Allen 15569 OSFA Black Neoprene Review

The Allen 15569 OSFA Black Neoprene Made a Bold First Impression

Recoil. It’s the bane of many shooters, especially those new to the sport or those sensitive to the repeated impact. I’ve spent over a decade in the outdoor and tactical gear world, and I’ve seen countless attempts to tame that beast. The Allen 15569 OSFA Black Neoprene recoil pad from Allen Company promised a simple, affordable solution to mitigate recoil. I was skeptical, but always open to a good product.

What drew me to this recoil pad was the need to provide a more comfortable shooting experience for my younger cousins who were showing an interest in firearms. They were initially intimidated by the kick, and I wanted to help them enjoy the sport without discomfort. My initial thought was to introduce them to the Allen 15569 OSFA Black Neoprene.

Upon receiving the package, I was immediately struck by its simplicity. A straightforward black neoprene pad. It didn’t scream “high-tech,” but the material felt soft and pliable. Build quality appeared decent for the price point, with even stitching and no obvious flaws.

I considered other options like limb-saver slip-on pads and gel-filled recoil shields, but the Allen 15569 OSFA Black Neoprene‘s affordability and supposedly universal fit won me over. Those other options were significantly more expensive, and I wasn’t yet sure if a recoil pad was the right solution. The Allen pad seemed like a low-risk way to test the waters. I wanted to see if I could use it effectively and whether the kids would like it.

My first impression was one of cautious optimism. It looked promising, but I was eager to see how it performed in the field. Hopefully the Allen 15569 OSFA Black Neoprene would live up to its promise.

Real-World Testing: Putting Allen 15569 OSFA Black Neoprene to the Test

First Use Experience

I tested the Allen 15569 OSFA Black Neoprene at my local shooting range, using a variety of firearms including a 12-gauge shotgun, a .30-06 hunting rifle, and a .223 AR-15. The primary goal was to evaluate its recoil-reducing properties and its impact on the overall shooting experience. I wanted to see how each firearm would handle while using the product.

The pad performed surprisingly well, especially on the shotgun and rifle. The neoprene and gel-like padding noticeably reduced the felt recoil. It made longer shooting sessions significantly more comfortable. Even in slightly damp conditions, the Allen 15569 OSFA Black Neoprene remained securely in place, without slipping or shifting.

The installation took seconds, as advertised. It slid right onto the butt of each firearm stock. However, the fit wasn’t perfect on every gun; it was a bit loose on the AR-15’s stock.

After the first use, I was impressed with the significant recoil reduction, especially considering the price. The improved comfort encouraged more focused practice. I did notice a minor increase in the length of pull, which took a few shots to adjust to.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks of consistent use, the Allen 15569 OSFA Black Neoprene has proven to be a reliable and effective accessory. I put it through its paces on multiple range trips and even during a weekend hunting trip.

Durability has been surprisingly good. There are no signs of tearing or significant wear, even after repeated use and storage in my range bag. The neoprene material has held its shape well, and the stitching remains intact.

Maintaining the recoil pad is a breeze. A quick wipe down with a damp cloth is all it takes to remove dirt and grime. It doesn’t require any special cleaning solutions or maintenance procedures.

Compared to my previous experiences with other recoil-reducing methods (like heavier firearms or specialized recoil compensators), the Allen 15569 OSFA Black Neoprene offers a convenient and cost-effective solution. It may not provide the same level of recoil reduction as a high-end recoil system, but it provides a noticeable improvement for a fraction of the cost. It certainly outperforms simply toughing it out and dealing with the punishment.

Breaking Down the Features of Allen 15569 OSFA Black Neoprene

Specifications

The Allen 15569 OSFA Black Neoprene boasts a deceptively simple design that belies its effectiveness. It’s crucial to understand its specifications to appreciate its benefits.

  • Material: Constructed from soft neoprene, providing a comfortable and shock-absorbing layer between the firearm and the shooter’s shoulder. The softness helps to mitigate the harshness of the recoil.
  • Padding: Features a gel-like padding that further enhances recoil reduction. This gel conforms to the shooter’s shoulder, distributing the recoil force more evenly.
  • Fit: Designed as a “One Size Fits All (OSFA)” recoil pad, intended to fit most rifle and shotgun stocks. This eliminates the need for precise measurements and ensures compatibility with a wide range of firearms.
  • Installation: The slip-on design allows for quick and easy installation, requiring no tools or gunsmithing skills. Simply slide the pad over the butt of the firearm stock.
  • Color: Available in a black finish, providing a low-profile and non-reflective appearance. This is ideal for tactical and hunting applications.

