Let’s Talk About Hogue EZG Pre-sized recoil pad Rem. 870/11-87/1100
Recoil. It’s the unwelcome guest at every shotgun party, especially when you’re running drills with heavy loads or spending a day at the range breaking clays. The Hogue EZG Pre-sized recoil pad Rem. 870/11-87/1100 promises a solution: a simple, drop-in upgrade to tame that beast, making your shotgun sessions less punishing and more productive. I’ve spent countless hours behind various shotguns, from pump-actions to semi-autos, and I’ve always sought ways to mitigate recoil to enhance accuracy and comfort.
My quest for a better recoil solution stemmed from years of dealing with shoulder fatigue after long training days. Factory recoil pads often leave much to be desired, feeling hard and unforgiving against the shoulder. This led me to explore aftermarket options, hoping to find a pad that effectively absorbed recoil without compromising the shotgun’s handling.
Upon unboxing the Hogue EZG Pre-sized recoil pad Rem. 870/11-87/1100, I was immediately impressed by the feel of the material. It’s a soft, yet dense rubber that inspires confidence. The build quality seems excellent, with clean edges and a precise fit intended for the Remington 870, 11-87, and 1100 platforms.
I considered Limbsaver and Kick-eez pads, both reputable brands in recoil reduction. However, the Hogue EZG Pre-sized recoil pad Rem. 870/11-87/1100 stood out due to its advertised ease of installation and pre-sized design, which promised a hassle-free upgrade. Plus, the Hogue name carries weight; they are known for their quality grips and accessories.
My first impression was positive. I was genuinely excited to test this pad out. The promise of a significant reduction in felt recoil without requiring professional gunsmithing was extremely appealing.
Real-World Testing: Putting Hogue EZG Pre-sized recoil pad Rem. 870/11-87/1100 to the Test
First Use Experience
I tested the Hogue EZG Pre-sized recoil pad Rem. 870/11-87/1100 at my local shooting range, using my Remington 870 loaded with a variety of shells: light target loads, heavy field loads, and even some punishing 3-inch magnum rounds. The weather was mild, around 65 degrees Fahrenheit with a slight breeze. Installation was a breeze, literally taking just a few minutes.
The difference in felt recoil was immediately noticeable. The Hogue pad did an excellent job of absorbing the initial shock, making even the magnum loads much more manageable. My shoulder felt significantly less beaten up after a couple of hours of shooting.
The only initial issue was a slight stickiness to the pad when mounting the shotgun quickly. A little bit of talcum powder solved this problem, allowing for smoother shouldering.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks and multiple range sessions, the Hogue EZG Pre-sized recoil pad Rem. 870/11-87/1100 continues to perform admirably. It has held up well with no signs of tearing or significant wear and tear. The soft rubber material has proven to be quite durable.
Cleaning is simple; a quick wipe-down with a damp cloth removes any residue or grime. The pad remains securely attached to the stock. Compared to the factory pad, which transferred a significant amount of recoil, the Hogue EZG offers a vastly superior shooting experience.
Breaking Down the Features of Hogue EZG Pre-sized recoil pad Rem. 870/11-87/1100
Specifications
- The Hogue EZG Pre-sized recoil pad Rem. 870/11-87/1100 is specifically designed as a drop-in replacement for the factory recoil pad on Remington 870, 11-87, and 1100 shotguns. This ensures a precise fit and eliminates the need for any modifications.
- The pad is made from Hogue’s durable and comfortable rubber compound. This material is designed to absorb a significant amount of recoil energy, reducing felt recoil and improving shooting comfort.
- The EZG in the name stands for “Easy-to-Grab”, referring to the textured surface. This texture provides a secure and non-slip surface for mounting the shotgun, even in wet or slippery conditions.
- The recoil pad is pre-sized for a direct fit, simplifying installation. This eliminates the need for grinding or shaping the pad.
- It weighs approximately 0.3 pounds, adding minimal weight to the shotgun. This helps to maintain the gun’s balance and handling characteristics.
These specifications matter because they directly impact the shotgun’s usability and the shooter’s experience. The pre-sized design simplifies installation, while the Hogue rubber compound enhances comfort and reduces fatigue. The textured surface improves grip and control, especially in challenging conditions.
Performance & Functionality
The Hogue EZG Pre-sized recoil pad Rem. 870/11-87/1100 performs its job exceptionally well. It significantly reduces felt recoil, allowing for more comfortable and controlled shooting sessions.
The main strength is its recoil absorption. It truly makes a noticeable difference, especially with heavier loads. One weakness, as mentioned before, is the initial slight stickiness of the pad, easily remedied with talcum powder.
The pad exceeds expectations. I anticipated a modest improvement in recoil reduction, but the Hogue EZG delivered far more than I imagined.
Design & Ergonomics
The build quality is excellent. The Hogue EZG Pre-sized recoil pad Rem. 870/11-87/1100 uses high-quality materials. Its weight is negligible, and it’s comfortable against the shoulder.
The design is user-friendly. The EZG series truly lives up to the name. There’s virtually no learning curve; anyone can install this.
Durability & Maintenance
The Hogue EZG Pre-sized recoil pad Rem. 870/11-87/1100 appears to be built to last for years, based on its construction and the quality of materials.
It’s easy to maintain and repair. Simply wipe clean with a damp cloth as needed. Due to its solid construction, repairs should be rare.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Hogue EZG Pre-sized recoil pad Rem. 870/11-87/1100 doesn’t come with any accessories. However, it’s designed to be a direct replacement for the factory pad.
Compatibility with other brands’ accessories is limited, as it’s a recoil pad. However, it doesn’t interfere with other customizations like stock extensions or cheek risers. It simply enhances the existing stock configuration.
Pros and Cons of Hogue EZG Pre-sized recoil pad Rem. 870/11-87/1100
Pros
- Significantly reduces felt recoil, enhancing shooting comfort and control.
- Easy, drop-in installation, requiring no gunsmithing or modifications.
- Durable construction using high-quality Hogue rubber.
- Improved grip and shouldering due to the textured surface.
- Affordable upgrade compared to other recoil reduction solutions.
Cons
- May exhibit slight stickiness initially, requiring the use of talcum powder or similar lubricant.
- Limited customization options, as it primarily serves as a recoil pad.
Who Should Buy Hogue EZG Pre-sized recoil pad Rem. 870/11-87/1100?
The Hogue EZG Pre-sized recoil pad Rem. 870/11-87/1100 is perfect for: shooters who experience discomfort or fatigue from shotgun recoil, hunters who need to shoot multiple rounds in the field, clay target shooters who spend extended periods at the range, and anyone looking for an affordable and easy upgrade to their Remington 870, 11-87, or 1100 shotgun.
Those who might skip this product are shooters who are already satisfied with their factory recoil pad or those who are seeking a more advanced recoil reduction system, such as hydraulic or pneumatic devices.
A must-have accessory for this product would be a small container of talcum powder or a similar dry lubricant, to address any initial stickiness.
Conclusion on Hogue EZG Pre-sized recoil pad Rem. 870/11-87/1100
The Hogue EZG Pre-sized recoil pad Rem. 870/11-87/1100 is a worthwhile upgrade for anyone looking to tame the recoil of their Remington shotgun. For $37.99, it represents excellent value. The price is certainly justified.
I would absolutely recommend it. The reduction in felt recoil is significant, making shooting more enjoyable and less punishing.
If you own a Remington 870, 11-87, or 1100 and are looking for an affordable and effective way to reduce recoil, the Hogue EZG Pre-sized recoil pad Rem. 870/11-87/1100 is an excellent choice. Get yours today and experience the difference!