How to replace the recoil pad on a Remington 7400

The Remington 7400 is a semi-automatic rifle that earned a loyal following thanks to its smooth action and reliable performance. Over years of regular use, the factory recoil pad compresses, cracks, or simply feels too thin against the shoulder. Swapping it out is a straightforward workshop task that restores comfort, improves length-of-pull, and protects the stock finish from impact damage. Australian owners who shoot at SSAA-affiliated ranges or take their rifles out on private property often find this upgrade one of the most satisfying pieces of maintenance they perform each year.

In a country where firearms ownership is tightly regulated and each rifle is registered to a specific licence category, working on your own firearm is a normal part of responsible ownership. State regulations in places like Victoria and Western Australia permit routine maintenance as long as the work is performed on a legally held firearm and no prohibited modifications are made. Before starting, check that your category licence covers the rifle, confirm the serial number matches your registration papers, and clear a clean workspace in a well-lit garage or shed.

Tools and a sensible workspace

A good outcome begins with the right gear laid out before the rifle is touched. Gather a screwdriver with a correctly sized flat or Phillips head (depending on the pad screws), a soft-faced hammer or rubber mallet, a small block of wood, a hobby knife with fresh blades, fine sandpaper around 220 and 400 grit, and a tube of contact adhesive or two-part epoxy rated for rubber-to-wood bonds. A pair of clean cotton rags and a drop of gun oil round out the kit.

Australian conditions can surprise newcomers from drier climates. Summer humidity along the New South Wales coast or the tropical dampness of far north Queensland can swell a wooden stock slightly, which affects how the new pad seats. Park the rifle in the room where it will be worked on for an hour before starting so the wood acclimatises, and keep the workspace above 15°C. A wooden bench is kinder to the stock finish than a steel worktop, which can leave pressure marks on the comb.

Removing the worn recoil pad

Start by unloading the rifle, removing the magazine, and opening the bolt to confirm the chamber is empty. Place the action on a clean mat and inspect the buttstock. The original pad is usually held by either two screws accessed through the face of the pad or a single centre screw driven up from underneath. Identify which style yours uses before applying any force.

If screws are present, back them out with steady pressure to avoid stripping the soft wood. Once the screws are free, slide the broad blade of a putty knife or a thin paint scraper behind the pad and work around the perimeter to break the adhesive seal. A gentle tap on the butt of the handle with the rubber mallet helps separate stubborn pads without splitting the stock. Heat is rarely required, but a few seconds from a hair dryer on low can soften the glue if the pad refuses to move.

Owners of older 7400s sometimes find the original pad has compressed into a shallow dish. This is a clear sign the rubber has lost its rebound and a replacement is overdue. Anyone sourcing parts for these rifles can read about Remington discontinued models still in stock to understand what is currently available in the Australian supply chain.

Preparing the stock face

With the pad removed, the job shifts from disassembly to surface preparation, which is where many home fitters rush and regret later. Scrape off every trace of the old adhesive with the hobby knife, holding the blade flat against the wood to avoid digging into the grain. Follow up with the 220-grit sandpaper laid on a flat block, sanding only in straight strokes along the wood to keep the mating surface square.

Run a finger across the prepared face. Any bump, ridge, or hollow will telegraph through the new pad and create pressure points that bruise the shoulder over a long range session. A square edge check with a metal ruler confirms the surface is true. Wipe away the sanding dust with a rag lightly dampened with gun oil, then let the wood dry fully. Skipping this step is the most common cause of pads lifting within a few months.

Fitting the new recoil pad

Dry-fit the replacement pad before any adhesive goes on. Many owners choose a thicker 1-inch pad to extend length of pull, which suits the longer reach of taller shooters common in the SSAA competition circuits around Brisbane and Adelaide. Check that the screw holes line up with the threaded inserts in the stock, and confirm the toe and heel sit flush against the wood with no daylight visible.

Mark the pad position with a pencil line on the wood, then remove the pad and apply a thin, even bead of adhesive to both the stock face and the back of the pad. Press the pad firmly into place and clamp it lightly with a hand or a rubber band. Wipe the squeeze-out immediately with a rag dampened with mineral turpentine. If screws are required, drive them in slowly once the adhesive has cured for at least an hour.

For shooters who also use the rifle for pest control on rural holdings, pairing the new pad with the right load makes a noticeable difference at the range. Reviewing matching Remington rounds clarifies what loads suit the rifle for different outings.

Securing, finishing and post-installation checks

Once the adhesive has cured overnight, check the pad for movement by gently twisting it against the stock. Any wiggle means the bond is incomplete or the screws are loose. Tighten the screws a quarter turn at a time, alternating between them to keep even pressure on the pad face. Trim any excess rubber that overhangs the stock edges with a fresh hobby knife blade, slicing slowly to keep the cut tidy.

A light coat of rubber conditioner applied with a soft cloth keeps the new pad supple and prevents the dry cracking that ends many pads in the Australian outback. Wipe down the entire stock with a silicon-free gun stock wipe, then run the action to confirm nothing has shifted. Take the rifle to a familiar range, fire three or four rounds from the bench to settle the pad, and check that the shoulder weld feels solid and the comb sits where it should.

Owners who run a Remington shotgun alongside their 7400 for varied hunting across the wetlands of the Murray-Darling basin or the lakes near Hobart can benefit from guidance on waterfowl choke choices so pattern and pellet spread match local conditions.

Sensible habits to keep the new pad in good condition

• Store the rifle in a soft padded case or a locked cabinet with stable humidity, especially during the damp months across coastal New South Wales and Western Australia.
• Avoid leaning the rifle on its butt against a wall or ute tray; use a vertical rack or gun sock instead.
• Inspect the pad every couple of range sessions for early signs of separation at the edges or hardened rubber.
• Keep a small tube of rubber-compatible adhesive in the cleaning kit for quick field repairs at remote shoots.
• Reseat the screws once a year, as the wood around the inserts compresses slightly with regular recoil.

Browse the full catalogue at Remington Firearms Store, place your order, and have it shipped to your nominated licensed dealer or directly to your door for eligible accessories. The team is available around the clock to help with part numbers, fitment questions, and order tracking.