A Mosin Nagant rifle uses a century old and heavy 7.62 x54R round, which has a jerky recoil. Apart from this, there are several other factors (like comfort) which entice people to buy recoil pads. Here, we’ll learn about recoil pads and whether your Mosin Nagant needs one.
We have also reviewed some of the best Mosin Nagant recoil pads available in the market, if you want some help with choosing one for your good 'ol Mosin.
At a Glance: Our Top Picks for Nagant Recoil Pads
- OUR TOP PICK: Limbsaver Slip-On Recoil Pad
- RUNNER-UP: Pachmayr Decelerator Speed-Mount Slip-on Recoil Pad
- BEST BUDGET OPTION: Limbsaver Protective Shooting Pad
Comparison of the Best Mosin Nagant Recoil Pads
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What is the Purpose of a Recoil Pad?
A recoil pad is a soft, thick pad made of cotton or synthetic material like NAVCOM (Noise and Vibration Control Material). Recoil pads can be wearable or slidable. A wearable recoil pad can be worn over the shoulder and fastened to provide a soft base for the rifle stock. This soft base protects the shoulder from the recoil jerk.
You may not mind the recoil while shooting 10 or 20 rounds. But if you shoot more, you’ll end up having a bruised shoulder, especially if you're a skinny guy.
The recoil pad not only dampens the recoil of the rifle, it also makes target re-acquisition much faster. Obviously, once you shoot the rifle, the recoil makes the reticle shift a bit. This shift is wider in rifles using heavy ammo, like the Mosin Nagant. It usually feels like a hammer has hit the rifle after firing a shot.
In the long run, recoil pads take care of the overall health of your shoulder joints and cervical parts. It makes shooting a rifle more comfortable. Plus, it also improves the accuracy a bit. Although this change is not substantial, even a slight improvement counts for long-distance shooting.
What Makes a Great Recoil Pad?
Some things make a recoil pad stand out over the rest on the market. You should know how to distinguish a great one from one that isn’t so reliable or crappy in quality. The following are a few features and characteristics you should be looking for:
Affordable for Your Budget
We understand that you may not be able to afford higher-end recoil pads. However, you won’t be limited only to recoil pads that are poor in reliability and quality. You should find one that will not only fit your budget but will also be the best quality and performance you can afford. Never sacrifice either for the sake of saving money.
Pachmayr Decelerator Speed-mount Slip-on Recoil Pad
Find the Best Quality Materials
Most recoil pads are made from the best synthetic materials. Granted, they are tough and do a lot of things you never knew were possible. For example, recoil pads are made from rubber. They have the ability to absorb quite a bit of shock. Remember, the best quality will always stand out and last you a long time.
Easy to Install
Most of the recoil pads you’ll find on the market will be easy to install. Very rarely will you ever see one where the services of a professional gunsmith are needed to install a great quality recoil pad. You may not need any tools at all to install them, however, the installation method is not just a choice for convenience.
There are slip-on recoil pads which can be easily added and removed from the buttstock of the rifle (they're like a sleeve). Whereas other models have to be bolted down to the rear plate of the stock as a permanent attachment. Removable recoil pads offer customization and permanent recoil pads offer stability/durability, but they have their own pros and cons in the long run.
Quick Take - Best Mosin Nagant Recoil Pads
These are our recommendations for the best Mosin Nagant recoil pads:
Review of the Best Recoil Pads for the Mosin Nagant
The following is a list of the five best Mosin Nagant Recoil Pads currently on the market. As you go through each one, make a note of any features and characteristics that make it stand out. This way, if it matches your ideal description of a recoil pad, you may have found a winner.
We’ve reviewed the five best recoil pads available for the Mosin Nagant in the market. These include all three types of recoil pads and represent what we feel are the best in their line. Select the one which fits your requirements best. Now, let’s kick off the list by taking a look at the first recoil pad on our list:
Best Overall:
Limbsaver Slip-On Recoil Pad
Pros
Cons
What Recent Buyers Report
As expected, recent buyers were quite satisfied with the recoil pad. They managed to attach this on the stock of their Mosin Nagant rifles in a matter of a couple of minutes. One user said he installed it, took it to the range, and noticed instant recoil reduction and no muzzle jump.
