The Butler Creek Small Slip On Recoil Pad Made a Bold First Impression
I’ve spent over a decade in the outdoor and tactical gear world, and one thing that always comes up is recoil management. A comfortable shooting experience is crucial, especially when introducing new shooters or taming older rifles. That’s why I was intrigued by the Butler Creek Small Slip On Recoil Pad.
My son recently inherited an 8mm German Mauser, a rifle known for its historical significance and, shall we say, spirited recoil. I wanted to make shooting it more enjoyable for him, and less intimidating, so I went searching for a solution. I needed something simple, effective, and affordable – not a complete stock replacement.
When the Butler Creek Small Slip On Recoil Pad arrived, I was immediately impressed. The rubber felt dense and durable, promising a good level of shock absorption. The slip-on design seemed straightforward, eliminating the need for gunsmithing. Compared to pricier, more elaborate recoil reduction systems, this was a breath of fresh air. I considered LimbSaver and Pachmayr offerings, but the Butler Creek seemed like the best value for a first try.
My initial impression was one of cautious optimism. Could something so simple really make a significant difference? I was excited to find out if it would tame the Mauser’s kick and make it a rifle my son would enjoy shooting.
Real-World Testing: Putting Butler Creek Small Slip On Recoil Pad to the Test
First Use Experience
Our first range trip with the Butler Creek Small Slip On Recoil Pad was a success. We tested the Mauser with the pad installed at a local outdoor range. The weather was clear and cool, perfect for a comfortable shooting session.
The difference was immediately noticeable. The sharp kick of the 8mm Mauser was significantly reduced. My son, who had been hesitant to shoot more than a few rounds before, was now happily sending rounds downrange. The pad absorbed a good portion of the recoil, making the shooting experience much more manageable and enjoyable. No issues with slippage or movement of the pad during firing were observed.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several range trips spanning a few months, the Butler Creek Small Slip On Recoil Pad continues to perform well. There are no visible signs of wear and tear, despite exposure to varying temperatures and humidity.
Cleaning is simple; a quick wipe-down with a damp cloth removes any dirt or residue. Compared to past experiences with hard plastic stock plates, this pad offers a vastly improved level of comfort and recoil absorption. The Butler Creek far outperforms the original stock plate, making longer shooting sessions possible without developing a flinch.
Breaking Down the Features of Butler Creek Small Slip On Recoil Pad
Specifications
The Butler Creek Small Slip On Recoil Pad boasts some key features. It is a slip-on design made from a durable rubber compound. It is designed to fit small-sized rifle stocks. The specific model number is 50325, as listed by Butler Creek.
These specifications are important because they dictate the pad’s primary function: recoil reduction. The rubber material is key to absorbing shock. The slip-on design ensures easy installation without permanent modifications.
Performance & Functionality
The Butler Creek Small Slip On Recoil Pad performs its job admirably. It reduces felt recoil, allowing for more comfortable and accurate shooting. Its greatest strength lies in its simplicity and effectiveness.
A potential weakness is that it may not provide enough recoil reduction for larger calibers or individuals who are highly sensitive to recoil. However, for moderate calibers like the 8mm Mauser, it’s a perfect fit. The pad has exceeded my expectations given its price point.
Design & Ergonomics
The Butler Creek Small Slip On Recoil Pad features a straightforward design. The rubber material provides a comfortable cheek weld. There’s virtually no learning curve; it slips on and is ready to go.
The pad’s simple design and ease of installation make it user-friendly for shooters of all levels of experience.
Durability & Maintenance
The durable rubber construction suggests that the Butler Creek Small Slip On Recoil Pad will last for years with proper care. Maintenance is minimal; regular cleaning with a damp cloth is all that’s needed.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Butler Creek Small Slip On Recoil Pad is designed as a standalone recoil reduction solution. There are no specific accessories that come standard. Its slip-on design means it’s generally not customizable in terms of integrated features.
However, users could potentially combine it with other recoil reduction methods, such as muzzle brakes, for even greater recoil mitigation. Its universal slip-on design makes it compatible with a wide range of rifles that have a “small” sized stock.
Pros and Cons of Butler Creek Small Slip On Recoil Pad
Pros
- Dramatically reduces felt recoil making shooting more comfortable, especially with larger calibers or for sensitive shooters.
- Easy to install and remove without any tools or gunsmithing required.
- Affordable compared to other recoil reduction methods like stock replacements or muzzle brakes.
- Durable rubber construction for long-lasting performance.
- Universal slip-on design fits a wide variety of rifles with small stocks.
Cons
- May not provide enough recoil reduction for very large calibers or individuals extremely sensitive to recoil.
- Adds length to the stock which may not be desirable for all shooters.
Who Should Buy Butler Creek Small Slip On Recoil Pad?
The Butler Creek Small Slip On Recoil Pad is perfect for:
- Hunters who want to reduce recoil in their hunting rifles for improved accuracy and comfort during long days in the field.
- New shooters who are sensitive to recoil and want a more manageable shooting experience.
- Owners of older rifles with hard plastic or metal buttplates that transmit a lot of recoil.
Who should skip this product?
- Shooters who require maximum recoil reduction and are willing to invest in more expensive and elaborate solutions.
- Individuals who are very particular about the length of pull of their rifles.
A must-have accessory for this product is a proper cleaning kit to maintain the rifle itself, as comfortable shooting encourages more frequent range trips.
Conclusion on Butler Creek Small Slip On Recoil Pad
The Butler Creek Small Slip On Recoil Pad is a simple, effective, and affordable solution for reducing felt recoil. It transformed my son’s experience with the 8mm Mauser, turning a potentially unpleasant shooting session into an enjoyable one.
The price of $21.99 is absolutely justified, given the significant improvement in shooting comfort and the ease of installation. I would personally recommend the Butler Creek Small Slip On Recoil Pad to anyone looking for a budget-friendly way to tame their rifle’s kick. It’s an investment in shooting comfort and enjoyment that pays dividends with every round fired. Grab one today and experience the difference!