Posted by Billl McNett on January 4, 2016, 4:41 pm
Hi All, and a Happy New Year to everyone.
I'd like to throw out for discussion the choice between a modern recoil pad versus a period correct version. I recently picked up a matching numbers 1918 Field Grade L.C. two barrel set (28" open chokes and 30" tight chokes) with a straight grip stock (probably not orig, but in great shape). I took it straight to Kenneth Myers in New Oxford PA for several items that needed attention. One of the items is to replace the repro plastic butt plate with a recoil pad. I'd really like to do a period pad on this gun, but have never shot anything with a repro pad before. Herein lies the dilemma... Even though Kenneth's goal is to put the gun back into proper tune and high condition, it will probably be a shooter as well (mostly skeet and sporting clays with some trap). I have many modern pads on various Elsie's and Hunter Fulton's and love the way they shoot. The only pad that seems to have been factory available in 1918 is the Silver's pad which I hear is very hard. So the question is, will a Hawkins model 25, or Jostam Hi-Gun repro be comparable in felt recoil to a Pachmyer 752 or S325 White Line?, or do I really need to decide between authenticity and comfort? ...while also keeping in mind that even the Jostam and the Hawkins pads don't appear to have been available for a couple of years after 1918 (1922 or 1927 perhaps?). I mainly shoot 7/8 oz. 1200fps lower pressure reloads with some one ounce loads thrown in occasionally. Any insight or experience that folks can pass on would be greatly appreciated.