Why it Stands Out to Us
The recoil pad is available in different sizes. However, you’ll need to know which one will fit your stock perfectly. The material is a rubber that can absorb a ton of shock. You know that your Mosin Nagant produces a ton of it from its powerful recoil. So you need a recoil pad that can get the job done so you can shoot accurate and precise shots without dealing with finicky muzzle jump.
Limbsaver makes a great slip-on recoil pad which offers a snug fit with easy installation. Made with shock-resistant NAVCOM material, it can be transferred from gun to gun and requires no fitting. This recoil pad is available in small and medium sizes. However, the small size will likely suit your Mosin Nagant best.
Since the Mosin was made over such a long period, though, it’s possible your stock is slightly different. We suggest you measure your stock and match it with the respective specifications on Limbsaver’s website prior to buying this pad.
No grinding or fitting is needed. Just slide it over the butt to protect your shoulder from any damage. It’s an exceptional product for hunting and competitive shooting.
Who Will Use This Most
This pad will work to your advantage in a hunting situation. Of course, you’ll need to give it a whirl once the installation process is said and done.Hunting and target shooting would be your best bets with this pad. Either way, if you want the best recoil reduction possible for your Mosin Nagant, it takes a recoil pad like this to get the job done.
Bottom Line
The Limbsaver AirTech Slip-On Recoil Pad is by far the best in the business when it comes to a recoil pad for a Mosin Nagant. If you want something made from thick materials which can absorb a great deal of shock, this recoil pad will be exactly what you’ll need for almost any given purpose.
Runner-up:
Pachmayr Decelerator Speed-Mount Slip-on Recoil Pad
Pros
Cons
This recoil pad was a breeze to install, according to most new users. It didn’t require any fitting, nor any alterations to ensure it would fit on Mosin Nagant rifles. One user said it was quick to install and recoil reduction was noticeable right after. As expected, they noticed no muzzle jump right from the start.
Why it Stands Out to Us
This slip-on design is made in two different colors but your choice depends on your personal preferences. However, of all the recoil pads, this one is probably the easiest to install. Plus, it’s made with some pretty sturdy materials so it will be ready and raring to go if you’re taking the Mosin Nagant out for a hunting trip or a day at the range.
The Pachmayr Decelerator Slip-on Recoil Pad is one of the most widely-sold recoil pads in the market. It features a rounded heel section made up of slick polymer to limit friction. This allows the rifle to slide smoothly on your shoulder.
This section has been specially contoured to allow quick shouldering. The material of the pad is stretchable which allows easy installation. This recoil pad adds 15/16” to the length of the rifle. Priced quite inexpensively, the Pachmayr is a renowned and reliable slip-on recoil pad for your Mosin Nagant rifle.
Who Will Use This Most
This recoil pad is for general purpose use. So if you’re hunting, target shooting, or taking part in competitions, you’ll want this recoil pad. The sooner you grab hold of this, the better off you’ll be in the long run if you want to get rid of all that recoil throwing off your shots.
Bottom Line
The Pachmary Decelerator Speed-Mount Slip-on Recoil Pad will be your best friend out in the field or on the range if you want something that will get rid of muzzle jump and reduce a lot of recoil in a moment’s notice. Once it’s on, you’ll notice the changes at the snap of a finger.
Best for the Money:
Limbsaver Protective Shooting Pad
Pros
Cons
What Recent Buyers Report
As expected, this recoil pad worked without any issues with most recent buyers. Most were able to find the right measurements and fit this on their stocks in a matter of a couple of minutes. Once installed, a lot of new users reported instant recoil reduction and elimination of muzzle jump.
Why It Stands Out To Us
Limbsaver is one of the best brands when it comes to recoil reduction products. Not just for the Mosin Nagant, but also for other rifles as well. This version put out by them is no different. It provides durable recoil reduction and absorbs an excellent amount of shock. And like all of their pads, the installation time takes about a few minutes, tops. So it is quite easy to use.
A wearable recoil pad from Limbsaver, the Protective Shooting Pad is easy to wear and effective while shooting. The pad can be easily strapped around your chest with adjustable straps and side release buckles. The shooting pad is reversible and can be worn either on the the right or left shoulder.
