Let’s Dive into American Built Arms Company Urban Recoil Pad
Recoil. It’s the bane of many a shooter’s existence. While some relish the feeling of raw power, others, myself included, prefer a more controlled and comfortable shooting experience. That’s where the American Built Arms Company Urban Recoil Pad steps in, promising to tame the kick of your rifle and improve your overall accuracy. As someone who spends a considerable amount of time at the range, and has a particular appreciation for the modularity of AR platforms, I was eager to see if this seemingly simple accessory could live up to the hype.
My journey to finding this recoil pad started with the A*B Arms Urban Sniper Stock. I loved the adjustability and lightweight design of the stock, but quickly realized it was missing something crucial: a decent recoil pad. The bare buttstock plate was uncomfortable, especially when shooting heavier calibers for extended periods. It needed a solution.
Upon receiving the American Built Arms Company Urban Recoil Pad, my initial impression was positive. The medium-high density rubber felt substantial and well-made. The build quality appeared robust, and the integrated inner pocket hinted at superior compression and recoil absorption. Compared to other stick-on recoil pads I’ve used in the past, this felt like a more integrated and intentional design. While products like LimbSaver slip-on pads offer universal fit, the A*B Arms pad is designed explicitly for their stocks, promising a seamless fit.
Frankly, my first impression was one of slight annoyance mixed with anticipation. Annoyance because it wasn’t included with the stock itself, and anticipation to see if it would drastically improve the shooting experience as much as I hoped. Let’s see how it fared.
Real-World Testing: Putting American Built Arms Company Urban Recoil Pad to the Test
First Use Experience
I tested the American Built Arms Company Urban Recoil Pad at my local shooting range, primarily using an AR-15 chambered in 5.56 NATO and an AR-10 chambered in .308 Winchester. The conditions were typical for a summer afternoon – sunny and slightly humid. I ran several drills, focusing on rapid target acquisition and sustained fire to really gauge the pad’s effectiveness.
The installation was straightforward, thanks to the included hardware. It fit perfectly onto the A*B Arms Urban Sniper Stock without any modifications. The immediate difference was noticeable: the rifle felt more secure against my shoulder, and the recoil felt noticeably lessened, especially with the .308. The pad’s added thickness provided a better cheek weld, contributing to improved accuracy.
There were no surprises after the first use; it performed exactly as advertised. The only minor initial concern was the rubber’s potential to become slippery when wet, but it didn’t cause any issues during that first range trip.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of regular use, the American Built Arms Company Urban Recoil Pad has proven to be a reliable and worthwhile addition to my rifle. It has accompanied me on numerous range trips and even a couple of hog hunts.
The pad has held up exceptionally well, showing minimal signs of wear and tear. The medium-high density rubber has retained its shape and cushioning ability, even after repeated exposure to heat and recoil. Cleaning is simple; a quick wipe with a damp cloth removes any dirt or residue.
Compared to shooting with the bare buttstock, the difference is night and day. The Urban Recoil Pad significantly reduces felt recoil, allowing for faster follow-up shots and less fatigue during extended shooting sessions. It has certainly exceeded my initial expectations, becoming an indispensable component of my rifle setup.
Breaking Down the Features of American Built Arms Company Urban Recoil Pad
Specifications
The American Built Arms Company Urban Recoil Pad boasts several key specifications that contribute to its effectiveness and overall value:
Material: Crafted from durable, medium-high density rubber, providing both cushioning and longevity. This ensures the pad can withstand repeated recoil without deforming or losing its effectiveness.
Design: Features an inner pocket for enhanced compression during recoil. The air pocket compresses under pressure, further absorbing and dissipating the impact.
Thickness: Measures just 0.75 inches thick, adding minimal length to the rifle. This prevents the rifle from becoming unwieldy or throwing off the shooter’s balance.
Compatibility: Designed specifically for the A*B Arms Urban Sniper Stock and Urban Assault Stock. This ensures a perfect fit and seamless integration with these popular stock options.
Weight: Weighs in at a mere 2 ounces, adding negligible weight to the overall rifle setup. This is critical for maintaining maneuverability and avoiding unnecessary fatigue.
Dimensions: The pad has a length of 5.06 inches and a width of 1.35 inches, providing ample surface area for comfortable shoulder contact. These dimensions are precisely engineered for optimal recoil absorption.
