SHOTGUN RECOIL PADS & EXTENSIONS
Shop shotgun recoil pads and stock extensions from Kick-Eez, Beretta and GMK. Reduce felt recoil, improve shotgun fit and enjoy greater comfort when clay shooting or game shooting. Explore our range of recoil pads, butt pads and stock lengthening accessories.
Shotgun Recoil Pads & Stock Extensions – Complete Buying Guide
Choosing the right shotgun recoil pad can make a noticeable difference to shooting comfort, gun fit and consistency. Whether you're looking to reduce felt recoil during a long clay shooting session, replace a worn shotgun butt pad or increase your stock length, selecting the correct accessory is important.
At Bamfords Online, we stock shotgun recoil pads, replacement heelplates and stock extensions from Kick-Eez, Beretta and GMK. This guide explains the differences between the products in our range, how to choose the right option and what to consider before fitting.
Why Fit a Shotgun Recoil Pad?
A shotgun recoil pad is fitted to the rear of the stock, where the gun meets the shooter's shoulder. Its primary purpose is to cushion the contact between the shotgun and the body, helping reduce the discomfort associated with recoil.
A well-chosen pad can also influence the shotgun's length of pull, shoulder contact and mounting characteristics. These factors are especially important for shooters who spend extended periods on the clay ground or shoot heavier cartridges.
- Reduce the discomfort associated with felt recoil.
- Improve comfort during repeated shooting.
- Replace damaged, hardened or worn factory pads.
- Adjust stock length where a different pad thickness is required.
- Improve the contact between the stock and shoulder.
Recoil pads do not eliminate recoil or replace correct gun fit and shooting technique. Their effectiveness depends on the pad material, thickness, design and fit.
Choosing the Right Shotgun Recoil Pad
Not every recoil pad is designed for the same purpose. Some are intended as versatile upgrades for general shooting, while others have shapes and characteristics aimed at trap, sporting clays or field use.
Kick-Eez All Purpose Recoil Pad
The Kick-Eez All Purpose Recoil Pad is a versatile option for shooters wanting a comfortable replacement or upgrade for a variety of shooting disciplines.
Kick-Eez recoil pads are known for their recoil-absorbing Sorbothane material, which is designed to help cushion the impact felt at the shoulder. The All Purpose model is a sensible starting point for shooters who use their shotgun for more than one activity.
Who Is It Best For?
- General clay shooting and recreational use.
- Field shooting where the dimensions and fit are suitable.
- Replacing an uncomfortable or deteriorated existing pad.
- Shooters wanting a versatile recoil pad rather than a discipline-specific design.
Check the available pad size, thickness and stock dimensions before ordering. Some installations require professional grinding or fitting.
Kick-Eez Trap Recoil Pad
The Kick-Eez Trap Recoil Pad is intended for shooters whose primary discipline is trap shooting.
Trap shooting involves repeated, relatively consistent gun mounting and can involve substantial cartridge use over a session. A correctly fitted recoil pad can help maintain comfort throughout prolonged shooting.
Who Is It Best For?
- Dedicated trap shooters.
- Shooters regularly firing large numbers of cartridges.
- Trap guns requiring a replacement or upgraded recoil pad.
The best choice depends on your existing stock shape, desired length of pull and preferred gun mount. Do not assume a trap-specific pad will automatically fit every trap shotgun.
Kick-Eez Sporting Clay Recoil Pad
The Kick-Eez Sporting Clay Recoil Pad is designed with sporting clay shooting in mind.
Sporting clays often require a variety of gun movements, mounting angles and target presentations. A suitable pad should offer cushioning without making the shotgun awkward to mount or position.
Who Is It Best For?
- English sporting and other sporting clay disciplines.
- Regular clay shooters wanting improved shoulder comfort.
- Shotguns requiring a sporting-oriented replacement pad.
When comparing this model with the All Purpose version, consider how the pad profile interacts with your clothing and shooting style, as well as the overall dimensions.
Kick-Eez Rocker Recoil Pad – Tapered
The Kick-Eez Rocker Recoil Pad features a distinctive tapered, rounded profile rather than a conventional flat-backed pad shape.
Its profile is intended to influence how the butt contacts and rolls into the shoulder during mounting. This can appeal to shooters who find conventional pad edges less comfortable or more prone to catching during their gun mount.
Who Is It Best For?
- Shooters looking for a different shoulder-contact profile.
- Those wanting to refine how their shotgun mounts.
- Suitable sporting or field guns where the tapered design is appropriate.
Because the Rocker differs from a conventional recoil pad, it is worth checking the design and fit carefully before selecting it. A qualified gun fitter can help assess suitability.
Beretta Shotgun Recoil Pads & Heelplates
For shooters using compatible Beretta shotguns, a replacement Beretta recoil pad or heelplate can be an attractive alternative to a universal aftermarket pad.
However, Beretta produces different stock and recoil pad systems. Compatibility depends on the specific shotgun model, stock configuration and pad dimensions. A Beretta-branded pad should not be assumed to fit every Beretta shotgun.
