replacing a recoil pad

[WMG]

I want to knock about only 1/2 an inch of stock from a shotgun and do I really need to get a whole new recoil pad , or what would be a good way of "rounding" off the current one that is already on the gun so I can just reuse that one
belt sander any good on rubber??????

[knight0334]

A belt sander will work on the existing pad. Be careful though, you can heat up the rubber pretty quick and ruin it. I've used a slight film of petroleum jelly on the pads as I ground them to keep them from drying out, caking and burning.

I personally use a grinder, sometimes a mounted disc sander to fit pads for myself or others. Take is slow, a sander or grinder can work a pad beyond your intended line in a fraction of a second if you apply too much pressure.

[bert304]

Take Knight0334's adivce take it slow and check your lines often. I ruined a limbsaver recoil pad with a belt sander and had to purchase a second one for my hunting rifle.

[BUCKMARK]

A belt sander will work, but it's not the way to go. Use a disk sander with higher RPM's.

I use the proper jig fixture to set the angles and let the disk do the work.

#1. Cut the stock down.

#2 install the new pad, use a sharp scribe to trace around the stock on the inside of the pad.

#3 use chalk dust to make your line stand out from the black pad.

#4 set the jig to the proper angle for the toe of the pad. allow the disk sander to do the work. Sand slowly until the line is gone, work your way up both sides of the pad about 1/2 way.

#5 set the jig for the heel of the pad. Sand until the line is gone and follow the pad down both sides about 1/2 way.

#6 sand both sides of the pad that are left over. Sand until the line is just barely gone as you did with the toe and heel.

#7 remove the pad from the jig and lightly hand sand the pad to remove the disk sander marks. This step only takes a few mins.

#8 use a Scotch Brite pad to lightly remove the remaining sanding marks.

#9 use a touch of car wax to shine up the sides of the pad and plastic pad base.

#10 Install your new pad and marvel at how well you did.

Easy 30 min job.

[WMG]

Ah many thanks to the three of you folks , I cut the stock down tonight , decided to take 3/4 of an inch off instead , post pics of the gun when I am done if I remember , turning a field gun into a hallway sweeper

[WMG]

Anyhow thanks again , I am done and the rubber sanding went better than i thought