The NAVCOM material disperses the recoil across the surface to dampen the vibrations. The pad can be easily detached from the harness in case you want to wash it.
You don’t have to worry about the size of the pad, as it is fully adjustable. You don’t have to drill any holes in your stock to use the recoil pad. Just keep it in your range bag and use it with any rifle. This shooting pad is reasonably priced and obviously will work with any rifle.
Who Would Use This Most
If you’re a hunter or a target shooter, you’ll more than likely put this to good use, especially if you want something that will get rid of muzzle jump and reduce felt recoil by nearly 70%. What exactly will be the reward for that? Being able to shoot straight and hit your targets accurately from some impressive distances.
Bottom Line
If you want an excellent recoil pad that is affordable, durable, and puts in the work every time you use your rifle, the Limbsaver AirTech Slip-On will most likely be the kind of recoil pad you choose for your Mosin Nagant rifle. Regardless of which size you go with, this pad gives you better control and increased accuracy.
4. Pachmayr SC100 Decelerator Recoil Pad
Pros
Cons
What Recent Buyers Report
Most recent buyers didn’t have a problem with the thickness of this recoil pad. While it’s thin, it did them a favor by reducing a lot of recoil. One user said the material was soft and makes it easy on the shoulders, even with a little recoil still present. As expected, they also reported little to no muzzle jump as a result of the installation.
Why it Stands Out to Us
Yes, the pad is thin. But it’s also available in different levels of thickness. Regardless, the intent here is to keep your shoulders well-protected from the abuse they’ll withstand using a weapon with highly powerful recoil (which is found in Mosin Nagant rifles). The material is made from genuine leather. It’s nice and soft but at the same time prevents your shoulders from being bruised up. So if you want something that will protect your shoulders, this might be exactly what you’re looking for.
The SC100 Decelerator Recoil Pad from Pachmayr has been manufactured with shock-absorbing material and is coated with leather. A head insert at the heel allows the heel to slide smoothly on your clothing. This pad needs to be screwed to the butt of your Mosin Nagant rifle.
The plastic base for installation is pre-drilled for the screws. Attaching this recoil pad to your rifle does require some basic skills, like drilling and grinding. Match the pad with the position of pre-drilled holes in the stock for proper alignment. Use the butt-plate screw holes and tighten the recoil pad with the screws included in the package.
You can use a belt sander or grinder to customize the recoil pad to better fit your Mosin Nagant.
Who Will Use This Most
This will usually be used for older Mosin Nagants. While still packing a punch on the recoil, it can still deliver some excellent firepower like nothing else. So if you want something that will be good on the shoulders and will lessen a lot of recoil, this will work for your Mosin Nagant rifle.
Bottom Line
The Pachmayr SC100 Decelerator Recoil Pad is no ordinary recoil pad. Iit’s durable and soft enough to give your shoulders a good deal of protection, while reducing a lot of recoil in the process. If you want something for hunting or target shooting, this recoil pad will do its best to take recoil down a few notches and eliminate muzzle jump.
5. Aim Sports Mosin Nagant 1-inch Extended Recoil Butt-pad
Pros
Cons
What Recent Buyers Report
Recent buyers were quite satisfied with this affordable recoil pad. Not only did it save a lot of users money compared to finding a high-end recoil pad, but the quality and performance are worth more than the price tag, according to most users. One user said this cut his total recoil in half and also eliminated all muzzle jump in the process.
Why it Stands Out to Us
This recoil pad will fit on most Mosin Nagant rifles. While it may not be a universal fit, it might be your fail-safe go-to if you’re having difficulty trying to find the right recoil pad for your rifle. As expected, it’s thick enough to absorb a ton of shock and gives you a little less recoil to work against. Just simply install this bad boy on your stock and you’ll notice the reduction right away.
Who Will Use This Most
This will likely be used for hunting and target shooters, alike. If you’re tired of dealing with inaccurate shooting from muzzle jump and heavy recoil, you need a pad that will reduce it in a snap. This recoil pad is designed to do just that.
Bottom Line
The AIM Sports Mosin Nagant recoil pad might be right up your alley if you want something that will fit most rifles. If you’re looking for something that is a textbook example of how a recoil pad should work, this would be worth looking at closely.
