as you shoulder them. I prefer a shoulder harness style pad under the shirt for hard kickers. Like the PAST pad. African rifles look so much better to me with a steel butt plate.

This is my .404 Jeffrey, built around a Magnum Mauser action. I think the Silvers pad looks quite nice and has never given me a problem.

I've used Kick-Eez, Pachmayr, Silvers, and NECG recoil pads. I've used the last three in Red/orange.

They all are different, but I used the NECG pad on my 404J, 9.3x62, and 375 H&H. I like the fact they are removable and show no screws. They seem to grind easier as well.

Here's my 404J

Nice wood and pad AH

quote:

Originally posted by eagle27:
Nice wood and pad AH

Thank you! Mesquite