Every shotgun recoils with varying levels of intensity. The Remington 870 is no exception to this, leaving you with the choice of using the factory recoil pad and suffering a sore shoulder for days, or getting an upgraded model that allows you to shoot comfortably.
If you’re looking for an upgraded recoil pad to save yourself from the impact of a strong recoil, read on to learn about recoil pads, how to go about choosing them, and some highly recommended pads for the Remington 870.
At a Glance: Our Top Picks for Remington 870 Recoil Pads
- OUR TOP PICK: REMINGTON - Rem. 870 Supercell Recoil Pad, Synthetic
- RUNNER-UP: LIMBSAVER Remington 700/870/1100/12 ga. Recoil Pad
- BEST BUDGET OPTION: Limbsaver Air-Tech Recoil Pad
Comparison of the Remington 870 Recoil Pads
| IMAGE | PRODUCT | |
|---|---|---|
Our Top Pick  |
| View Latest Price → |
 |
| View Latest Price → |
Best Budget Option  |
| View Latest Price → |
 |
| View Latest Price → |
 |
| View Latest Price → |
What Are Recoil Pads?
A recoil pad is a piece of soft material such as rubber, foam, leather, etc. that is attached to the buttstock of a rifle or shotgun. They are meant to provide additional padding between the hard buttstock surface and the shooter’s shoulder.
This prevents the pain and discomfort from the hard impact of the gun’s recoil. In addition, it prevents the gun from slipping on the shooter’s clothing and helps the shooter to not foul up the second shot.
Are Recoil Pads Needed on the Remington 870?
Every Remington 870 comes with factory fitted recoil pads, so they are definitely a necessary part of the shotgun. Think of them as a cushion for the recoil – you don’t want to be hit in the shoulder with a hard wooden buttstock if you can help it - it will pack quite a punch.
A good recoil pad will absorb some of that force, leaving you in much better shape and ready for the next shot. As the correct way to shoot a shotgun is to stand behind it, a recoil pad is always intended to soften the recoil impact.
How to Choose a Recoil Pad for Your Remington 870
When you’re looking for new recoil pads, don’t be swayed by fancy terms and designs. Manufacturers are constantly innovating new concepts, but very few recoil pads actually make the cut when it comes to reducing recoil effectively. You should focus on the length of pull, your type of shooting, and the thickness of the pad.
Length of Pull (LOP)
The length of pull or LOP is the distance from the middle of the trigger to the end of the gun's buttstock, which is extremely important for a proper gun fit. Taking this into consideration when purchasing the recoil pad will ensure a comfortable shot.
Type of Shooting
Whether you prefer low-gun mounts or fixed pre-mounts, there are different recoil pads for the job. When looking for a new recoil pad, keep in mind how you’ll be using it most. Whether it be for competition, hunting, or recreation, choosing one to suit your needs is always best.
Shooting Range
Thickness
When it comes to thickness, more is better. A thicker pad reduces recoil more than a thinner pad, so for the thickest pad possible. With this, keep in mind the awkwardness that may come with a thick pad. For example, if a thicker pad is makes your gun longer and uncomfortable to shoot, then perhaps it’s not ideal.
Pre-Fit or Grind-To-Fit
Some pads are available in one style and one thickness (pre-fit) but are quick and easy to install. Due to stock variation, they may not fit perfectly on your gun. Grind-to-fit pads require sanding for a proper fit, but come in a large variety of styles and thicknesses.
Review of the Best Remington 870 Recoil Pads
Below is a list of the five best Remington 870 Recoil Pads that you’ll find on the market today. You should consider finding one that matches your personal needs and preferences. A good way to determine that is by looking at the features and characteristics of each one. Once you find a pad that matches your ideal description, you know that it might be the winning choice. Let’s take a look at the first item on the list:
Best Overall:
REMINGTON Supercell Recoil Pad, Synthetic
Pros
Cons
What Recent Buyers Report
A lot of new buyers were thrilled with this recoil pad. They said that it was perfect for making every shot more comfortable for them; overall, they felt no shock at all. Meanwhile, they also reported noticing a good amount of recoil being reduced, some saying up to about 55 percent. One user said because of this reduction he was able to maintain more control over his shotgun while hunting.
Why it Stands Out to Us
If you are in search of a recoil pad that is excellent in terms of versatility, we have it right here. This recoil pad is compatible with both wood and synthetic stocks, and it’s perfect for reducing a good amount of recoil and shock once you’ve installed this. The results will pretty much be immediate. So if you want a great recoil pad that can get the job done and give you maximum comfort, this pad, in particular, will be your best possible option.
This pad uses an advanced polymer and comes in two variants: one for wood stocks and one for synthetic stocks. It provides a 54% reduction in felt recoil over the standard factory pad and is made by Remington. It’s lightweight and won’t alter the balance of the Remington 870 shotgun either. Installation is easy and requires screwing in with the included screws.