These specifications are important because they directly influence the recoil pad’s performance. The neoprene and gel padding are the key components responsible for reducing felt recoil. The OSFA design ensures versatility and convenience.

Performance & Functionality

The Allen 15569 OSFA Black Neoprene‘s primary function is to reduce felt recoil, and it performs this task admirably. It effectively absorbs a significant portion of the recoil energy. This translates to a more comfortable and enjoyable shooting experience.

  • Strengths: Its ease of installation and noticeable recoil reduction are its biggest strengths. The affordability is also a major selling point.
  • Weaknesses: The OSFA design can be a bit loose on some firearm stocks. This may require additional adjustments or shimming for a secure fit. The recoil reduction, while significant, is not as substantial as more expensive recoil reduction systems.

The Allen 15569 OSFA Black Neoprene meets and slightly exceeds my expectations for a recoil pad in its price range. It offers a tangible improvement in shooting comfort.

Design & Ergonomics

The design of the Allen 15569 OSFA Black Neoprene is simple but effective. The neoprene material is soft and pliable, providing a comfortable contact point against the shoulder.

  • Build Quality: The build quality is decent, given the price point. The stitching is even, and the materials appear to be reasonably durable.
  • User-Friendly?: There is virtually no learning curve. It’s intuitive. Just slip it on and go.

The added length of pull may require some shooters to adjust their shooting stance or cheek weld.

Durability & Maintenance

The Allen 15569 OSFA Black Neoprene is surprisingly durable for its price. After weeks of use, it shows no signs of significant wear and tear.

It is easy to maintain. A simple wipe down with a damp cloth is sufficient to keep it clean. The construction seems robust enough to withstand regular use in various weather conditions.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Allen 15569 OSFA Black Neoprene doesn’t come with any additional accessories, nor does it offer significant customization options. Its primary purpose is a simple, slip-on recoil pad.

However, some users may choose to add shims or padding underneath the recoil pad to achieve a more custom fit on specific firearm stocks. The pad is compatible with most standard rifle and shotgun stocks.

Pros and Cons of Allen 15569 OSFA Black Neoprene

Pros

  • Significant recoil reduction makes shooting more comfortable, especially for extended sessions.
  • Affordable price makes it accessible to shooters on a budget.
  • Easy to install with its slip-on design, requiring no tools or gunsmithing.
  • One Size Fits All (OSFA) design provides versatility and compatibility with most firearms.
  • Durable neoprene construction ensures long-lasting performance.

Cons

  • OSFA design may result in a loose fit on some firearm stocks.
  • Recoil reduction is not as substantial as more expensive recoil systems.


Who Should Buy Allen 15569 OSFA Black Neoprene?

The Allen 15569 OSFA Black Neoprene is perfect for:

  • New shooters who are sensitive to recoil and want to ease into the sport.
  • Hunters looking for an affordable way to reduce recoil when sighting in their rifles or during long days in the field.
  • Casual target shooters who want to enjoy longer shooting sessions without discomfort.
  • Individuals with shoulder injuries or sensitivities who need recoil mitigation.

Who should skip this product?

  • Competitive shooters who require the absolute maximum recoil reduction for optimal performance may find this pad insufficient. They might prefer more advanced and expensive recoil systems.
  • Shooters with firearms that have highly customized or non-standard stock dimensions may encounter fitment issues.

Must-have accessories or modifications?

  • Consider adding shims or padding underneath the recoil pad for a more secure and custom fit on specific firearms.

Conclusion on Allen 15569 OSFA Black Neoprene

The Allen 15569 OSFA Black Neoprene is a surprisingly effective and affordable recoil pad that delivers on its promise of reducing felt recoil. While it may not be the ultimate solution for extreme recoil mitigation, it provides a noticeable improvement in shooting comfort for a wide range of shooters.

The value proposition is excellent. For a mere $11.99, you get a durable, easy-to-install accessory that can significantly enhance your shooting experience.

I would personally recommend the Allen 15569 OSFA Black Neoprene to anyone looking for a budget-friendly way to tame recoil. If you are new to shooting, recoil-sensitive, or simply want to enjoy longer shooting sessions without discomfort, this recoil pad is a worthwhile investment.

Don’t let recoil keep you from enjoying your time at the range or in the field. Grab the Allen 15569 OSFA Black Neoprene, and experience the difference for yourself!


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