The Remington 700 is a powerful rifle and is heartily loved by hunters and precision shooters. Shooting the Rem 700 (or any other rifle) for extended periods of time might bruise your shoulder. Plus, added recoil can complicate matters when taking long-range shots.
The solution to this problem is incorporating new recoil pads. These pads are widely used on rifles, especially hunting rifles, such as the Remington 700.
Here, we’ll be talking about the use of recoil pads and why they’re beneficial when shooting. We’ll also be discussing reviews for the best Remington 700 recoil pads, thus helping you choose new ones when the time comes.
At a Glance: Our Top Picks for Remington 700 Recoil Pads
- OUR TOP PICK: Pachmayr Decelrator Recoil Pad
- BEST BUDGET OPTION: Beartooth 2.0 Slip On Recoil Pad
- RUNNER-UP: Limbsaver Airtech Recoil Pad
Comparison of the Remington 700 Recoil Pads
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What Are Recoil Pads?
A recoil pad can be a piece of polymer, rubber, gel-filled nylon, or any other soft material attached or worn around the buttstock of a rifle to reduce the impact from recoil. The soft part stays pressed against the point of contact between the buttstock and the shooter.
The purpose of recoil pads is to reduce the amount of recoil and provide comfort while shooting. Recoil pads are known to reduce the recoil of the rifle as much as 70%. Additionally, they prevent the buttstock from slipping against the shoulder, as can happen with metal or synthetic buttstock plates.
Are Recoil Pads Needed?
To be very clear, having a thick recoil pad is dependent upon your personal preference. The Remington 700 is a powerful rifle and has a fair amount of recoil. Whether you’re a benchrest shooter or a hunter stalking your game, having a recoil pad surely helps.
A good recoil pad ensures a reduction in recoil after firing a round. This, in turn, helps reduce the pain that may follow the kickback from pulling the trigger. Prolonged use of rifles, indoors or outdoors, can result in bruising and even problems such as hairline fractures.
Another benefit of using a recoil pad is it allows you to adjust the magnitude of the length of pull from your rifle. While a recoil pad may not prevent these cases 100%, having one can act as a preventive measure.
On the contrary, a recoil pad can come with some disadvantages, too. Wearable recoil pads squish upon firing (if the length of pull is not compensated properly) which can result in the scope kicking back into your face if the rifle is not held securely. Additionally, thicker recoil pads may make your gun too long.
What to Look for When Buying Remington 700 Recoil Pads?
If you are looking for a recoil pad for your Remington 700 rifle, chances are you’ll need to take a look at a few features and characteristics that definitely stand out. They will also serve you in the long run, assuming you choose the one that fits your needs and preferences. Here’s what you should look for:
Price
If you are on a budget, there’s a good chance you’ll be able to find one that is excellent in quality and performance at a price you can afford. It’s a lot better than finding one that is cheap and disappointing. It’s easy to find something at a basement bargain price. But in the end, it will probably end up being a choice you wish you never made.
High-Quality Materials
Most of the recoil pads for a Remington 700 will be made from high-quality materials like rubber, polymer, or anything similar. It’s important to find one that will be more durable and even more comfortable for your shoulders. The better quality the materials, the better the chance it will last you years or even decades.
Look for the Best Thickness
Thickness might be important to some. Especially if you are looking for something that will absorb a good amount of recoil and shock. It’s imperative that you find a recoil pad that is thick enough and won’t affect your length of pull. The last thing you want is a recoil pad that will stick out like a sore thumb.
Proper Fit
Whether it's a slip-on recoil pad or a screw-on recoil pad, make sure it fits perfectly with your stock. It should not protrude from any side and must be snug enough to attach and come-off with appropriate effort. If you have got a new Remington 700 stock chasis or any other Remington 700 upgrades for the stock, it is a must-check factor.
Review of the Best Remington 700 Recoil Pads
Below is a list of the five best Remington 700 recoil pads currently on the list. As you look through each one, you should note the features and characteristics of each so you can determine which one matches your ideal recoil pad. Close enough is a lot better than nothing.
