Cheek pads for rifles

[ozark]

During some research on the internet I found dozens of styles of cheek pads available. All are releativly cheap and I am thinking of ordering a couple to try. I am looking for recommendations. Anyone have any help for me?

[whelenman]

I've looked at some before myself and didn't like the way the ones I found looked. Let us know what you find and what is the best. The last rifle I built I actually had to go with higher rings rather than cutting down the cheekpiece. It's usually the other way around.

[rossman40]

There are a few I seen that I really like but can't find them for sale.

Ones out there that I have found for sale that I would like,

Cheek-n-stock, leather so a bit expensive but nice and fits the stock a bit farther forward so can interfer with your right hand. Lot of trapshooters use these.
www.cheeknstock.com/products.html

Blackhawk HawkTex, nice, I have seen one that the guy had a insert that he made that was molded to fit his face. The only thing I do not like is the straps and buckles.
www.blackhawk.com/product/HawkTex-Tactical-Cheek-Pad-Adjustable,606,662.htm

ITC, nice and moldable. I know one guy that was using one of these that had velcro underneath it to keep where he wanted it.
www.itcmarksmanship.com/c-2-cheekrests.aspx

Gander Mountain sells one that is pretty simple, a spandex sleeve with a pocket for foam. Can't remember the maker.

There is a company called Pantac that makes a few also that are more tactical oriented.

Personally I like a breathable surface, spandex or elastic instead of buckles and straps. On a heavy kicker a bit of softness, I recently shot a 338LM with a hard Karsten adjustable cheek rest and my eyes were watering. To be able to mold it somewhat would be a good feature but on a heavy kicker you have to have a balance. I'm not a big fan of cartridges and/or compartments on the cheek pad, kinda messes with you if you switch shoulders.

[deadon]

I bought one from Gander Mt. a couple of years ago. It cost 25 bucks and for a slip on it works pretty good. It comes with four foam pads from 1/8 to 3/4 inch and the slip on thingy that holds them is about 1/8 of an inch thick. One problem is trying to order the right thickness for your particular rifle. I thought when I bought it that I would need about 3/4 inch rise but that was way to much. Being able to remove and add different thicknesses really helped. I am going to buy three more next time I go to Ashland Va.

[artjr338wm]

About 12-14 years ago I bought a a Marlin 512 Slug Master the first year they came out. I scoped it with a VariX-II. You must use the scope mounts spacificly designed for the 512 made by Weaver for marlin. This is a good if not some what unsightly mount, but it has served me without fault or complaint for all the years I have owned it. Unfortunately the stock did not rase my eye high enough to see through the scope to my satisfaction.

I ended up buying a cheek pad from Cabelas. It was 100% leather and was heald in place using a leather tieing system quite simliare to that of a shoe. It has held up to over a solid decade of hard hunting use in all kinds of weahter from snow, sleet and even rain, and is still in great shape. I have been 100% satisfied with it, and see no reason to spend the $$$ to replace it.

Unfortunately, I do not think Cabelas sells it any longer for me to be able to recommend it.

If I were so inclined to replace it, I would undoubtedly buy one of the cheek pads rossman40 posted. The one held in place by velcro straps would be my first choice.