Mounting: Attaches directly to the buttstock plate with two included hardware screws, ensuring a secure and stable fit. This straightforward mounting system simplifies installation and prevents slippage during use.
These specifications are not merely numbers; they directly impact the performance and user experience. The material choice affects durability and recoil absorption, while the design elements enhance comfort and accuracy.
Performance & Functionality
The primary function of the American Built Arms Company Urban Recoil Pad is to reduce felt recoil, and it performs this task admirably. The combination of medium-high density rubber and the inner compression pocket effectively absorbs and dissipates recoil energy, minimizing the impact on the shooter’s shoulder.
Its strengths lie in its simple yet effective design, ease of installation, and noticeable reduction in felt recoil. The only potential weakness is the rubber’s tendency to become slightly slippery when wet, though this can be mitigated with a textured shooting jacket. Overall, it meets and exceeds expectations for a recoil pad in its price range.
Design & Ergonomics
The design of the American Built Arms Company Urban Recoil Pad is both functional and aesthetically pleasing. The medium-high density rubber feels comfortable against the shoulder, and the slight give of the inner pocket provides additional cushioning.
It’s user-friendly; installation is simple and requires no specialized tools. The added thickness improves the cheek weld on the stock, contributing to better shooting posture and accuracy.
Durability & Maintenance
Given its robust construction, the American Built Arms Company Urban Recoil Pad is built to last. The medium-high density rubber is resistant to wear and tear, and the simple design minimizes potential failure points.
Maintenance is a breeze. A quick wipe with a damp cloth after each use is all that’s needed to keep it clean and functioning optimally.
Accessories and Customization Options
The American Built Arms Company Urban Recoil Pad comes with the necessary hardware for installation, but it doesn’t offer extensive customization options beyond that. However, its primary purpose is recoil reduction and comfort, which it achieves effectively.
It is specifically designed for the A*B Arms Urban Sniper Stock and Urban Assault Stock. As such, it seamlessly integrates with other accessories compatible with those stocks, such as adjustable cheek risers and sling mounts.
Pros and Cons of American Built Arms Company Urban Recoil Pad
Pros
- Significantly reduces felt recoil, improving shooting comfort and accuracy.
- Easy to install with included hardware.
- Durable construction using high-quality medium-high density rubber.
- Specifically designed for A*B Arms Urban Sniper Stock and Urban Assault Stock, ensuring a perfect fit.
- Lightweight design adds minimal weight to the rifle.
Cons
- The recoil pad doesn’t come with the required mounting screws.
- Does not come standard with the A*B Arms Urban Sniper Stock. It has to be purchased separately.
Who Should Buy American Built Arms Company Urban Recoil Pad?
The American Built Arms Company Urban Recoil Pad is perfect for:
- Shooters who own an A*B Arms Urban Sniper Stock or Urban Assault Stock and seek improved comfort and recoil management.
- Hunters and competitive shooters who spend extended periods at the range and need to reduce fatigue.
- Individuals sensitive to recoil or those recovering from shoulder injuries.
Who should skip this product?
- Those who don’t own an A*B Arms Urban Sniper Stock or Urban Assault Stock, as it’s specifically designed for those models.
- Shooters who prefer a more aggressive recoil experience.
Must-have accessories or modifications?
- Consider an adjustable cheek riser for the A*B Arms Urban Sniper Stock to optimize cheek weld and eye alignment with optics.
- A quality sling is always a good addition for improved rifle control and carry.
Conclusion on American Built Arms Company Urban Recoil Pad
The American Built Arms Company Urban Recoil Pad is a simple yet effective accessory that significantly improves the shooting experience with the A*B Arms Urban Sniper Stock and Urban Assault Stock. It reduces felt recoil, enhances comfort, and contributes to improved accuracy.
At a price of $24.44, the value proposition is excellent. Given its durability and performance benefits, it’s a worthwhile investment for anyone looking to upgrade their A*B Arms stock.
I would absolutely recommend the American Built Arms Company Urban Recoil Pad to anyone who owns or is considering purchasing an A*B Arms Urban Sniper Stock or Urban Assault Stock. It’s a small addition that makes a big difference.
Don’t settle for a bare buttstock – upgrade your rifle with the American Built Arms Company Urban Recoil Pad and experience the difference firsthand! You will thank yourself.