A good recoil pad must be durable, lightweight, easy to install, reduce recoil, and should be comfortable to use. Based upon these qualities, the best recoil pads for the Remington 700 have been listed and reviewed here. Let’s take a look at the first recoil pad on the list:
Best Overall:
Pachmayr Decelerator Slip-On
Pros
Cons
What Recent Buyers Report
A lot of new users were happy with the recoil pad. They said it wasn’t ridiculously thick, but it really did a good job reducing recoil in the process. The quality was pretty solid and installation took as little as a few seconds. Most users were also happy with the fit and finish, except for a few who didn't like the fit and recoil reductions. They probably got lemons.
Why it Stands Out to Us
This is made from high-quality polymer and is designed to give you a good amount of comfort and recoil reduction in the process. In other words, you’re getting exactly what you need out of a recoil pad. So it’s a textbook example of how they work.
This recoil pad is a drop-in model that doesn't need to be screwed over the stock of your Remington 700. This makes it an ideal choice if you are looking for a simpler non-invasive process
This pad helps prevent flinching for accurate follow-up shots, too. It’s lightweight, has a quality polymer construction, and fits both wood and synthetic stocks. Some users can find fitting issues, but you can select between the small and medium variants and one will perfectly fit your Remington 700.
Who Will Use This Most
This will be a great recoil pad for those who are in search of comfort and serious recoil reduction all rolled into one package. It is perfect for people who are not too recoil sensitive (like women or kids) and don't want to marr the Remington 700 stock with a permanent attachment. The stock is robust and can handle abuse, although it may come off it snagged onto something.
Bottom Line
The Remington 700 Pachmayr Recoil Pad is one of the best choices on the market for a few good reasons. It is not a permanent attachment, offers significant recoil reduction, and is durable enough to handle a lot of abuse. Plus, thousands of positive reviews from users add to its reputation.
Runner-up:
Limbsaver Airtech Recoil Pad
Pros
Cons
What Recent Buyers Report
A lot of new users were saying this recoil pad is for real. They reported a reduction of recoil of up to about 70 percent. One user even said it was like there was no recoil at all with every shot he fired. In fact, he said that he was able to land a kill shot during his most recent hunting trip. His target: a 200-pound buck he had long-waited to shoot since the beginning of hunting season. Overall, the recoil reduction was noticeable at the snap of a finger and installation was easy without any need for additional fitting.
Why it Stands Out to Us
This recoil pad is not really too thick. But it can reduce an insane amount of recoil while delivering maximum amounts of comfort with every shot. If anything, this recoil pad, in particular, is makes a strong case for one of the best recoil pads on the market. Don’t be surprised if you get this and it ends up being the most popular for years to come. You’d be crazy to pass up the opportunity to look at this closer.
The Limbsaver Airtech Recoil Pad features an innovative design with atmospheric chambers to provide uniform energy dissipation. This allows the Airtech recoil pad to absorb almost 70% of the recoil from your Remington 700.
The pad features a slip-on design which is not very squishy, thus preventing muzzle flinching. This model needs two screws to attach it to the buttplate of your rifle. The Airtech recoil pad has a high-quality construction and is durable enough to be used in harsh conditions, making it perfect for hunting trips.
Who Will Use This Most
This recoil pad will be definitely used for the purpose of hunting and it will up your accuracy game as soon as you install this and gain complete control over their rifle. You can finally land that elusive hunting target you’ve been eyeing (and even at impressive distances). Recoil won’t stand a chance with a recoil pad like this.
Bottom Line
The LimbSaver Air-Tech Recoil Pad is the real deal. Even better, it’s affordable for most budgets. You’re going to get a lot more than what you’ll pay for with this recoil pad. And it will certainly last you a long time. Don’t be shocked if this winds up being the go-to option for you in the years ahead.
