Let’s Dive into Choate Tool Remington Butt Pad Old Style
The Choate Tool Remington Butt Pad Old Style is a seemingly simple, yet potentially vital, component for those of us clinging to our classic Remington firearms. Manufactured by Choate Tool in the USA, this butt pad is designed to fit older, original pistol grip Remington stocks. Its purpose is straightforward: to provide cushioning and recoil absorption, enhancing the shooting experience with those vintage firearms. I remember the days when a sore shoulder was just part of the shooting experience, but those days are over.
My journey to finding the Choate Tool Remington Butt Pad Old Style began when I inherited my grandfather’s old Remington 870 Wingmaster. The original butt plate, hardened with age, offered little comfort during clay shooting sessions. I needed a solution that wouldn’t compromise the classic look of the shotgun, but would provide a more comfortable shooting experience. It’s all about combining nostalgia with modern comfort, really.
Upon receiving the Choate Tool Remington Butt Pad Old Style, my initial impression was one of simple, functional design. The material felt sturdy, though not overly plush, suggesting a focus on durability rather than pure luxury. Its black finish blended seamlessly with the existing stock, maintaining the shotgun’s original aesthetic. The weight was negligible, indicating it wouldn’t significantly alter the firearm’s balance.
Compared to other readily available slip-on recoil pads, like those from Limbsaver or Pachmayr, the Choate Tool Remington Butt Pad Old Style presented a more integrated solution. Slip-on pads can be bulky and sometimes shift during use. This option promised a more permanent and aesthetically pleasing fit, which was a key deciding factor for me.
My first impression was cautiously optimistic. While not flashy, the Choate Tool Remington Butt Pad Old Style appeared to be a well-made, practical accessory that could significantly improve my shooting comfort without sacrificing the classic look of my grandfather’s shotgun. I hoped it would live up to its promise.
Real-World Testing: Putting Choate Tool Remington Butt Pad Old Style to the Test
First Use Experience
I tested the Choate Tool Remington Butt Pad Old Style at my local shooting range, primarily focusing on clay pigeon shooting. The weather was mild and dry, ideal conditions for evaluating the pad’s performance. I shot approximately 100 rounds of 12-gauge ammunition, a sufficient amount to assess its impact on recoil.
The immediate difference was noticeable. The Choate Tool Remington Butt Pad Old Style provided a significant amount of cushioning compared to the original hard plastic butt plate. Recoil felt noticeably reduced, making the shooting experience far more comfortable and less fatiguing. Mounting the shotgun felt more natural and secure, contributing to improved accuracy on follow-up shots.
Installation took about 15 minutes. Using a screwdriver, the original plate was removed. Then, the new pad fit seamlessly into its place. There were no issues or surprises during the first use, confirming its straightforward functionality.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of regular use, the Choate Tool Remington Butt Pad Old Style has held up remarkably well. I’ve put hundreds of rounds through my Remington with it attached, and it still feels like new. I use my shotgun for both clay shooting and upland bird hunting.
There are no signs of significant wear and tear. The rubber material has retained its elasticity and shape. Cleaning is simple; a quick wipe down with a damp cloth is all that’s needed to remove dirt and grime.
Compared to my previous experiences with aftermarket recoil solutions, such as thicker clothing layers, the Choate Tool Remington Butt Pad Old Style is a clear winner. It outperforms those makeshift methods by providing consistent recoil absorption and a secure, comfortable shooting platform. This pad has definitely exceeded my expectations and reinvigorated my enjoyment of my classic Remington.
Breaking Down the Features of Choate Tool Remington Butt Pad Old Style
Specifications
The Choate Tool Remington Butt Pad Old Style is specifically designed to fit older Remington stocks with a pistol grip configuration. It is manufactured in the USA by Choate Tool. It is constructed from a durable, weather-resistant rubber compound.
Here’s a breakdown of the key specifications:
- Gun Make: Remington
- Country of Origin: USA
- Intended Fit: Older, original pistol grip Remington stocks
- Material: Rubber Compound
These specifications are crucial because they dictate the compatibility and functionality of the butt pad. The specific fit ensures a seamless installation, while the rubber construction directly impacts recoil absorption and overall shooting comfort. Originating from the USA also indicates a certain quality control standard.
