How to Fit a Limb Saver Recoil Pad to Your Remington Shotgun

A LimbSaver recoil pad can make a noticeable difference to shooting comfort, particularly with a hard-kicking 12-gauge load. By spreading the stock’s contact area across the shoulder, the pad can reduce the sharp sensation that often develops during a long clay-target session or a full day in the field.

Fitting one to a Remington shotgun is usually straightforward when the replacement pad matches the stock pattern. The job becomes more involved when the pad is a grind-to-fit model, because the outline must be shaped carefully to follow the original buttstock without damaging the wood or synthetic material.

Before starting, confirm the shotgun is unloaded. Remove all cartridges from the chamber, magazine, and nearby work area, open the action, and keep ammunition in a separate place. Australian owners should also consider their state or territory requirements before changing a firearm component, especially when a licensed dealer or gunsmith is needed.

The correct result should feel secure, sit squarely against the stock, and preserve the shotgun’s natural mounting position. A rushed installation can leave proud edges, loose screws, or a stock length that feels wrong, so careful measuring is more important than speed.

Choose The Correct LimbSaver Pad

Begin by identifying the exact Remington model, gauge, stock type, and existing recoil pad. A pad designed for one stock may not match another, even when both shotguns carry a familiar Remington name. Check the manufacturer’s fit chart and measure the original pad before ordering. Record its height, width, hole spacing, and approximate thickness.

A pre-fit LimbSaver pad is the simplest option because its outline and screw positions are intended for a particular stock pattern. A universal or grind-to-fit pad provides more flexibility, but it requires careful shaping. If your shotgun has a curved, unusual, or damaged buttstock, a pre-fit unit or professional installation is generally the safer choice.

It is also worth checking how the replacement changes length of pull, which is the distance from the trigger to the centre of the recoil pad. A thicker pad can make a stock feel longer. For smaller-framed shooters, a longer stock may affect shoulder placement and cheek weld, while a pad that is too thin may provide less cushioning than expected.

Prepare The Shotgun And Work Area

Use a clean, stable bench with good lighting. You will normally need a properly sized screwdriver, a measuring rule, masking tape, a pencil, and a small container for screws. A gunsmith’s screwdriver set is preferable because its hollow-ground tips reduce the chance of slipping and marking the screw heads or stock.

Protect the stock with masking tape around the original pad. Many recoil pads have recessed screw holes hidden behind small slits or flexible material. Apply a little wax, grease, or soap to the screwdriver tip and screw threads if appropriate; this can help the screws pass through the pad without tearing the rubber.

If the shotgun is a timber-stocked model, take extra care around the butt end. Wood fibres can split if screws are forced into an existing hole at an angle. Synthetic stocks are less vulnerable to splitting, but they can still be damaged by excessive torque or an incorrect screw length. For background on Remington’s broader design history, the Model 700 action story offers useful brand context, although the Model 700 is a rifle rather than a shotgun.

Remove The Original Recoil Pad

With the action open and the firearm confirmed empty, place the shotgun securely on its side. Locate the two pad screws, usually positioned near the upper and lower portions of the butt. If the screw heads are hidden by rubber, gently part the material with the screwdriver rather than cutting a large opening.

Back each screw out gradually and keep downward pressure on the driver so it remains engaged. Once both screws are removed, lift the original pad away from the stock. Do not use a knife or pry against the wood, as a sharp tool can gouge the butt or enlarge the screw holes.

Compare the old pad with the LimbSaver replacement. Check that the screw holes align, the pad sits flat, and the replacement does not cover the stock unevenly. If the holes do not line up or the new pad is visibly larger than the stock, stop before drilling or trimming. That situation may call for a different model or a qualified Australian gunsmith.

Install A Pre-Fit Or Grind-To-Fit Pad

For a pre-fit pad, place it against the stock and insert the screws by hand for the first few turns. Tighten the upper and lower screws alternately, using firm but moderate pressure. The pad should compress slightly against the stock without bulging, twisting, or leaving a visible gap.

Avoid overtightening. Excessive force can strip a hole, distort the pad, or pull the screw head below the surface. Once the pad is secure, check that the edges are even, the toe and heel are not rotated, and the stock still mounts naturally to the shoulder.

A grind-to-fit pad requires more caution. The pad is usually mounted slightly oversized, then shaped to match the stock using controlled sanding. This work can create heat and remove material quickly, particularly on a belt sander. Keep the pad moving, use light passes, and allow it to cool frequently. Many owners sensibly leave this stage to a licensed gunsmith, especially when the stock is valuable or the pad must follow a complex contour.

Do not reshape the shotgun stock to compensate for a poorly selected pad. The replacement should be fitted to the existing stock dimensions, not the other way around. After shaping, smooth any sharp rubber edges and clean away sanding dust before final installation.

Check Fit, Comfort, And Compliance

After installation, inspect the pad from every angle. Run a fingertip around the joint between pad and stock to find proud edges or gaps. Confirm that both screws remain seated and that the pad does not shift when moderate hand pressure is applied. Do not test the shotgun with ammunition until the fitting work is complete and the action has been checked.

Mount the unloaded shotgun several times in a safe direction. The recoil pad should contact the shoulder consistently without catching on clothing. Check the cheek weld, trigger reach, and balance. A thicker pad may improve comfort but can alter the length of pull enough to affect handling, particularly when wearing a heavy hunting jacket.

Australian shooters also need to account for local purchasing and transfer arrangements. Firearms and components may be supplied through licensed dealers, and requirements differ between New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland, Western Australia, South Australia, Tasmania, the Northern Territory, and the Australian Capital Territory. If the pad installation involves stock alteration or another regulated modification, obtain advice from a licensed local dealer before proceeding.

When sourcing a replacement, use a retailer that clearly explains product availability, delivery, and support. The Remington firearms catalogue can help owners compare Remington products and related purchasing information, while an Australian firearms dealer or gunsmith can advise on lawful local supply and installation.

A properly fitted LimbSaver pad should finish flush with the stock, remain firmly attached, and make the shotgun more comfortable without changing its handling unexpectedly. Keep the original pad and screws in a labelled place, record the replacement model, and maintain the shotgun according to its owner’s manual. For a precision fit or any uncertainty about modification, arrange an inspection with a licensed Australian gunsmith before using the firearm.