Utica 20ga recoil pad suggfestions?

[classicarsva]

I am currently refinishing my 1935 sterlingworth 20ga which still has it's original gloss varnish and butt plate but is in VERY "flakey" condition. Missing 40% and looks awful. SO....I have removed the wood (Thank you Mike Campbell - Piece of cake) and am wondering what pad would be correct for 1935 - 1936? Jostam anti-Flinch slotted, Hy-gun, or Hawkins? Now is the time before the refinish so I can file the pad, sand it and fit a little at a time.
What would be period correct??
Thanks,
Classicarsva

[mc15426378]

If the gun originally had a pad more than likely it would have been a six slot Jostam anti flinch but good luck with finding one of these in good shape. Unless you get really luck on the Jostam I'd go with either a Hawkins (not the heart shaped one) or a No Shoc pad. Both of these come up on Ebay regularly and would look "period" on the gun. I'd stay away from the repops Galazan sells.

[Fin2Feather]

Here's my mid-3o's Utica 16ga with its Hawkins pad. Per the gun's letter it's not factory original, but it is period-original.

[vaturkey]

Be careful with Ebay. Just bought a vintage 7 slot Jostam and it went right in the trashcan when received. It was hard as a rock and no way could it be ground. If you see them on Ebay ask the seller if they are still soft. My mistake cost me about $35. I couldn't blame the seller, because I didn't ask the question.

[classicarsva]

To All,
Thanks for the ideas and help. I'll start my search while the "varnish" dries! By the way, what is the "Utica Fox Appreciation society". A plea for respect? I love mine, especially my 16ga upland Game and Skeet.
classicarsva

[eightbore]

The best looking and best fitting pad for a 20 gauge is the Galazan repro No Shoc pad. It will be fresh, soft, and indistinguishable from an original.

[Fin2Feather]

By the way, what is the "Utica Fox Appreciation society". A plea for respect?

Not a plea at all. No need to plead for respect for these guns; they earn it all on their own! .

[J. A. Early]

I agree with the solid red No-Shoc as a great choice. Placed one on my '37 20 Ga. Sterlingworth. But they do not reduce recoil much, being solid.

Here is a photo of mine from last September, the first time I used it on doves:

http://foxcollectors.com/My%20Forum/php ... =25&t=4897

You may find them cheaper at Brownells or Midway. Got mine from Brownells. Same pad.

[mc15426378]

Not my auction and I have no relationship with the seller.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Vintage-Jostam- ... 58ad46de87

[Foxnut]

classicarsva,
With the period you are referring to you could go with a straight slotted hawkins, a Noshoc, or Jostam. It is a matter of preference since they all would be "period correct". I have used all three for various pad replacements. My personal favorite is the Noschoc for looks and function, but have been pleased with all three. Per one of the other post be careful on buying one on line and make sure there is some life left in it unless you want to display it on a shelf! I have made that mistake myself. Hawkins pads tend to be "stiffer" with less give than the Jostam or Noshoc.