Like so many upgrades that you can make to your gun, such as the handguard and the addition of vertical grips, while there is an aesthetic element to the installation of a rifle cheek pad, the crux of its value is much more than just that. This short post will investigate that matter.
The Benefits of Installing a Rifle Cheek Pad
Installing a rifle cheek pad on your stock to raise the comb height or add a bit of cushion can go far beyond aesthetics and ergonomics. It can:
- Boost comfort, since the rifle cheek pad creates a buffer between your cheek and the hard comb of the stock.
- Improve eye relief. You need the proper distance between your eye and the optic or the sight picture will be distorted, which can cause issues with accuracy.
- Reduce strain and muscle tension. A rifle cheek pad can also improve consistency by reducing the strain incurred if the comb height is too low or the stock itself is not comfortable.
And, of course, as stated, installing a rifle cheek pad on your comb can improve the ergonomics of the platform while also somewhat boosting the aesthetics, depending on the rifle.
Bear in mind also that you can still add a rifle cheek pad to a stock even if it is a modular one with features that allow for adjustment, even of comb height. In these instances, the cheek pad could be added to the adjustable comb simply to cushion it and improve comfort, since the cheek pad itself won’t be needed to adjust the comb height.
Beyond a Rifle Cheek Pad
Though we’re referring to it as a rifle cheek pad, it’s also important to note that you can also install one on the comb of a shotgun’s stock, and you might have good reason to do so.
Though there are typically no optics to worry about when you’re shooting a scattergun, especially when you’re shooting over the bead at clays or birds, comb height matters.
If the comb height is too low, your eye will be too close to the rib of the barrel. If it is too high, your eye will be too high over the rib of the barrel. Both issues can cause misses high or low, respectively, and in the former case, the issue can be addressed with the simple installation of a rifle (or shotgun) cheek pad.
What to Look for in One
If you’re considering spending the money on a rifle cheek pad, you may as well invest in quality. Here are some things to look for.
- A design that is easy to install and which requires either no (or basic) tools.
- A design that is made from a durable material, such as a closed-cell foam that won’t absorb moisture or oil.
- Construction from material that balances both durability and comfort.
- One that is well rated.
- One that is compatible with the dimensions and design of your rifle’s stock.
Beyond this, it is more a matter of personal preference.
Where to Get a High Quality Rifle Cheek Pad and Other Gun Parts
In the market for a rifle cheek pad? Check out the options online at Anarchy Outdoors. In addition to high-quality rifle and shotgun cheek pads made from durable, closed-cell foam, and which are easy to install, they also sell a wide variety of other rifle, handgun, and shotgun parts, such as bolt knobs, magwells, bolt handles, trigger assemblies, and much more. Visit their website and get in touch with them if you need additional assistance.
For more information about Atlas Bipods and Magpul Ruger American Stock Please visit: Anarchy Outdoors.
