Help Installing a Recoil Pad

[64Nylon66]

I have had my rifle new since 1973. Over the years the old right shoulder has took a lot of stress and is now feeling the sharp recoil from my Remington 700. In researching for a fairly easy to install and quality recoil pad I came upon the Limbsaver models for the 700. One for a long buttplate, 4 15/16" or one for a short buttplate, 4 7/8" both with 3" screw hole centers. The Limbsaver models I have looked at state precision fit for the 700 ADL/BDL in short or long buttplate lengths. Therein lies 2 glaring problems: my factory buttplate has 4 screw holes and whereas the Limbsaver recoil pads are flat my rifle buttstock has a subtle sweeping curve to it. Now does this mean the Limbsavers will fit and I have to drill 2 new matching screw holes and sand down the buttplate to make it flat or what? Doesn't sound very precision fit to me. Your installation tips and purchasing suggestions are really needed. Looking forward to your replies. Thanks for your help. Nylon 66.

[Rem725]

It's probably best to leave pad fitting to the pros. I have done them with total stock refinishes with no problem. And a few fittings on a finished stock. Grinding the rubber without touching the wood makes you very nervous. The so called pre-fit pads are seldom perfect. some closer than others. I gather your stock has no pad now. Cutting the wood to get the right length of pull and angle is tough too. Tape the stock tight with layers of masking tape and cut with a SHARP crosscut table saw blade. Jig the stock real tight and positioned carefully. Drilling new holes is the easiest part. Mark a center line on the stock first. Position the pad on the prepared wood. mark around the wood onto the pad and then measure from the pad marks down to the holes. transfer to the centerline on the wood. If there is plenty of pad to waste, simply poke through with an awl.

One hint. If you intend to hunt in real cold areas. make the length of pull a little shorter to compensate for thick warm clothing.