A friend of mine bought a Russian M44 carbine in 7.62x54 (sure most of you are familiar with that particular firearm), but being of smaller stature was not comfortable with the recoil, and added one of those slip on butt pads. While we were out shooting, I shot his rifle with the pad, and then without, and I honestly prefer it without the recoil pad. It got me thinking that I prefer my marlin .30-30 to my uncles '94 that has an aftermarket pad on it. I think maybe I ride the recoil instead of absorbing it??? After all this thinking, not only does my head hurt, but I'm thinking about finding a butt plate for a couple of rifles now that have recoil pads. Am I alone in this thinking, or anyone else experienced this?