Who Will Use This Most
This recoil pad will likely be used by hunters and target shooters who want better control and accuracy over their shotguns (but can’t because of the recoil). It will certainly do your shoulders good since it will provide excellent comfort and won’t leave any bruising. Simply put, this recoil pad is a must-have for any Remington 870 that you use.
Bottom Line
The Remington 870 Supercell Recoil Pad is perhaps the only factory direct recoil pad you can invest in and get immediate results out of it once installed. It’s at the perfect thickness and definitely stands out as the best possible option for those who want a simple recoil pad for their shotgun.
This is an excellent alternative to the factory pad provided by Remington, and because it’s made by Remington, you know it will fit your shotgun well. Recent buyers love its authentic look and feel, as well as its shock absorbing performance.
Runner-up:
LIMBSAVER Remington 700/870/1100/12 ga. Recoil Pad
Pros
Cons
What Recent Buyers Report
This recoil pad was a huge hit with many buyers. The pad was comfortable and significantly reduced the recoil (up to 70 percent for most users). One user even said that the pad itself may or may not have felt like there was no recoil at all. Overall, a lot of users reported an increase in their accuracy and better control over their shotguns without any other issues. Installation was a breeze and took as little as a few minutes (with no additional fitting needed).
Why it Stands Out to Us
While this recoil pad is not as thick as some of the others, it has proven beyond a shadow of a doubt that it is one of the best. Comfortable, excellent at reducing recoil and absorbing shock, this recoil pad is undoubtedly one of the best overall choices on the market for quite some time. So if you like a recoil pad that will give you all kinds of benefits like comfortable shooting, better shock absorption, and reduced recoil (without all kinds of thickness), this pad might be exactly what you need.
Recoil pads from Limbsaver are made from NAVCOM (Noise and Vibration Control Material) synthetic material and can fit a variety of rifles, shotguns, and muzzleloaders. They incorporate anti-muzzle jump technology and reduce up to 70% of felt recoil. Installation is quick and easy, and these pads can handle all kinds of weather.
Who Will Use This Most
This recoil pad is going for a pretty good price right now. So if you are looking for a really good option at a price that is affordable, you’re in luck. It’s one of the best performing high-quality recoil pads on the market. For the price it’s going for, you’re looking at the steal of the century. If you are a hunter or a target shooter that wants to make recoil almost non-existent, you’d be crazy to pass up the opportunity to give this recoil pad a closer look.
Bottom Line
Simply put, the Limbsaver recoil pad is perhaps one of the most preferred recoil pads on the market for a few good reasons. And you can be able to get immediate benefits out of this in as little as a minute (which is the time it takes to install this on most stocks). You’ll certainly love having this recoil pad as the long-term solution to all your recoil reduction needs.
Made from an advanced synthetic material, these recoil pads get the job done and they do it better than almost every other pad out there! Go for this pad if your shotgun shooting sessions leave you sore and unable to take a follow up shot without wincing.
Best for the Money:
LIMBSAVER Air-Tech Recoil Pad
Pros
Cons
What Recent Buyers Report
Most new users of this pad have reported a great reduction in recoil (more than half, at least), thus making it feel like there is no recoil at all. They also added that they were able to shoot their Remington 870 shotguns with a lot more comfort, saving their shoulders from additional abuse. The shock was absorbed quite quickly despite the pad being not so thick. One user said it’s perhaps one of the best recoil pads he’s ever invested in.
Why it Stands Out to Us
Once again, we take a look at another Limbsaver recoil pad that is made for maximum recoil reduction. It’s got the kind of feel that you could get out of some air foam. In essence, it makes the pad a lot more comfortable than most. So if you hate getting your shoulder beat up due to the amount of recoil your shotgun produces, this pad will put an end to that and quick. It’s perhaps one of the best pads that you can find that is not so thick in measurement but can deliver a performance that no other recoil pad can duplicate (except for a very select few).
The AirTech line of recoil pads claims to be the most advanced in the world. The recoil pad is designed for a specific make and model of a stock, so it fits perfectly.
Who Will Use This Most
This recoil pad will be perfect if you are serious about finding something that is very comfortable for your shoulders. Yes, you’ll get instant recoil reduction and a whole lot of control over your shotgun. So if you hate recoil as much as the next shooter, you have the opportunity to reduce a whole lot of it in a small recoil pad. This is probably your best option available if you have to give comfort more of a favorable edge over anything else.
Bottom Line
The Limbsaver Air-Tech Recoil Pad is exactly what you need if you are serious about comfort. Yes, it will reduce a ridiculous amount of recoil. But it will definitely be a welcome comfort if your shoulder has consistently sustained a heavy amount of recoil. No more shoulder bruising or pain from shooting. You deserve a recoil pad that gives you maximum comfort and the feel of no recoil.
One of the best recoil pads for dampening the recoil and preventing muzzle jump, you should check this out if you are experiencing discomfort or soreness from your current recoil pads and want to enjoy shooting once more.
