Modern Gun-Butt Treatments

In the November/December 2021 issue, we explored the evolution of gunstock-butt finishing—tracing the development of recoil pads, buttplates, and heel and toe plates in tandem with the history of the breechloading shotgun. That discussion, however, offered only a surface-level view. In this installment, we’ll take a closer look at modern gun-butt treatments, how they influence gunfit and function, and how they can be tailored—both visually and mechanically—to better serve the shooter. We’ll also explore the craft of fitting leather-covered recoil pads, a refined and time-honored solution that marries aesthetics with performance.

To begin, it’s important to understand that a gun-butt treatment is not merely decorative; it plays a fundamental role in determining how a shotgun fits. Whether it finalizes the dimensions of a bespoke gun or adjusts the fit of an existing gun, the treatment at the butt end of the stock directly affects how the gun meets the shooter’s shoulder. As most wingshooters will attest, fit may be the most critical variable in successful shooting. When a gun fits properly, it becomes an extension of the shooter, aligning naturally with the eye and eliminating the need to consciously aim. Instead, the shooter simply “looks”— an instinctive process that allows for quicker, more-consistent shooting. A well-fitted gun also seats itself naturally into the shoulder pocket, distributing contact of the butt end evenly and comfortably and thereby lessening felt recoil while maintaining a stable mount.

Most shooters are familiar with fit dimensions such as length of pull (LOP), drop and cast, but pitch and toe-out are equally important—particularly when fine-tuning comfort and point of impact. These variables, often overlooked, are influenced significantly by butt-end treatments. LOP can be increased or decreased through the addition or removal of pads, plates, spacers or extensions. Pitch—the angle off of perpendicular at which the butt meets the shooter’s shoulder—can be adjusted by recutting the stock and refitting the pad or plate at a different angle. Toe-out, which is the lateral offset between the heel and toe of the buttstock, allows the butt to nest more naturally in the shoulder pocket and is sometimes affected by changes in pitch or LOP.

When any of these dimensions are misaligned with the shooter’s anatomy, the result is typically uneven contact, discomfort and a disrupted mount—all of which can degrade performance. Most production guns offer standardized dimensions, but such configurations rarely fit all shooters. Those shooters with developed shoulders, short necks or female builds often require custom adjustments, and butt-end modifications provide some of the most straightforward and effective means of achieving proper fit.

Broadly speaking, butt treatments fall into two categories: recoil-mitigating and non-recoil-mitigating. Both serve to protect the end grain of the stock, anchor the gun during the mount and provide a clean, finished appearance. Non-recoil-mitigating options prioritize aesthetics, smooth mounting and dimensional preservation. Checkered butts—where the end grain of the stock is simply finished and checkered—are a traditional choice for bespoke guns. They showcase the beauty of the wood and preserve resale value but offer no recoil absorption and are vulnerable to damage. Thin plates of hardwood, plastic or horn are also common, allowing for subtle fit adjustments while preserving the maximum amount of original stock length.

The cosmetic value of these treatments is notable, but the use of such butt treatments as a value-retention measure should not be underestimated. In general, the more original stock length a gun retains, the more valuable it is on the retail market. A used gun with a 14 1⁄4" LOP acheived via a 1" recoil pad actually retains only 13 1⁄4" of original wood, reducing furutre adjustability. In contrast, were that same gun fixed with a 1⁄4" hardwood buttplate, significantly more wtockwood length would be preserved, making future modifications (addition of a pad up to 1") easier and les visually disruptive. Buttplates and checkered butts also offer a slick, low-friction surface that promotes clean mounting, although they can be brittle and prone to cracking.

Recoil-mitigating pads, such as those made from rubber or neoprene or leather-covered rubber base pads, provide a range of unique benefits. Their primary function is to reduce felt recoil by absorbing/slowing energy upon firing. They also allow for more substantial LOP increases—often up to an inch or more—and are particularly useful treatments on short-stocked guns. For example, when a gun requires a significant LOP extension, a recoil pad is often the most practical and cost-effective solution. However, once a pad extends beyond a certain length—typically more than an inch—it can appear bulky or visually disproportionate, especially on a fine gun.

Synthetic recoil pads have their pros and cons. Rubber pads, particularly those made from vulcanized rubber affixed to a rigid baseplate, like a Silvers or Hawkins pad, offer a vintage aesthetic but can be somewhat “sticky” or “grabby,” catching on clothing during the gun mount (though this stickiness can be mitigated by a light application of Armor All and time/use). Among rubber or neoprene pads, the appearance of red/pink or “white line” synthetic pads can prove aesthetically distracting, especially when paired with finely figured walnut, and darker-toned rubber pads prove the subtler option. On fine guns, however, leather-covered pads offer a far more elegant solution. Leather-covered pads marry function and form: They reduce felt recoil while providing a sophisticated, traditional appearance. They also move easily over clothing without snagging, yet with a bit of pressure applied will remain quite stable in the shoulder pocket.

Crafting a leather-covered recoil pad is a meticulous process, especially when off-the-shelf base pads do not meet quality standards. Author Del Whitman has observed a recent decline in the quality and availability of commercially available base pads, prompting him to fabricate his own. Using micarta sheets for the baseplate and layering on top neoprene rubber of a similar hardness to that available on commercial pads, he creates a pad that is both rigid and lightweight. Micarta sheet stock is available in various thicknesses, allowing Del to stack sheets to achieve precise dimensions for the thickness of the finished pad. Once the stock has been cut ot the desired length and pitch, the base pad is fit so that it is just slightly undersized—allowing room for the leather to wrap around without showing proud of the stock wood.

For the leather covering to fit cleanly, it must be stretched over the pad while wet—typically by soaking it in water or alcohol. This step is critical, as the tension applied during stretching can distort or wrinkle the leather if the underlying pad isn’t perfectly flat and rigid. After drying in place, the leather is removed and glued to the pad using contact cement. Excess material is trimmed away, and a series of gussets are cut into the leather, to allow it to wrap around the back edge of the pad. Once the gusseted fringe is glued, this edge is concealed when the pad is mounted to the stock.

Unlike most commercial pads, which have pre-drilled screw holes, Del’s custom pads allow full control over screw placement—a crucial advantage when working with stocks that have existing voids, old mounting holes or internal hardware such as drawbolts. Screws should always anchor into solid wood, so any voids in the butt-end wood must be plugged—ideally with walnut dowels matched to the stock. Once new pilot holes are drilled, the screws are countersunk into the pad and the recesses are filled with plugs cut from the same rubber material. These are then covered with matching pieces of guesseted leather, creating a seamless and nearly invisible finish. After installation, the pad is stained, polished, waxed and decorated. A fine wax polish protects the leather and enhances its visual harmony with the stock. A decorative line or series of lines etched into the leather with a heated tool may also be added near the baseplate. This process—known as lining—not only enhances the pad’s appearance but also masks any visible transitions between the leather and underlying pad materials.

A well-made leather-covered pad is more than just attractive. It slides effortlessly over clothing without snagging yet grips securely under pressure during the gun mount. Its structure cushions recoil and, with proper care, it can last the lifetime of the gun. While installation is more labor-intensive than simply screwing a synthetic pad in place, the payoff is a functional and elegant treatment that enhances both performance and appearance.

In the end, gun-butt treatments are as varied as the shooters who rely on them. Whether prioritizing fit, aesthetics or recoil management, each treatment serves a purpose. The key is to select one that suits the shooter’s needs and maintains the integrity—and beauty—of the gun. Properly executed, a gun-butt treatment not only finishes the buttstock to a high degree but also completes the connection between shooter and shotgun.