USED Galco Recoil Pad Review

Taking the USED Galco Recoil Pad – Dark Havana, Small – 1 out of 5 models for a Spin

Recoil. It’s the unwelcome guest at every shooting party. While some relish the kick of a powerful firearm, many of us appreciate any edge we can get to mitigate it. That’s where recoil pads come in, and the USED Galco Recoil Pad – Dark Havana, Small – 1 out of 5 models, from Galco, promises to deliver a smoother shooting experience. This isn’t just any recoil pad; it’s a Galco, known for quality leather goods, offering a blend of style and function, even in its used condition.

My quest for this particular recoil pad started with a newly acquired vintage shotgun. While beautiful, its lightweight frame and steel buttplate turned every range session into a shoulder-punishing ordeal. I considered limbsaver options, but they just didnt fit the esthetic of the gun. The Galco pad seemed like a less intrusive, more elegant solution to tame the beast without sacrificing the classic look. I found the used Galco in size small offered at a great price, and decided to give it a try.

Upon receiving the USED Galco Recoil Pad – Dark Havana, Small – 1 out of 5 models, my initial impression was mixed. The dark havana leather, even with signs of wear, exuded a certain charm, a testament to Galco’s reputation for quality materials. The overlapping hook and loop fastener felt secure, but the gel pad itself seemed thinner than expected for serious recoil absorption. Compared to slip-on rubber recoil pads, this felt more like a refined accessory than a heavy-duty recoil reducer. My biggest concern was the “used” aspect; would it be worn out?

Real-World Testing: Putting USED Galco Recoil Pad – Dark Havana, Small – 1 out of 5 models to the Test

First Use Experience

My first test was at an outdoor shooting range, using the aforementioned vintage 12-gauge shotgun. I was anticipating the usual shoulder discomfort, but the Galco Recoil Pad did make a noticeable difference. The felt recoil was indeed lessened, though not entirely eliminated. The pad stayed securely in place, thanks to the hook and loop fastener, even after repeated shots.

The weather was dry and cool, which was ideal for leather. I suspect prolonged exposure to rain could impact the leather and potentially compromise the adhesive of the fastener over time. The pad slid on and off fairly easily, and didn’t require much force. The first use was a success, but would the improvement hold up over time?

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks of use, and roughly 200 rounds through the shotgun, the USED Galco Recoil Pad continues to perform as expected. The leather has softened slightly, conforming better to the gun’s stock. There are no new signs of wear and tear beyond the pre-existing scuffs, testament to the quality of Galco’s leather, even in a used state.

Maintenance is simple: a quick wipe down with a damp cloth after each use. I’ve also applied leather conditioner a couple of times to keep the leather supple. Compared to using the shotgun without any recoil pad, the Galco is a significant improvement. It doesn’t entirely eliminate recoil, but it significantly reduces the sting, allowing for longer and more enjoyable shooting sessions. The “used” condition hasn’t degraded its performance, and it still offers a functional and aesthetically pleasing shooting experience.

Breaking Down the Features of USED Galco Recoil Pad – Dark Havana, Small – 1 out of 5 models

Specifications

• Premium Latigo Dark Havana Leather: Provides a classic look and durable construction. The leather, even with use, retains its rich color and adds a touch of elegance to any firearm.
• Slips Over Butt of Gun and Secures with Velcro: Offers easy installation and removal. This simple design makes it easy to switch the pad between firearms, provided they have similarly sized buttstocks.
• 1/2″ Thick Shock-Absorbing Gel Pad: Reduces felt recoil. While not a massive amount of padding, the gel does provide some cushioning and helps to disperse the impact.
• For Use on Flat Buttplates Only: Limits application to specific firearms. Round or contoured buttplates won’t work well with this pad.
• Size Small: 5″ length and 1 1/2″ width. This is a crucial measurement for ensuring a proper fit on your firearm’s stock.

Performance & Functionality

The USED Galco Recoil Pad – Dark Havana, Small – 1 out of 5 models effectively reduces felt recoil, though it’s not a miracle worker. It’s most effective with lighter loads and shotguns that don’t have excessive recoil to begin with. The pad’s primary strength lies in its ease of use and aesthetic appeal.

Its weakness is its relatively thin gel pad, which may not be sufficient for those shooting high-powered rifles or magnum loads. The “used” status is also a potential concern; depending on its previous use, the gel may have degraded slightly, further reducing its effectiveness. It meets expectations for a recoil reduction that doesn’t change the lines of the rifle, and the added cushion is welcomed.

Design & Ergonomics

The Galco Recoil Pad’s design is simple yet elegant. The dark havana leather is aesthetically pleasing, and the slip-on design is user-friendly. The pad adds minimal bulk to the firearm, maintaining its original balance and feel.

However, the hook and loop fastener, while secure, isn’t the most refined solution. A more integrated fastening system would improve the overall look and feel. There is no learning curve, simply attach and enjoy!

Durability & Maintenance

The Galco Recoil Pad is constructed from high-quality materials, suggesting it will last for years with proper care. The leather requires occasional conditioning to prevent drying and cracking, and the gel pad should be protected from extreme temperatures and direct sunlight. The “used” condition means its lifespan may be shorter than a new pad, but with proper care, it should still provide years of service.

Maintenance is straightforward: wipe clean, condition the leather. The simple design should require no repairs.

Accessories and Customization Options

The USED Galco Recoil Pad – Dark Havana, Small – 1 out of 5 models doesn’t come with any accessories and offers limited customization options. The leather could be dyed or treated to alter its color, but that’s about it. It’s designed to be a simple, functional accessory that doesn’t require further embellishment. While the pad is designed by Galco, I have had success using other leather care products on Galco products.

It is compatible with a wide range of firearms, provided the buttstock is flat and within the specified dimensions. Aftermarket sizing pads can be placed inside the Galco pad to help it fit on slightly smaller stocks.

Pros and Cons of USED Galco Recoil Pad – Dark Havana, Small – 1 out of 5 models

Who Should Buy USED Galco Recoil Pad – Dark Havana, Small – 1 out of 5 models?

The USED Galco Recoil Pad – Dark Havana, Small – 1 out of 5 models is perfect for shooters who want to reduce felt recoil without sacrificing aesthetics. It’s ideal for owners of classic shotguns or rifles who appreciate the look and feel of leather. It is particularly well-suited for shooters using lighter loads or those who are sensitive to recoil.

Those who should skip this product include individuals who primarily shoot high-powered firearms or magnum loads. They would be better served by a thicker, more technologically advanced recoil pad. Anyone overly concerned about wear and tear might want to buy new, instead of used.

Must-have accessories include leather conditioner to maintain the leather’s suppleness.

Conclusion on USED Galco Recoil Pad – Dark Havana, Small – 1 out of 5 models

The USED Galco Recoil Pad – Dark Havana, Small – 1 out of 5 models is a worthwhile addition for shooters seeking a blend of style and function. While its recoil absorption capabilities are limited, it does provide a noticeable improvement in shooting comfort, especially for those using lighter loads. The dark havana leather adds a touch of elegance to any firearm, and the slip-on design is incredibly convenient.

The “used” condition is a factor to consider, but if the pad is in good shape, it offers excellent value for the price. For $76.64, the price is definitely justified, especially considering the quality of materials and the Galco name.

I would personally recommend the USED Galco Recoil Pad – Dark Havana, Small – 1 out of 5 models to anyone looking for a stylish and functional recoil pad that won’t break the bank. It’s a great way to enhance your shooting experience without sacrificing the classic look and feel of your firearm. If you want to improve your shooting experience, and add some cushion to your shoulder, give the Galco Recoil Pad a try!