Best for the Money:
Beartooth 2.0 Slip-On Recoil Pad
Pros
Cons
What Recent Buyers Report
As expected, new buyers were pretty happy with the recoil’s ease of installation. They managed to fit it on their Remington 700 stocks and had no complaints. One user said he was able to use the recoil pad and have no looseness to deal with. The comfort was unrivaled and made shoulder abuse a thing of the past. Recoil reduction was reported to be around 50 percent or thereabouts.
Why it Stands Out to Us
This recoil pad is perhaps one of the best options if you want something that is easy to install without the need for tools. So if timing is a factor for you, get this because it’s a slip-on. You’ll instantly get exceptional comfort and recoil that is cut in half. You’ll definitely give yourself additional benefits at the drop of a hat. Plus, you can slip it on easily while you’re hunting or at the range.
The Beartooth Slip-on Recoil Pad is the best value for your money. This recoil pad features stretchy slip-on neoprene sleeves which allows it to fit on nearly all gunstocks, whether rifles or shotguns. With this, the rubber backing keeps the sleeves in place.
The Beartooth recoil pad also allows you to adjust the length of pull with ease. An angled opening in the pad allows for quick swivel stud access. The rubber padding at the base is quite comfortable and will protect your shoulder from stress and injuries.
The neoprene body has reinforced thread seams which ensures that the recoil pad will last long. The package also includes four sizes of pads for increased versatility. Overall, it reduces recoil by almost 40% and prevents muzzle flinching.
Who Will Use This Most
This will be ideal if you don’t have much of a recoil pad to work with (i.e.factory default). If you are looking for a quick solution, this recoil pad will be nice to have when you are at the range or hunting. Just slip it on and you’ll be good to go. You can call this an instant solution with no tools required.
Bottom Line
The Beartooth Products 2.0 Slip-On Recoil Pad will probably be your go-to option if you want something that can be installed in a matter of seconds. It may be a temporary solution until you install a more solid recoil pad or it can be a permanent solution if you are satisfied with it. Either way, it’s a pretty good recoil pad that will certainly give you a good deal of comfort and a near greatly reduced amount of recoil.
4. Recoil Eraser Slip-On Recoil Pad Gel-Filled
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Pros
Cons
What Recent Buyers Report
This recoil pad has won the approval of so many users. Surprisingly enough, it reduces the recoil up to 70 percent and best of all, the comfort was “cloud-like” according to them. The installation was quick and the benefits showed it. One user was surprised that he was able to get a reduced amount of recoil the moment he slipped it onto his rifle. He added that, because of the amount of recoil reduction, he was able to land his most recent hunting target that was roughly situated some 250 yards out.
Why it Stands Out to Us
Once again, this is one of the few slip-on recoil pads available on the market. All you have to do is slip it on and all of a sudden, you get little to no recoil and maximum comfort. This just might be one of the best recoil pads without the Limbsaver name. So it can certainly do you some good if you want a whole lot of recoil reduced without finding a pad that requires a bit of tools and installation time. You probably don’t have time for that.
The Recoil Eraser Recoil pad features a slip-on design and fits almost all types of rifle and shotgun stocks. It fits snugly on the Remington 700 and contains a gel pad within its base to reduce recoil by nearly 70%.
The easy installation slip-on model does not affect the sheen of your stock and is easily interchangeable among a variety of stocks. The butt end of the pad has been made from a high surface tension material to prevent slipping while you shoot. Gel-filled recoil pads are very comfortable and easy to install. This recoil pad is lightweight and can easily fit in your pocket when it’s not in use.
Who Will Use This Most
This slip-on is for those who want a recoil pad that will be easy to install anytime and anywhere. So if you’re without a recoil pad already added onto the rifle itself, you’ll need something to slip on quickly. And you’d be hard-pressed to find a recoil pad like this anywhere else. Seventy percent recoil reduction in a slip-on? What’s not to love about that?