AIM Sports offers another simple and inexpensive recoil butt-pad for your Mosin Nagant. Installing this butt-pad is not rocket science if you know how to drill holes and align them. Made from hard, non-slip rubber, the butt-pad is one-inch thick. The manufacturer claims the butt-pad reduces recoil by almost 40%.
It can be mounted easily to your stock using existing butt-plate screws. The product is backed up by a lifetime company warranty, so you can be assured of its quality.
Types of Recoil Pads
Now let’s look at the different types of mosin nagant recoil pads available. We suggest you try out each kind to determine what works best for you.
Slip-on Pads
Slip-on pads are the simplest and easiest-to-use recoil pads for your rifle. These pads are made of nylon or cotton, with a neoprene or NAVCOM material. These pads are like a butt-cover which can be easily slid over the butt and removed the same way. The slip-on pads fit easily over the butt and last longer.
Wearable Recoil Pads
These wearable pads are a smart solution for people who want to use multiple rifles at once and don’t want to buy individual recoil pads for each one of them. A wearable recoil pad can be worn on either shoulder. The adjustable belts allow the user to make himself comfortable with the pad. The area marking the shoulder has a neoprene filling to provide a rest for the butt. If you are not in favor of customizing your rifle, this one is for you.
Butt-Plate Replacement
A new butt-plate requires a bit of customization to your Mosin Nagant rifle. These butt-pads are made up from materials like rubber and replace the rear end of the stock.
The steel butt-plate of the Mosin is replaced by these butt-pads by drilling a screw on the bottom. This is a permanent solution for people who don’t want to carry slip-on or wearable pads.
DIY Ways to Protect Your Shoulder
Some people don’t like spending money on accessories they consider irrelevant. They devise their own innovative ideas for the recoil pads. One such idea is to use a folded towel or a folded mousepad and cram it between your shoulder and the butt of the Mosin.
These methods, even though they’re not highly technical, may still get the job done for you. This method looks smart, but isn’t recommended, unless you’re stuck in a particular situation.
Why Should You Buy a Mosin Nagant Recoil Pad?
There are several aspects typical of the Mosin Nagant that might make you interested in a recoil pad as an important Mosin Nagant accessory. Let’s go through some of them.
Shoulder Pain
The Mosin Nagant uses a 7.62 x 54 round, which is not a light round to burn through. The recoil of a Mosin Nagant is the same as a .30-06 round or a standard .30-cal round. Mosins aren’t meant for novice shooters. Shooting a Mosin without proper care may result in a bruised, sore, or in worst cases, a damaged shoulder.
The Mosin has a metal stock base which adds to the effect of the painful recoil. Remember that butt-stroke was a standard move in hand-to-hand combat in earlier days. That meant that extra hardness and weight would be put to good use.
Rifles like this are used for long-range shooting. The staggering recoil of the 7.62 round calls for pulling your aim back into line to a lesser or greater extent. The recoil pads help make that lesser rather than greater.
Length
If you have length issues with the Mosin, a recoil pad would help you in the right way. If you’re not familiar with the Mosin, you might not understand how important this can be. This was a gun designed for Russian soldiers wearing all their heavy winter gear - so the stock was made shorter.
Recoil pads generally increase the length of the rifle up to 3/4th of an inch, due to the shockproof neoprene filling within them. People with longer arms can use recoil pads to their advantage in such situations. People with shorter hands can obviously use the shorter carbine models of the 91/30.
Purity and Integrity
To some people, the condition of a rifle matters most, especially if it is an antique piece with some history connected to it. An attachment used to cover-up the length issue is known as the butt-pad and is made from rubber/polyester. It has to be drilled into the bottom of the stock, which requires some drilling and sanding. This affects the original condition and finish of the rifle. However, many recoil pads are slip-on accessories which can be taken on and off without damaging the stock in any way.
Conclusion
A recoil pad is an important accessory for your Mosin Nagant because of the weapon's heavy recoil. This addition can help improve the accuracy of your rifle and prevent your shoulder from getting bruised or seriously damaged. There are quite a few options available in the market. Some need customization and some can simply be attached. You can choose an appropriate model according your needs but recoil pads are definitely worth the expense.
