Can I save this recoil pad?

r.fallon

r.fallon

Regular
Rating - 100%
143   0   0
Location
Vancouver Island
This is probably a NO but I have to ask. Is it possible to reconstitute a dried out recoil pad? It still works but it is ugly. I'd like to keep the rifle original if i can. If I can't save this, is it possible to find an original Sako pad of the same type to replace it?

Rf
 

Attachments

  • 20230511_105839.jpg
    20230511_105839.jpg
    65.2 KB · Views: 245
  • 20230511_105849.jpg
    20230511_105849.jpg
    42.5 KB · Views: 246
Actually, as I think about this, I think that, if it were me, I'd try to recapture the aesthetics of the original red Sako recoil pad. A red pad was found on the best custom guns of the past; actually they were Silvers pads that appeared on Holland & Holland, Purdey, Rigby, etc., rifles. New England Custom Gun Service has some really nice pads, including a red one that, although it wouldn't have "Sako" embossed on it, would look much classier on your rifle, in my opinion (and like the original), than the ventilated Sako pad. Just my opinion; aesthetics are important to me.

https://www.newenglandcustomgun.com/proddetail.php?prod=4178

WjGUPr9.jpg
 
Unfortunately rubber can be preserved but not restored when it perishes. Eventually it will crack worse and crumble, even though we are led to believe that it’s a ‘forever’ pollutant. Sunlight, ozone, heat, some oils and solvents will all speed up the deterioration of rubber ( think cracked sidewalls on old tires). Leave it to add character to a fine rifle or replace it.
 
Thanks again S-P for your response. I 100% agree with you aesthetics are important and the red would look the best. Ill see about getting an NECG pad. That is a good price for them.
Cheers
Rf
 
Leave it to add character to a fine rifle or replace it.[/QUOTE]

Would replacing the pad devalue the rifle? Maybe I could find new old stock one or rob one from a damaged stock? Maybe I'm thinking to much into this and I should replace it with something modern that is close.

Cheers
Rf
 
I threw out about a dozen of those useless "pads"... installed Pachmayr Decelerators... they absorb recoil and last...

Those Sako pads are glued on with large steel pins holding them in place... don't try to band saw the pad off, you will ruin the blade.
 
Many decades ago when I was a used car salesman, the prep shop used to wipe brake fluid on the sidewalls. Would soften the rubber and close up the cracks for a city block or two. Don’t know if the chemical chemistry has changed in 45yrs but doesn’t look like you would have anything to lose, I wouldn’t want to get it on the stock though.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom