Pipe insulation padding for folding stock and shaved Apex buttpad

[gwvt]

I thought I'd show my latest attempt at a cheap cheek pad for the metal folder.
I got some 1/2" foam pipe insulation and a roll of veterinary wrap and took a 5/8" strip off of the length of insulation to make the proper diameter.


I used the adhesive strip to attach it to itself and then wrapped it with latex vet wrap.


Here it is with the whole reason that my virtual ears initially pricked up at the mention of some sort of 'CZ' AK-style rifle - a family heirloom CZ vz.24 pistol marked with Czech military acceptance proofs from 1936.


It feels nice and cozy and gives me a good sight picture. I was able to get 3 layers of wrap on without interfering with closing the stock. Previously, I used just the wrap on the folder and after awhile the many layers all fused together into one firm, rubbery layer so I'm thinking that once it 'cures' it'll make a nice, firm coating for the softer foam core.

The cost of materials used was probably less than a dollar but I paid about $5.50 total for the wrap and a package of 12' of 1/2" insulation.

[muggia59]

Looks good. I did the same, only I wrapped it with electrical tape, then wrapped that with bicycle grip tape. The electrical tape tightened the pipe insulator down a little, but that was a personal choice. Very inexpensive, and it works.

[nickndfl]

Try paracord.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o8iHfOQc5OA

[gwvt]

Nick, I like the paracord approach but I wanted a little more padding.
Muggia, the wrap is tight enough to keep the foam from rotating but I decided to try to make it as smoothly tubular as possible. That flex wrap stretches a lot so you could definitely make it much more tightly wrapped to get the spiral effect.

[muggia59]

I agree with you on the pipe foam. It definetly takes most of the sting from the recoil on the cheek. Add an ak recoil pad. You will have to shave down the right side in order to be able to fold the stock. Stays on just fine.

[OLd_Sarge]

I did this but it will only work for me with an optic sight, the pipe insulation was too thick to see the sights well for me.
so I went with a very simple para-cord wrap.
just need a stock extender now.

[RSR]

Try paracord.

I kept it simple and used this method -- did the loop to the top I believe since it wasn't held tight when on the cheek side due to the T bar...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YlModgaE5Qw

It's good enough for me but the foam should definitely be more comfortable.   I just wonder about how far it pushes your face to the left of the ideal sight line...

[gwvt]

RSR, I did have to adjust where I set my cheek on the stock but not by much. With the tape compressing it the foam only projects a 1/4 inch or so and foam or not, I'm not so much getting a cheek weld on the thing as I am jamming my cheekbone and upper jaw into the stock but it works.

Sarge, with all the different face shapes and sizes, I'm not surprised this solution won't work for all face types.

Muggia, yeah, I've been revisiting the idea of that UTG pad. I wasn't sure if it was practical to shave it enough to close the folder without taking too much off but if you've been able to do it I think I'm going to try one.

[bugboy]

I used a homemade stacked leather butt extender.

http://www.czfirearms.us/index.php?topic=64175.msg430570#msg430570

[gwvt]

I like it, bugboy and I think it looks more comblock than redneck, although I guess there's an overlap...

[RSR]

I like it, bugboy and I think it looks more comblock than redneck, although I guess there's an overlap...

Great line.

[gwvt]

Muggia59, if you see this, were you referring to the UTG pad from Amazon or the one they sell at Apex?

Add an ak recoil pad. You will have to shave down the right side in order to be able to fold the stock. Stays on just fine.

[CitizenPete]

Looks great IMO.  Sounds very functional as well. Thanks for sharing, I might try it.  What is the yellow adhesive --  tape?

[muggia59]

gwvt. I bought the utg buttpad. I shaved down the right side, and now the stock locks when folded. Stays on well with suction only.

[RSR]

Apex is better quality and a harder rubber. 

UTG is lower quality and a softer rubber. 

Highly recommend this one over the UTG for the metal stock: https://www.apexgunparts.com/product_info.php/products_id/2519

UTG for fixed stocks.

I have two actually.

This one is a softer rubber: http://www.amazon.com/UTG-Model-Combat-Butt-Pad/dp/B002TUSK06

This one is a harder rubber but comes w/ a strap: https://www.apexgunparts.com/product_info.php/products_id/2519

Slightly different grip nubs on the back too, so possibly one is for wood stocks and one is for for folders?

I put the strap on the softer rubber one since I decided that the softer provides better recoil absorption but YMMV.  First had the softer and decided I wanted to try one with the velcro strap for a cleaner look than the paracord I'd been using...

Update:
Looked at the Apex one, it came in a guntec USA package: http://guntecusa.com/index.php?route=product/product&path=60_85&product_id=254

The Amazon came in a UTG package, so look like different products.

FSE's page tells you more about it being modeled after a soviet grenade launching buttpad (and theirs might be a third addition, or the same one guntec is repackaging):
http://www.fseusa.com/product_info.php?products_id=339

I got one of the buttpads like Zahal is selling on ebay (here is an example: http://www.zahal.org/products/butt-stock-pad-for-original-vz-58-folding-stock?path_parent=153451 )

Basically, it's cheap somewhat soft plastic like bargain brand tupperware lids.  Maybe adds 1/8-1/4" to the length of pull.  Other than the small nubs for grip, I really don't see the point.  It allows the stock to fold and looks more substantial in pics, but save your $.

My advice is to go w/ the Apex one above for the folding stock.  Higher quality, better made, and cushions recoil but w/o all the bounce of the softer one.  I'd recommend only running the softer UTG one on your fixed stocks as the Apex one with a more scalloped stock attachment hole and being denser rubber is less likely to fit.