I have always enjoyed shooting the Mosin Nagant since that first time I shot one. Yes, the recoil packed a decent punch, but never in a way that I minded too much. I knew however that the recoil would probably put some people off, my wife included. One day by chance I happened to stumble upon the M44 Mosin Nagant Rubber Recoil Butt Pad.

Eventually I decided to take a chance on it, after all it was under $10.  The one downside to this is that it smells when you first get it.  I’m not sensitive to smells in general but the room I opened this in smelled like rubber for an hour or more, even after I had taken it to the garage.  The only remedy for it is time to air out.

Installation was easy.  I actually installed mine at the range a few moments before shooting with just the flat head tool on my Leatherman.  The difference was immediately noticeable.  Even with heavier loads the recoil was tamed considerably.  My wife found the rifle enjoyable to shoot and our friend who also owns a Mosin was so impressed that he ordered one from his phone on the spot!  Everyone that tried it agreed that it really made the Mosin feel like a different gun.

I have read that some people will drill out the rubber circles in order to give the pad more flex.  I noted however that many people did this before trying it out unmodified first.  I would recommend at least trying it out to see if makes enough difference before you drill out the center.  If I could only pick one modification for the Mosin this would be it.  If you have one these rifles you are doing yourself a disservice by not attaching one of these beauties!