Beretta Micro Core Field Pad
The Beretta Micro Core Field Pad is part of Beretta's Micro Core recoil pad range, designed to provide cushioning and comfortable shoulder contact.
The Field version is aimed at field-oriented applications, where a comfortable and natural gun mount is particularly important.
Who Is It Best For?
- Owners of compatible Beretta field shotguns.
- Game and general field shooting.
- Replacing a worn or unsuitable original pad.
Check the exact fitting, pad size and thickness against your existing Beretta stock before purchasing.
Beretta Micro Core Comp Sport Pad
The Beretta Micro Core Comp Sport Pad is a competition-oriented option within the Micro Core range.
It is intended for suitable sporting and competition shotgun configurations, where repeated mounting and shooting comfort are priorities.
Who Is It Best For?
- Owners of compatible Beretta sporting shotguns.
- Regular clay target shooters.
- Shooters replacing an existing competition-style recoil pad.
The Field and Comp Sport versions are not necessarily interchangeable. Check the precise model compatibility and attachment method.
Beretta Wood Heelplate Sport Pad
The Beretta Wood Heelplate Sport Pad is a replacement heelplate option for appropriate Beretta sporting stock configurations.
A heelplate is the rear finishing component of a shotgun stock. Depending on its design, it may serve primarily as a protective and finishing component rather than providing the same recoil cushioning as a thick rubber or Sorbothane pad.
Who Is It Best For?
- Compatible Beretta sporting shotguns.
- Replacing damaged or worn heelplates.
- Maintaining the intended finish and configuration of a suitable stock.
Confirm compatibility with the exact stock and original heelplate specification.
Beretta Wood Heelplate Field Pad
The Beretta Wood Heelplate Field Pad is intended for compatible Beretta field stock applications.
It provides a replacement option for shooters maintaining or repairing the butt-end fitting of their shotgun.
Who Is It Best For?
- Compatible Beretta field shotgun stocks.
- Replacing a damaged original heelplate.
- Restoring a suitable shotgun's rear stock fitting.
Check dimensions, attachment points and stock compatibility. Field and Sport heelplates should not be treated as universally interchangeable.
Shotgun Stock Extensions & Length of Pull
GMK Lengthening Piece / Pad
The GMK Lengthening Piece/Pad is an option for shooters looking to alter the length of their shotgun stock where the product is compatible.
Length of pull is the distance from the trigger to the rear of the butt or recoil pad. This measurement is one of several factors influencing how naturally a shotgun fits the shooter.
A stock that is too short may feel cramped, while one that is too long can make mounting difficult, especially when wearing thicker clothing.
When Might You Need a Stock Extension?
- Your existing stock feels noticeably too short.
- You need to increase length of pull after a gun-fitting assessment.
- You want to alter the fit for your shooting clothing or circumstances.
- You are replacing an existing spacer or lengthening component.
Adding a spacer is not always the correct solution to poor gun fit. Stock pitch, comb dimensions and mounting technique can also affect comfort. Seek professional fitting advice if unsure.
Shotgun Recoil Pad Comparison Guide
Use the following comparison to narrow down the most appropriate option from our range.
| Product | Primary purpose | Typical application |
|---|---|---|
| Kick-Eez All Purpose | Versatile recoil cushioning | General shooting |
| Kick-Eez Trap | Trap-oriented recoil pad | Trap shooting |
| Kick-Eez Sporting Clay | Sporting-oriented recoil pad | Sporting clays |
| Kick-Eez Rocker | Tapered shoulder-contact profile | Mounting preference |
| Beretta Micro Core Field | Field recoil cushioning | Compatible Beretta field guns |
| Beretta Micro Core Comp Sport | Competition-oriented cushioning | Compatible Beretta sporting guns |
| Beretta Wood Heelplate Sport | Replacement stock heelplate | Compatible sporting stocks |
| Beretta Wood Heelplate Field | Replacement stock heelplate | Compatible field stocks |
| GMK Lengthening Piece/Pad | Stock length adjustment | Compatible shotgun stocks |
This table compares intended applications, not guaranteed compatibility or measured recoil reduction. Always check individual product specifications before ordering.
Shotgun Recoil Pad Fitting Guide
How to Measure Your Existing Recoil Pad
Before ordering a replacement recoil pad, measure your existing pad and stock carefully.
- Measure the overall height from heel to toe.
- Measure the width at the widest point.
- Check the existing pad thickness.
- Identify the fixing method and screw spacing where applicable.
- Compare the stock's butt profile with the replacement pad.
- Check whether the new pad is pre-shaped, model-specific or intended for grinding to fit.
When replacing a factory pad, do not rely on appearance alone. Small dimensional differences can affect the fit significantly.
Choosing Recoil Pad Thickness
Recoil pad thickness affects both cushioning characteristics and overall stock length. A thicker pad may increase length of pull, which is not necessarily desirable for every shooter.
For example, replacing a 15mm pad with a 25mm pad can increase the overall length of pull by approximately 10mm, depending on the pad shape and installation.
Choose thickness according to the existing stock fit, not simply by selecting the thickest available option.
