Slip on rubber recoil pad

A shooter showed up at the range with a 1903 Springfield that had a rubber recoil pad marked US on it that was slipped on the stock. One opinion came forth that proclaimed that it was original and was used on the rifle so that when firing rifle grenades and the stock was placed on the ground...that the recoil would not batter the stock. Another voice proclaimed that the pad was not original and came from/was used on the 1897 riot gun. I shouldered the weapon and felt that the pad added length to the feel of the stock and it didn't seem "right". Any information or opinions would be appreciated. Thank you. J.Cooper

Here is a thread on another forum discussing this. I believe Bill Ricca.

Thread: 1903 Recoil Pad

Al

for grenade use..not trench gun

Yes the US Military issued a slip-on rubber recoil pad ser. # B200968, was it for the wimps or for Launching grenades ? I could not tell you !..................

It was for Grenades and for '03s originally . Originals have taken a set and should not be tried to be put on , they will rip . The reproductions have some give and fit both the '03 and the M1 . They are too big to fit the carbine or the shotgun stocks , so never for them . There are three pads under the pad , so pull will be long , but it gets the thumb away from your nose . The pads were to protect the stock , not the shooter , though they do help a little.
Shooting the light , dummy M11 AT grenades is very close to a .458 in a bolt gun , a .375 in a Ruger #1 , and a 9.3 X 74R in a light weight double . No problem with the right hold , but not really fun after a few.
Have not shot the heavier dummy hand grenade / adapter combo yet . It should kick more . Also have not done a carbine yet.
Chris