4. KICK-EEZ Sporting Clays Recoil Pad
Pros
Cons
What Recent Buyers Report
Many new buyers were pretty stoked with this recoil pad. They managed to use this for the purpose of target shooting and competitive shooting. Upon use, they noticed recoil reduction of up to 60 percent, with most users saying that the recoil felt “non-existent”. One user said that it was easier for him to get an edge on the competition in his most recent contest where he was able to hit most of his clay pigeons.
Why it Stands Out to Us
This recoil pad was designed for sporting purposes. So, it made a lot of sense to make it as lightweight as possible while making it not too thick for the sake of absorbing shock and recoil. The material is made from high-quality leather, which makes it not only comfortable on the shoulders but also durable enough to handle heavy-duty use. It’s genuine and stays nice and soft for the long term.
Who Will Use This Most
This recoil pad will be the best for target shooters and competitive shooters alike. If you love a reduction in recoil and additional comfort for when the competition is on the line, it’s this recoil pad that will be helpful each time you use it. Once you install this on your shotgun, you’ll have a battle-ready recoil pad that reduces recoil at the snap of a finger and ends the abuse on your shoulders once and for all.
Bottom Line
The Kick-EEZ Sporting Clays Recoil Pad is the go-to choice for competitive shooters or casual target shooters. If you want to spend the day at the range and not deal with the ridiculous amounts of recoil your shotgun has, adding this pad to your buttstock will certainly change the game up. Since it’s made from high-quality materials, you’ll know for a fact that it will last you a long time.
5. PACHMAYR SC100 Decelerator Recoil Pad
Pros
Cons
What Recent Buyers Report
New buyers report seeing a reduction of recoil from an upwards of 50 to about 60 percent. They also managed to install this fairly quickly. The results that followed were immediate. Reduced recoil and better chances at hitting their shots accurately occurred with the initial post-installation shots. One user even said that he was able to enjoy shooting his Remington 870 more since he was able to install this recoil pad on his stock.
Why it Stands Out to Us
This recoil pad is another one made from genuine leather. It’s high in quality and will be a lot more resistant to wear and tear compared to numerous others. So, if quality is something that you consider as a “make or break” deal for you, this recoil pad might just be the one to go with. It’s not too thick, so it won’t affect your length of pull in the slightest.
Who Will Use This Most
This will likely be a nice recoil pad to have for those who are looking for something that will give them a good amount of comfort while shooting each shot with a Remington 870. It’s high-quality as well, making it one of the best possible options for a long-lasting recoil pad. If you want something that’s great for the long-term regardless of how you use your Remington 870 shotgun, this recoil pad is a must.
Bottom Line
The Pachmayr is a tough unit that isn’t too thick but can reduce a good amount of shock and recoil. It’s more of a general-purpose recoil pad that will give you excellent comfort and better, consistent control that will lead to accurate and precise shooting. Once you take a few minutes to install this, you probably won’t want to go with anything else.
What Do I Need to Know Before Buying a Remington 870 Recoil Pad?
Before you purchase a recoil pad for your Remington 870, it should be noted that you’ll need to make a few additional considerations that will allow you to make a more informed decision. Ignoring these additional aspects may lead you to find the wrong recoil pad. Here are some things you should know:
Not Every Recoil Pad Will “Reduce” Recoil
This is said in the context of not being able to reduce all of the felt recoil. But it can reduce a good amount of it so you can retain better control. These pads will ideally eliminate the slap that comes with recoil, which can do a number on your shoulder.
The Thicker, The Better
A lot of recoil pads are available in different measurements of thickness. However, the thicker the pad, the better the chance it will give your shoulders more comfort with every shot. Not to be outdone, the thicker recoil pad will also do a good job absorbing more shock compared to other thinner recoil pads.
Measure Wisely
Sometimes, too thick of a recoil pad can be a bad thing, and it can make your Remington 870 look out of place. So it’s important to make the determination of how thick your recoil pad should be. The last thing you want is something that will stick out like a sore thumb. Plus, too much thickness can also affect the length of pull.
How to Install a Recoil Pad
Here’s how to install your new recoil pad.
- You’ll need a bit of Vaseline and a Phillips screwdriver. Apply the Vaseline onto the screwdriver to help lubricate it. Make sure the screwdriver is in good condition.
- Unscrew the factory recoil pad. This might not be necessary for some models, but if your Remington 870 came with a factory recoil pad, you’ll need to remove it.
- Remove the screws from the factory pad, then insert them into the new recoil pad.
- Apply Vaseline on the screwdriver again and gently tighten the screws on the recoil pad to join it to the gun’s stock.
Conclusion
Finding the right kind of Remington 870 recoil pad will take some time. But you now have five superior options at your disposal. Be sure to find the one that will best fit your personal needs and preferences so you’ll be able to use it for the long-term. First, you’ll need to decide how much recoil you’ll want to reduce. Sometimes, the more reduction of recoil it has, the better.