Grind-to-Fit vs Pre-Fitted Recoil Pads
Some aftermarket recoil pads are supplied oversized so that they can be shaped to match the shotgun stock. These are commonly described as grind-to-fit pads.
Other recoil pads are intended for particular stock patterns or attachment systems.
Grinding or modifying a pad incorrectly can damage the product or stock. Professional fitting is recommended where shaping, drilling or stock modification is necessary.
Stock Pitch, Comb Height & Gun Fit
A recoil pad is only one part of shotgun fit. The angle of the butt, known as stock pitch, affects how the pad contacts the shoulder.
Comb height and stock cast also influence how the shooter's eye aligns with the rib and how naturally the shotgun mounts.
If a shotgun repeatedly strikes one area of the shoulder, feels uncomfortable against the cheek or mounts inconsistently, the issue may require a broader gun-fitting assessment rather than simply a softer pad.
Shotgun Recoil Pads – Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Best Recoil Pad for a Shotgun?
The best recoil pad depends on the shotgun, the shooter's fit and the intended shooting discipline. Kick-Eez All Purpose is a versatile option, while the Trap and Sporting Clay models are designed for more specific applications. Owners of compatible Beretta shotguns may prefer a suitable Micro Core replacement pad.
Do Shotgun Recoil Pads Really Work?
Yes. A suitable recoil pad can cushion the contact between the shotgun and shoulder, helping reduce felt recoil and improve comfort. The amount of improvement varies with the pad material, thickness, cartridge, gun weight and fit.
What Is the Difference Between Kick-Eez Trap and Sporting Clay Pads?
The Trap and Sporting Clay models are designed for different shooting applications. Trap shooting typically involves a more consistent target presentation, while sporting clays involve varied targets and gun movements. Your preferred gun mount, stock shape and fitting requirements should determine which model is most suitable.
Are Kick-Eez Recoil Pads Made From Sorbothane?
Kick-Eez is known for using Sorbothane, a viscoelastic material designed to absorb and dissipate impact energy. This makes its recoil pads popular among shooters looking for improved shoulder comfort.
Will a Beretta Recoil Pad Fit Any Beretta Shotgun?
No. Beretta recoil pads vary by model, stock type, attachment system and dimensions. Always confirm compatibility with your specific shotgun before ordering.
What Is the Difference Between a Recoil Pad and a Heelplate?
A recoil pad is designed to cushion the contact between the shotgun and shoulder. A heelplate is a component fitted to the end of the stock, which may primarily protect and finish the stock rather than provide substantial recoil absorption. Some products combine both functions.
Can a Recoil Pad Increase Stock Length?
Yes. Fitting a thicker recoil pad can increase the shotgun's length of pull. However, increasing stock length is not always beneficial, and the overall fit should be considered before changing pad thickness.
How Do I Know If My Shotgun Stock Is Too Short?
A stock that is too short may feel cramped or encourage an uncomfortable shooting position. However, stock length cannot be judged reliably from one measurement alone. A professional gun-fitting assessment is the best way to establish the appropriate length of pull.
Can I Fit a Shotgun Recoil Pad Myself?
Some direct-replacement pads can be fitted using the manufacturer's instructions. Others require grinding, drilling or careful shaping. If you are unsure, use a qualified gunsmith or gun fitter to avoid damaging the stock or compromising the fit.
Do Recoil Pads Help With Heavy Cartridges?
A suitable recoil pad may improve shoulder comfort when using heavier-recoiling cartridges. However, recoil is also influenced by cartridge load, gun weight and shooting technique. A recoil pad should not be relied upon to make an unsuitable gun or cartridge combination comfortable.
Are Recoil Pads Suitable for Clay and Game Shooting?
Yes. Recoil pads are used on both clay and game shotguns. The most suitable design depends on mounting preferences, clothing, shotgun configuration and how frequently the gun is fired.
How Long Does a Shotgun Recoil Pad Last?
Service life depends on the material, frequency of use and storage conditions. Replace a pad if it becomes cracked, hardened, loose, permanently compressed or otherwise damaged.
Can I Replace a Hard Plastic Butt Plate With a Rubber Recoil Pad?
Often, yes, provided a suitable replacement is available and can be fitted correctly. The stock profile, fixing points and resulting length of pull must all be considered. Professional fitting may be necessary.
Do You Stock Shotgun Stock Extensions?
Yes. Bamfords Online stocks the GMK Lengthening Piece/Pad, alongside recoil pads and replacement heelplates from Kick-Eez and Beretta. Check the individual product for available options and compatibility.
Buy Shotgun Recoil Pads Online at Bamfords
Whether you're replacing an original recoil pad, upgrading your sporting shotgun or adjusting stock length, Bamfords Online offers a carefully selected range of shotgun recoil pads, heelplates and stock extensions from established shooting brands.
Explore our Kick-Eez recoil pads for a choice of shooting-specific designs, Beretta replacement pads and heelplates for compatible guns, and GMK stock lengthening accessories. If you're unsure which option is suitable, our team can help you identify the important measurements and compatibility details before ordering.
Browse the collection above or contact Bamfords Online for further product advice.