Recoil pad with flip-flop material (no pattern available)

[Triggersmith]

I designed a recoil pad for my shotgun and came across a great idea for the padding.  An old flip-flop.  They usually have about 1 to 3 layers of higher density foam. I traced the butt of my shotgun and cut it out on my band saw.  Shaping the stuff is pretty easy especially if you have a belt sander.  I wet molded some leather for the butt cover and did the same for the cheek piece.  It will take a bit of work but nothing is too good for the ole shooter eh?  Of course you will have to get used to the smell of stinky feet along with your gunsmoke.    I dropped the idea of the shell loops.

I appreciate your interest in my recoil boot but I am still working on perfecting the form for molding the butt cap.  It is a rather involved process and I doubt if anyone would want to bother with building one for just one unit.  You can just stretch some wet leather over your gun butt, (cover with plastic bag) Use a 1/2 inch or so band to wrap tightly around the leather, pull evenly with a pair of pliers all around the edge to stetch,  try to keep the wrinkles at least 1 inch from the top.  Force the band downward to help strecth the leather.  Let it dry until almost dry and carefully remove to allow the inside to dry. trace around your stock to get the body pattern.  When the butt pad is dry contact cement in your pad from the flip-flop (1/2 in. thick-round the edges a bit) Leave about a 3/4 to 1 inch seam edge on the leather cap.  Sew it together, punch some holes in the bottom edge for the  lace.  Doo-dad it up to your desires, slap it on and lace it up.  I would advise if you are going to tool and dye it, do it before you sew it together.
That's about all there is to it.
any questions, email me at:
bluesman@acd.net
thanks again
Triggersmith

[Doc Neeley]

Heck, figuring out how to do stuff is half the fun (or frustration).

Keep us posted. Doc

[Silver Creek Slim]

That sounds like a great idea.

Slim

[Major 2]

Ray

Jimmy Buffet would be proud 

[Chance]

Got a great recoil pad on my 20" hammer gun - it's steel!!   

[Triggersmith]

I got a steel pad on my 20"  hammer gun too. Pretty soon I'll have a nice hand crafted leather recoil pad with shot shell loops. If you can't shoot good, ya got ta look good. Send me a photo of your steel pad and I'll send you one of my leather one.
at:
bluesman@acd.net
Triggersmith

[Marshal Will Wingam]

What a great idea, TS. I'll have to remember that one. Let us know how it works.

[Rap Scallion]

Pretty soon I'll have a nice hand crafted leather recoil pad with shot shell loops.bluesman@acd.net
Triggersmith

Shell loops on the lace on butt pad?  Don't think the CAS Boy will allow that    ......OR is it for something  other than CAS Matches?

[Triggersmith]

Actually I decided not to put loops on the recoil pad.  I can get them out of my belt or bandoleer just as quick and easy.  CAS has it's reasons for not allowing loops on a recoil pad. I don't know what they are and I don't care.  Unfortunately I don't have any CAS shoots here where I live and my neighbors don't care if I have them or not.
Triggersmith

[Rap Scallion]

  Great job there T Smith! 

I may just have to borrow that idea.......looking good and thanks for sharing!

[Major 2]

Redux 

I have Ray's first prototype , no tooling or cheek pad .. he sent it to me to try about the time he made the pictured.
15 months later, I'm still using on my TTN...
Years ago I used a Cabela's lace on my Stoeger, with some highly touted space age visco-elastic polymer call AKRON..
it worked but.....

RL & Jimmy Buffett are on to something... Flip flops     

[Johnny McCrae]

Hi Triggersmith,

Very nice design!

I like your source for the padding. Look forward to hearing how it works out for you

[Ten Wolves Fiveshooter]

Hello Triggersmith

                What a RIGHTEOUS BUTT COVER, real nice design, you're an ARTEST, my hats off to you....

                                              Shoot STRAIGHT---- Have Fuuuuuuun

                          TEN WOLVES FIVE SHOOTER

[Triggersmith]

Much obliged gents. I enjoy my work.
Triggersmith

[Springfield Slim]

Orchard Supply sells a similar material. It is black, comes in different thicknesses. Just look in the hardware department with the screen door supplies and such. Nice Buttstock cover. I usually use softer leather that doesn't tool well, but I might try something like yours.

[Triggersmith]

Slim, that is a very cool idea.  I am running out of flipflops and the different thickness is what I have been looking for.  Much obliged.
I can usually tool down to 4 to 5 oz but I have to go light on the hammer.
Ten Wolves I thank you for your kindness.
Triggersmith