Bottom Line
The Recoil Eraser literally lives up to the name. It will erase recoil in a matter of seconds and you’ll be able to use your rifle without any kind of muzzle jump or recoil to throw off your shots. So once you slip this on your rifle, you’ll have unrivaled comfort like nothing else. Say goodbye to bruised shoulders forever with this bad boy.
5. Limbsaver Classic Precision Fit Recoil Pad For Synthetic Stocks
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Pros
Cons
What Recent Buyers Report
Many buyers were happy with the recoil pad for a few good reasons. One, the recoil reduction was said to be around 70 percent, at best. They were also happy with the overall quality of the recoil pad, saying that it has the potential to last them quite a long time. One user said he had no trouble installing this and it took mere minutes. Once he was finished, he felt little to no recoil at all in almost an instant.
Why it Stands Out to Us
Limbsaver proves that a recoil pad doesn’t have to be too thick in order for it to reduce a good amount of recoil. As thick as it is (approximately an inch thick, to be specific) it absorbs a great deal of shock and recoil like nothing else. And that alone makes shooting your Remington 700 a lot more enjoyable. So if you wish to find a recoil pad that will be easy to install and is perfect to deliver all the benefits you deserve, you’ll probably end up getting this for whatever purpose you use your Remington 700 for.
The Classic Precision Fit model of this Limbsaver recoil pad fits all Remington 700 synthetic stocks. The pad reduces recoil by 70% and improves accuracy and stability. The anti-muzzle-jump technology allows faster target acquisition, too.
The recoil pad is made from durable NAVCOM material and provides a slip-resistant surface, making this recoil pad ideal during harsh weather conditions. It also has a screw hole slot (screws included) to tighten to the buttstock. However, the screws might be a bit long for some stocks.
Who Will Use This Most
This is a recoil pad that will stand out as a general-purpose pad that will simply do its job once you install it. Yes, it’s not the thickest on the market. But you best believe that many buyers underestimate it. If you are smart enough to find a recoil pad that will reduce a good amount of recoil in no time flat, this puppy will probably be a choice to consider.
Bottom Line
If you love your rifle and want to use it as much as possible, but hate the idea of dealing with recoil, this pad will certainly make using it a lot more enjoyable. This Limbsaver Recoil Pad knocks out a good amount of recoil and will allow you to love your rifle and use it to your advantage. Don’t let recoil control you and scuff up your shoulders. Put an end to it with a pad that is high quality and solidly built for the long haul.
Benefits of Investing in a Quality Recoil Pad
If you are looking to get a lot out of your recoil pad, odds are you won’t be disappointed. You’ll be able to find a wide range of benefits to your liking. Here are the following benefits you’ll get to enjoy:
Reduced Recoil
Of course, the sole purpose of the recoil pad is to reduce as much recoil as possible. Most recoil pads will be able to reduce an average of 50 to 60 percent of felt recoil. Some on the market are known for reducing up to 70 percent (depending on the brand). Reduced recoil will always mean more control over your rifle and better accuracy.
Better Comfort
Let’s face it, you hate it when your stock beats on your shoulders and leaves bruises each time. These recoil pads will do a great job of putting an end to that, and fast. You’ll be able to shoot your rifle more comfortably and with consistency. This is perhaps one of the best forms of protection when it comes to heavy-hitting recoil.
Instant Results
It usually takes about a couple of minutes to install a recoil pad on a Remington 700 (assuming that no additional fitting is needed). Once installed, you’ll enjoy the above benefits almost immediately and you’ll really be shocked to see it before your very eyes. If you are someone who likes to waste little or no time with results, a recoil pad is definitely right for you.
Conclusion
A recoil pad is useful in dampening the recoil of your Remington 700, as well as protecting your shoulder from any injuries. Recoil pads are especially useful for hunters and those shooting over longer durations. Slip-on pads are easier to use compared to those which require screws.
Overall, a good recoil pad must absorb recoil, prevent muzzle flinching, be lightweight, and is resistant to harsh weather conditions. We hope this review has be helpful in highlighting some new recoil pads for your Remington 700 and sets you on the right path to a comfortable shot.
