In adding to what Revdocdrew stated, your gun would have been proofed for loads made then in 1929. So shooting the new modern low recoil shells will be fine. As far as adding a recoil pad, you would have to do something to bring the lop to your liking, so adding a Silvers type recoil pad would be fine, better than having the gun restocked. As far as what the chokes are, I would take shells that you are going to use from different manufacturers and pattern your gun before having it opened. People put too much emphasis on what is stamped on barrels or what the barrels mike up to. Shoot the gun and see what you like best, and if not a good pattern for you then have it opened. Field Grade "elsies" are famous for the forend being lost after they stopped using the Curtis forend release around 1920. Good luck and keep us posted.