How to Make and Install a Leather Covered Recoil Pad

Published on October 23, 2013
Duration: 10:20

This guide details the advanced gunsmithing process of creating and installing a custom leather-covered recoil pad, as demonstrated by Larry Potterfield. It covers stock preparation, fitting a solid recoil pad, forming and gluing thin pigskin leather, creating seamless screw hole plugs, and finishing the pad for a classic aesthetic on a pre-1913 L.C. Smith shotgun.

Quick Summary

Learn expert gunsmithing to install a custom leather-covered recoil pad. This advanced technique involves precise stock preparation, fitting a solid recoil pad using specialized fixtures, and carefully forming thin pigskin leather. The process ensures a classic aesthetic and seamless finish by concealing mounting hardware with custom leather plugs.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction and Project Overview
  2. 00:36Stock Preparation
  3. 01:53Fitting and Shaping the Pad
  4. 03:36Leather Forming and Stretching
  5. 05:28Gluing the Leather
  6. 07:49Creating Screw Hole Plugs
  7. 08:56Finishing and Installation

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of leather is best for covering a recoil pad?

Thin pigskin leather, approximately 0.025 inches thick, is recommended for its elasticity. Soaking it in water before stretching helps it conform precisely to the pad's shape for a seamless finish.

How do you ensure a professional look when installing a leather-covered recoil pad?

Achieve a professional look by using a solid recoil pad, precisely fitting it to the stock, carefully gluing the leather in halves, and creating custom leather plugs to conceal screw holes for a seamless appearance.

What tools are essential for fitting a recoil pad?

Essential tools include a belt sander for stock preparation, a specialized Miles Gilbert Recoil Pad Installation Fixture for precise grinding, and digital calipers for accurate measurements.

Why is stock preparation important before installing a new recoil pad?

Proper stock preparation, including drilling out and plugging misaligned screw holes with dowels, ensures the new pad fits securely and the overall appearance is clean and professional, especially on valuable classic firearms.

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