Less then a buck recoil pad.

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thought some would find this interesting, I've been working on a winchester model 70 I put a synthetic stock on and after cutting 1/2 off the stock I wanted a new recoil pad. So to save money and probably 5 Oz from the original 1" rubber pad that was on the gun I figured to make my own. Went to the dollar store today, these flip flops were just $1, they looked black in the store but are a green gray color which is fine since the stock will be camo anyway. I had prior bedded the butt so there's about 70% coverage behind the pad, you want to fill in the butt to help support the pad and give more gluing surface.

I got two pads from the first flip flop but think I can get 3 from the other, so 4 to 6 pads for $1 isn't to bad. The first one is more of a test to see how it works, I used clear gorilla glue, I don't know how well it will stick or hold up but if not I'll jb weld a new one on. I just traced the factory pad on the flip flop trying to keep the pattern somewhat centered, then cut out with scissors and glued it on with some tape holding it tight to the stock. Used a razor to cut any high parts off, I'm low on most sand paper but found out the dollar store green scouring pads cut down the foam rubber flip flop pretty good and leaves a nice finish without using any wd40 or similar like when grinding the rubber recoil pads.

The rifle is a 3006 but must be close to 9 pounds so I'm not to worried about recoil, most guys put these on light softer kicking guns but we'll see how it works out. My oal should be just a bit more then 13" now, with a hunting jacket and other clothes it should fit me nice. I'd like to maybe find some flip flops that are around 5/8" think but there probably a bit more expensive if there are any that thick. A unfit pad was .400 Oz about what a AAA battery weighs, so less when fit but figure with glue or epoxy it may only be 1/2oz added to the stock.

The flip flop has a nice texture and grips the shoulder nice, feels more durable once it's glued on and fit then you would think. 20240415_005231.jpg 20240415_005320.jpg 20240415_005355.jpg
 
Nice work troy! Thats alot better fitted than any of the slipper pads ive done!


Lol, probably feel less than that hardish rubber pad that was on it. Would be interesting to test tho.
I know the slipper pad on my chopped up mosin made a significant difference....went from teeth clicking to pretty comfortable.
 
Old trick but you did a great fitting job. What I didn't realise was that you can still buy a pair of flip flops for a buck. I hate the things so haven't paid attntion to the cost.
Got them at the dollar general, there men's 9/10 I didn't even think to see if there were any bigger ones for more material but they were just in a bin and I grabbed the first one that looked big enough and flat.
 
Pretty much all I wear....most of mine run me 30 bucks now.......its very upsetting.....
I'll see if they have any 12/13 size and can send you a bunch if you want, the thong part actually seem pretty strong and not like a rubber band like other cheap flip flops. I use those ones you gave me all the time especially when I'm out at the grill.
 
Good flip-flops are worth the extra money, but 30 dollar recoil pads might make the project not worth it. But multiples for a buck? Good Job @troy fairweather !
Thanks, hey if you can get a few pads from expensive flops it maybe worth trying. The more expensive ones sometimes have curves or different thicknesses so may not be good to use.
 
I did that once. I needed a bit more LOP so I used 2 layers of flip flop. It's not only cheap, but if you're putting together a lightweight rig that can save you 1/4 lb or more. Some pads can be as much as 6 oz, a one-layer flip flop pad is about 1 oz. I know 1/4 lb doesn't sound like much, but a few ounces here and there add up and this is one of those that doesn't cost much.
 
I didn't know there was such a thing. I can't stand anything between my toes. Makes them hurt quickly. I suppose that makes me a foot wimp.
I don't either but you get used to it after some time, I do that to relearn how to walk after some time not wearing them lol. I hate wearing socks so flip flops are nice, think it's from growing up next to a creek and always going it and out of it real pain in the butt if you need to take off shoes and socks all the time.
 
I did that once. I needed a bit more LOP so I used 2 layers of flip flop. It's not only cheap, but if you're putting together a lightweight rig that can save you 1/4 lb or more. Some pads can be as much as 6 oz, a one-layer flip flop pad is about 1 oz. I know 1/4 lb doesn't sound like much, but a few ounces here and there add up and this is one of those that doesn't cost much.
These ones I can't stack but you just need to find ones without tread and your good, this one is way less the 1/2 oz, I can't even weigh the original pad since my scale only goes to about 4 oz. Feels like it's 5 or 6 oz it's pretty much a solid chunk of rubber and on the light synthetic stock makes it feel heavy.
 
These ones I can't stack but you just need to find ones without tread and your good, this one is way less the 1/2 oz, I can't even weigh the original pad since my scale only goes to about 4 oz. Feels like it's 5 or 6 oz it's pretty much a solid chunk of rubber and on the light synthetic stock makes it feel heavy.

You would be surprised what Goop will hold together. I have been the tennie shoe repairer for the family for years and it has never failed yet.
 
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I'll see if they have any 12/13 size and can send you a bunch if you want, the thong part actually seem pretty strong and not like a rubber band like other cheap flip flops. I use those ones you gave me all the time especially when I'm out at the grill.
I've gotten heavy enough. I squish those flat in a week or less lol. I do appreciate the offer though..... Those look better than dollah slippahs we get here.

Scotts like what i sent you are pretty much all i wear anymore, ive done Powerline in a set of those lol.

Oh if you need more pad height, check out the womans section, here at least theres 1.5" plus platforms you can use....cost about 5-10 bucks tho.
 
I've gotten heavy enough. I squish those flat in a week or less lol. I do appreciate the offer though..... Those look better than dollah slippahs we get here.

Scotts like what i sent you are pretty much all i wear anymore, ive done Powerline in a set of those lol.

Oh if you need more pad height, check out the womans section, here at least theres 1.5" plus platforms you can use....cost about 5-10 bucks tho.
Ya I know, mine usually turn into a canoe after short time with cheap ones. These do seem more durable then normal. Now if I could only find those steel toe ones I see the Pakistani guys wear lol. I'm keeping a eye out for a orange pair to.
 
Stock is now painted, 2 or 3 light coats over the whole stock and a misting to cover up the bedding with rustoleum flat black, then with kakhi and espresso I did a few strips at a angle over the stock, then sponged on the forest green then espresso and more kakhi then blended them some. Finally I did 2 coats of matte clear, the pictures are before the clear was put on. All paint was the rustoleum 2x paint and matte clear rustoleum.

20240415_160532.jpg 20240415_160456.jpg
 
Looks good.

And I despise thong sandals. Broke some stuff in my left foot a few years back opening a safe that a previous homeowner left. Safe door fell off when I finally turned the bolts in. Those toe thongs ride right on one of the places where I was squished by the door and gives me blisters. Exact same deal with shooting Glock pistols, only it rubs where I broke a thumb.
 
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