Performance & Functionality
The Choate Tool Remington Butt Pad Old Style excels at its primary job: reducing felt recoil. This translates to increased comfort during extended shooting sessions. Improved accuracy is a welcome side effect, because it allows you to focus on your target.
Its strengths lie in its simple, effective design and durable construction. However, it might not offer the same level of recoil absorption as more advanced, gel-filled pads. It meets my expectations for a basic recoil pad replacement, offering a noticeable improvement over the original hard plate.
Design & Ergonomics
The Choate Tool Remington Butt Pad Old Style features a straightforward design that prioritizes functionality over aesthetics. The rubber material provides a comfortable contact point, while its lightweight construction prevents unnecessary bulk. The weight is so minimal that it won’t upset the firearm’s balance.
The pad seamlessly blends with the Remington stock. The black finish is durable and resistant to scratches and scuffs. There’s virtually no learning curve, making it a simple and effective upgrade.
Durability & Maintenance
The Choate Tool Remington Butt Pad Old Style is built to last. The rubber compound is resistant to cracking and deterioration, even after prolonged exposure to the elements. The material seems very resilient.
Maintenance is minimal. It only requires occasional cleaning with a damp cloth. The pad’s robust construction ensures that it will withstand years of use without needing replacement or repair.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Choate Tool Remington Butt Pad Old Style is primarily a standalone replacement part, so it doesn’t come with any specific accessories. Because it’s designed to fit older Remington stocks, customization options are limited to potentially altering the stock itself, which is generally not recommended.
Compatibility with other brands’ accessories is not a factor, as it’s designed as a direct replacement for the original Remington butt plate. However, modification may void any manufacturer warranty and impact the firearm’s performance and safety. This is just a straight forward replacement for the factory part.
Pros and Cons of Choate Tool Remington Butt Pad Old Style
Pros
- Noticeable Recoil Reduction: Significantly reduces felt recoil for a more comfortable shooting experience.
- Durable Construction: Made from a robust rubber compound that withstands years of use.
- Seamless Fit: Designed specifically for older Remington stocks, ensuring a perfect fit.
- Easy Installation: Simple installation process with minimal tools required.
- Affordable Upgrade: Offers a cost-effective way to improve shooting comfort.
Cons
- Lacking Advanced Cushioning: Does not offer the same level of recoil absorption as gel-filled pads.
- Basic Design: Prioritizes function over aesthetics, with a simple, no-frills appearance.
Who Should Buy Choate Tool Remington Butt Pad Old Style?
The Choate Tool Remington Butt Pad Old Style is perfect for owners of older Remington shotguns who want to improve their shooting comfort without sacrificing the classic look of their firearm. Hunters, clay shooters, and anyone who enjoys using their vintage Remington will benefit from this simple upgrade. It’s great for anyone looking to take the bite out of a hard kicking shotgun.
Those seeking the ultimate in recoil reduction, or those who prefer more modern, stylized accessories, should skip this product. It’s also unnecessary for newer Remington models with factory-installed recoil pads. This is a minimalist upgrade for a specific type of firearm.
A must-have accessory for installation is a properly sized screwdriver. Modification of the stock is not necessary and is not recommended. That really is all you need.
Conclusion on Choate Tool Remington Butt Pad Old Style
The Choate Tool Remington Butt Pad Old Style is a simple, effective, and affordable upgrade for owners of older Remington shotguns. It delivers on its promise of reducing felt recoil, enhancing shooting comfort and accuracy. The difference may be night and day for some.
At a price of $11.73, the value proposition is excellent. It’s a small investment that yields significant improvements in the shooting experience. This is the best bang for your buck!
I would personally recommend the Choate Tool Remington Butt Pad Old Style to anyone looking to breathe new life into their classic Remington. It’s a practical and worthwhile addition to any shooter’s arsenal. So go ahead and make your old Remington feel new again – you won’t regret it!