Strike Industries MFS Extended Rubber Butt Pad Review

Let’s Talk About Strike Industries MFS Extended Rubber Butt Pad

The Strike Industries MFS Extended Rubber Butt Pad promises to extend the length of pull on your AR-15 while providing a comfortable and secure shouldering experience. Marketed as a modular and customizable upgrade, it piqued my interest as someone always looking to optimize ergonomics and recoil management on my rifles. I was hoping this would be a simple and effective way to fine-tune the fit of my carbine.

I’ve spent years tweaking various AR platforms for different roles, from competition to defense, and length of pull is a critical factor for consistent accuracy and comfort. I was looking for a butt pad that could add about an inch to my existing stock to better accommodate my longer arms. When I saw the Strike Industries offering, it looked like a promising solution.

Upon unboxing, my initial impression was mixed. The rubber felt harder than expected, and the outward rounded shape was a bit unusual compared to the flat or concave butt pads I’m accustomed to. The build quality seemed decent enough, but the tactile feel left me slightly underwhelmed.

I considered other options like the Magpul MOE SL Enhanced Rubber Butt-Pad and the BCMGunfighter Mod 0 Stock Pad. I ultimately chose the Strike Industries MFS Extended Rubber Butt Pad because it offered a potentially greater length of pull extension and integrated sling mounting points. I was initially excited about the modularity aspect, but the hard rubber was a bit of a surprise.


Real-World Testing: Putting Strike Industries MFS Extended Rubber Butt Pad to the Test

First Use Experience

My first range trip with the Strike Industries MFS Extended Rubber Butt Pad was on a crisp autumn day. I mounted it on my go-to 5.56 AR-15, and I immediately noticed the difference in shoulder contact. The hardness of the rubber made shouldering feel awkward.

The rounded outward shape didn’t conform to my shoulder pocket like I expected, and I found myself constantly readjusting my grip. The weather was dry and sunny, but even with minimal layers, the butt pad didn’t feel secure against my clothing. This made controlling the rifle during rapid fire drills more challenging than usual.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks of use, the Strike Industries MFS Extended Rubber Butt Pad hasn’t grown on me. The hard rubber hasn’t softened, and the awkward shape continues to be a nuisance. I have noticed no significant wear and tear on the butt pad itself.

Cleaning is simple – a quick wipe down with a damp cloth removes any surface dirt. It simply hasn’t lived up to my expectations in terms of comfort and recoil absorption. My experience with other butt pads, such as the Limbsaver AR-15 Recoil Pad, has been far more positive in terms of comfort and felt recoil reduction.

Breaking Down the Features of Strike Industries MFS Extended Rubber Butt Pad

Specifications

The Strike Industries MFS Extended Rubber Butt Pad is designed to fit mil-spec carbine buffer tubes or their Advanced Receiver Extension 7 Position buffer tubes. It provides a customizable length of pull from 12″ to 14.25″. The pad features a modular assembly, allowing for potential customization (though limited by the core design).

It also includes a snap hook attachment and a sling loop for added versatility. The butt pad is made of a hard rubber material. It is only available in Black.

Performance & Functionality

The primary function of a butt pad is to provide a comfortable and secure shoulder contact point. The Strike Industries MFS Extended Rubber Butt Pad unfortunately falls short in this regard. The hard rubber and rounded shape make it less comfortable than other options.

The extended length of pull might be beneficial for some users, but the lack of comfort negates that advantage. The integrated sling attachment points are a nice touch, but they don’t compensate for the core issue of discomfort. It doesn’t exceed my expectations, and, frankly, it doesn’t even meet them.

Design & Ergonomics

The Strike Industries MFS Extended Rubber Butt Pad’s build quality is decent, but the material choice is questionable. The hard rubber detracts from the overall feel and usability. The weight is negligible, but the shape and density make it feel less ergonomic than a softer, more conforming pad.

There’s no real learning curve to installation, as it simply slides onto the buffer tube. However, the lack of inherent comfort makes extended use unpleasant.

Durability & Maintenance

Given the hardness of the rubber, I expect the Strike Industries MFS Extended Rubber Butt Pad to last a long time. There are no signs of premature wear or cracking after weeks of use. Maintenance is straightforward; a quick wipe down is all that’s needed.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Strike Industries MFS Extended Rubber Butt Pad itself doesn’t have many customization options beyond its modular assembly. The design allows you to use the included sling loop or a snap hook attachment. It’s compatible with any AR-15 that uses a mil-spec carbine buffer tube.

You could potentially modify the rubber pad itself with some DIY work, but I wouldn’t recommend it unless you’re comfortable potentially damaging the product.

Pros and Cons of Strike Industries MFS Extended Rubber Butt Pad

Pros

  • Extended length of pull option.
  • Integrated sling attachment points (snap hook and sling loop).
  • Durable construction.
  • Easy installation.
  • Compatible with mil-spec carbine buffer tubes.

Cons

  • Hard rubber material is uncomfortable.
  • Rounded shape doesn’t conform well to the shoulder.
  • Limited customization options beyond sling attachments.


Who Should Buy Strike Industries MFS Extended Rubber Butt Pad?

The Strike Industries MFS Extended Rubber Butt Pad might be suitable for budget-conscious AR-15 owners who need a slightly longer length of pull and prioritize durability over comfort. It could also be a fit for those who specifically need the integrated sling attachment points and are willing to sacrifice some comfort for that feature.

Those seeking a comfortable shooting experience or effective recoil absorption should skip this product. Alternatives like the Magpul MOE SL Enhanced Rubber Butt-Pad or the Limbsaver AR-15 Recoil Pad offer significantly better comfort.

Conclusion on Strike Industries MFS Extended Rubber Butt Pad

The Strike Industries MFS Extended Rubber Butt Pad promises to be a useful AR-15 accessory, but it falls short due to its uncomfortable design. The hard rubber and awkward shape detract from the overall shooting experience. While the extended length of pull and integrated sling attachments are nice features, they don’t compensate for the lack of comfort.

At a price of $17.95, the value proposition is questionable. There are other butt pads on the market that offer better comfort and recoil absorption for a similar price. I would not personally recommend the Strike Industries MFS Extended Rubber Butt Pad.

Consider exploring other options that prioritize comfort and ergonomics for a more enjoyable and effective shooting experience.

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