Let’s Dive into Butler Creek Slip-On Recoil Pad
The Butler Creek Slip-On Recoil Pad is a simple yet effective solution for taming the kick of your rifle or shotgun. Manufactured by Butler Creek, this pad is designed to slip over existing buttstocks, offering immediate recoil reduction without permanent modifications. It’s made of a durable elastomer material, designed to mimic the look and feel of leather, while providing superior shock absorption.
I’ve been shooting for over a decade, and while I enjoy the power of larger calibers, my shoulder doesn’t always agree. I was specifically looking for a non-permanent, affordable way to reduce felt recoil on some of my older firearms with unforgiving plastic buttplates. The Butler Creek Slip-On Recoil Pad seemed like a great option.
My first impression upon unboxing was positive; the pad felt solid and well-made. The elastomer had a nice texture, better than I anticipated, and the slip-on design looked straightforward. It felt significantly denser than other slip-on pads I’ve encountered.
I considered LimbSaver and Pachmayr slip-on pads, both respected names, but the Butler Creek offered a more appealing price point for what seemed like comparable performance. The other pads looked great, but the Butler Creek Slip-On Recoil Pad seemed like the best starting point. I wanted to solve the shoulder pain without breaking the bank.
I was excited to try it out! The Butler Creek Slip-On Recoil Pad appeared like a fast, effective recoil-reduction solution. I immediately wanted to put it on my M1 Garand to see if I could extend my range time.
Real-World Testing: Putting Butler Creek Slip-On Recoil Pad to the Test
First Use Experience
I first tested the Butler Creek Slip-On Recoil Pad at my local shooting range on my M1 Garand, a rifle notorious for its stout recoil. I was shooting .30-06 rounds, which can be punishing after a while, and wanted to see how much the pad would help. The weather was dry and mild, perfect for an outdoor range day.
The pad slipped on easily and stayed securely in place throughout the shooting session. The difference in felt recoil was immediately noticeable; the Butler Creek Slip-On Recoil Pad significantly reduced the impact on my shoulder. I felt less fatigue and flinching after extended shooting.
There were no major issues, although the pad did shift slightly on the stock after about 50 rounds. It was an easy adjustment, though. I noticed that the color matched the wood stock on my Garand almost perfectly.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of use, the Butler Creek Slip-On Recoil Pad continues to perform reliably. It has remained securely in place during multiple range sessions and a hunting trip. I’ve used it in temperatures ranging from 30°F to 80°F with no issues.
There are no significant signs of wear and tear so far, just some minor scuff marks that wipe away easily. Cleaning is simple; I just wipe it down with a damp cloth after each use. The elastomer is easy to clean.
Compared to previous experiences shooting the same rifles without a recoil pad, the Butler Creek provides a vastly more comfortable experience. It doesn’t completely eliminate recoil, but it makes shooting larger calibers much more manageable and enjoyable. I wish I had purchased this years ago.
Breaking Down the Features of Butler Creek Slip-On Recoil Pad
Specifications
The Butler Creek Slip-On Recoil Pad is available in three sizes: Small (5″ h x 4″ d x 1 1/2″ w), Medium (5 1/4″ h x 4″ d x 1 9/16″ w), and Large (5 1/2″ h x 4″ d x 1 3/4″ w). The pad is constructed from a durable elastomer material that is designed to mimic the appearance of leather. It comes in a brown color.
The elastomer material provides excellent shock absorption and reduces felt recoil, making shooting more comfortable. The slip-on design makes installation quick and easy, requiring no tools or permanent modifications. Choosing the correct size ensures a snug and secure fit on your specific firearm’s buttstock.
Performance & Functionality
The Butler Creek Slip-On Recoil Pad performs its primary function – reducing felt recoil – exceptionally well. It effectively absorbs a significant amount of the shock, minimizing fatigue and flinching. This leads to improved accuracy, especially during extended shooting sessions.
The pad’s strengths lie in its simplicity, ease of installation, and noticeable recoil reduction. A potential weakness is that it’s not a perfect solution for every firearm. On some stocks, it may shift slightly, and extreme recoil may still be felt, albeit less severely.
Overall, the Butler Creek Slip-On Recoil Pad exceeds my expectations for a product in this price range. It delivers on its promise of recoil reduction. I am genuinely impressed.
Design & Ergonomics
The Butler Creek Slip-On Recoil Pad features a simple, functional design. The elastomer material is durable, and the leather-like texture provides a good grip. The brown color is aesthetically pleasing and blends well with most wooden stocks.
The pad is relatively lightweight and doesn’t significantly alter the balance of the firearm. The slip-on design is incredibly user-friendly, requiring no special skills or tools to install. There is virtually no learning curve.
Durability & Maintenance
The elastomer material used in the Butler Creek Slip-On Recoil Pad is designed to withstand regular use and exposure to the elements. With proper care, it should last for years. The pad is easy to clean with just soap and water.
There are no small parts or complex mechanisms that could break or require specialized maintenance. The simple design contributes to its overall durability. I expect this to last for years.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Butler Creek Slip-On Recoil Pad is a standalone product and doesn’t come with any additional accessories. Since it is a slip-on pad, it doesn’t lend itself to customization in the same way that other firearm components might. However, its compatibility is its strength.
It is compatible with a wide range of rifles and shotguns with standard buttstocks. Its primary function is to work with the existing firearm configuration, rather than requiring modifications. It enhances almost any rifle or shotgun.
Pros and Cons of Butler Creek Slip-On Recoil Pad
Pros
- Significantly reduces felt recoil, making shooting more comfortable and enjoyable, especially with larger calibers.
- Simple slip-on design allows for quick and easy installation without any tools or permanent modifications.
- Affordable price point makes it accessible to a wide range of shooters.
- Durable elastomer material provides long-lasting performance and a secure grip.
- Improves accuracy by minimizing fatigue and flinching.
Cons
- May shift slightly on the stock of some firearms, requiring occasional adjustments.
- Recoil reduction, while significant, may not be sufficient for those with severe recoil sensitivity.
Who Should Buy Butler Creek Slip-On Recoil Pad?
The Butler Creek Slip-On Recoil Pad is perfect for hunters, recreational shooters, and anyone who wants to reduce felt recoil without permanently modifying their firearm. It’s especially beneficial for those shooting larger calibers or firearms with hard plastic buttstocks. It will make a big difference.
Someone who is extremely recoil-sensitive or looking for the absolute maximum recoil reduction might want to consider a more advanced recoil reduction system. Also, if you want something that permanently adheres to the stock, this might not be the product for you. This product is for someone seeking simplicity.
A must-have accessory would be a good cleaning cloth to wipe down the pad after each use. Also, consider purchasing some stock tape to help secure the pad to the buttstock, minimizing any potential shifting.
Conclusion on Butler Creek Slip-On Recoil Pad
The Butler Creek Slip-On Recoil Pad is an excellent value for the money. It provides a noticeable reduction in felt recoil, making shooting more comfortable and improving accuracy. The slip-on design is simple and convenient, and the durable elastomer material ensures long-lasting performance.
The price is absolutely justified, given the level of recoil reduction and the overall quality of the product. This pad costs less than a box of ammunition! It’s a no-brainer.
I would definitely recommend the Butler Creek Slip-On Recoil Pad to anyone looking for an affordable and effective way to manage recoil. It’s a game-changer for those who enjoy shooting larger calibers or simply want a more comfortable shooting experience. Grab one and tame that recoil!