Anything is better than nothing if you're going to shoot heavy loads.

I use a butt cuff that I made myself and put 3/4" of closed cell foam inside. That makes a big difference.

The Limbsaver is well thought of. It comes in a slip-on and there may be permanent ones available also.

These came up in a cursory search.

The 8 Best Recoil Pads

• LimbSaver AirTech Slip-On. REVIEW.
• Beartooth Adjustable Kit. REVIEW. ...
• Pachmayr Decelerator. REVIEW. ...
• Tourbon Vintage Leather Extension. REVIEW. ...
• Allen Eraser. REVIEW. ...
• Caldwell Mag Plus Shield. REVIEW. ...
• Shooterpads Gel Filled. REVIEW. ...
• Remington Super Cell. REVIEW. ..

I wouldn't cut the stock in case you ever want to put the 1895 back into original condition.

 

I have decelerators on my 450 and my 45-70. worth every penny

 

I have the Limbsaver on mine, back when I got it, it was a model that was a prefit for the 1895gs, no sanding or fitting needed.

 

I use the Limbsaver on all of mine. Tames this beast right down.

 

I have several rifles with Decelerators and two with Limbsavers. Dunno what happened but right now the Limbsavers are wrapped up with masking tape until I get time to replace them. They literally turned into some kind of sticky goo just sitting in the safe. I'll never buy another one and should I buy a rifle that has one, it comes off and a Decelerator goes on.
Paul B.

 

This happened to me too Paul B. Wont buy another Limbsaver. More luck with the Decelerator. Kick_eez is another brand I have used that are good value.

 

I have 2 Decelerators. I think one of them is as old as I am, and still looks and works great.
Please don't use a ventilated shotgun pad. I see a lot of rifles at the shows with ventilated pads, and it's just not right....

 

sold by Numrich as "G.I. shoulder pads". I assume issued to some light(?)mortar company or in any case to personnel carrying individual heavy loads_ heavily padded. quite simple to recycle one or both as wearable shoulder pad, using some kind of d-i-y harness_ as said above, better than nothing.
cheap, too, as this my 2c._

 

This is good info, I’m 6’ 5”

 

I use Action Products Kick-Killer lace on pads. They're all leather, look classy, and don't alter the rifle in any way. A high tech Sorbothane insert really damps the recoil, and adds LOP. About $40 delivered to your mailbox.

 

HiKayaker provided a good list above. I personally like the Pachmayr Decelerator and, not on the list, KICK-EEZ. KICK-EEZ sells a Magnum Recoil Pad that is offered in 1-7/8" and 2" thicknesses. They also offer stock pad spacers in 1/8", 1/4", and 1/2" thicknesses that you can use with any make of pad Pachmayr, LimbSaver, etc.

You can find "pre-fit" pads but my experience is that none of them fit well without sanding or grinding. If you don't have the right equipment I suggest installing whatever pad and/or spacer you like and then having a gunsmith grind it to fit the stock. Of course if you have the know how and equipment, more power to you.

 

As far as the LimbSaver turning "mushy"I had one on my bull barrel .308 that did this. A call to LimbSaver, they knew of the problem and said it was a batch of the rubber compounds that were not made to the right specs. They sent me a new one, no charge. I have not experienced this with any other LimbSavers. Great customer service. Just call them and I imagine they will fix you right up.

 

I use limbsavers. My old slip on limbsaver turned into a goo, but the newer one I have has not. Like the OP, I prefer the added LOP. Recoil is dangerous and will end your shooting career in short order if you don't tame it. If it hurts, it's damaging you.