Strike Industries MFS Extended Rubber Butt Pad Review

Full Disclosure: Strike Industries MFS Extended Rubber Butt Pad

As a gear and equipment specialist with over a decade of hands-on experience across a diverse range of environments, from the rugged outdoors to the precise settings of workshops, labs, and field operations, I approach product reviews with a commitment to detail, authenticity, and actionable insight. My aim is to provide a comprehensive overview that allows potential users to make informed decisions. This review focuses on the Strike Industries MFS Extended Rubber Butt Pad, a component designed to augment firearm stock performance.

The need for this particular item arose from a desire to refine the user interface of a personal carbine. Specifically, I was looking to fine-tune the length of pull (LOP) without resorting to more involved or permanent modifications. The inherent adjustability of modern stock systems is a significant advantage, but sometimes, subtle tweaks can make a substantial difference in shooting comfort and consistency. While I considered a full stock replacement or specialized spacer systems, the promise of a simple, external rubber pad offering both LOP adjustment and potential recoil mitigation caught my attention.

Upon initial inspection, the butt pad presented a robust, utilitarian aesthetic. The molded rubber felt firm, and the overall construction appeared solid, suggesting it could withstand the rigors of regular use. There was an immediate sense of its purpose – to interface directly with the shoulder and provide a stable contact point.

This product offers a straightforward solution to a common firearm accessory need. For those seeking a simple method to alter their rifle’s fit, this accessory presents a compelling option.

Real-World Testing: Putting Strike Industries MFS Extended Rubber Butt Pad to the Test

First Use Experience

My initial testing of the Strike Industries MFS Extended Rubber Butt Pad took place on the range, focusing on a standard mill-spec carbine buffer tube. The installation was straightforward; the pad slides over the existing stock and secures firmly, aligning with the factory sling loop and snap hook attachments. I evaluated its performance across several shooting drills, including rapid fire, prone shooting, and standing unsupported positions.

The conditions were typical for a day at the range: varying temperatures, some ambient dust, and the predictable recoil impulse of a 5.56 rifle. The butt pad integrated well, providing a secure interface with my shoulder. The extended length was immediately noticeable, offering a slightly longer pull that I found beneficial for my stance.

However, I did encounter an unexpected sensation during the first few magazines. The firmness of the rubber, which I’ll detail later, meant it didn’t “give” as much as I initially anticipated. This led to a slightly different feel against the shoulder, requiring minor adjustments in my shooting posture to achieve optimal comfort and stability.

There was a brief period of adjustment needed to fully appreciate the unique characteristics of this butt pad. It’s not a universally “soft” or forgiving interface, which initially surprised me given the visual cues from promotional images.

Extended Use & Reliability

Over several months and numerous range sessions, the Strike Industries MFS Extended Rubber Butt Pad has held up remarkably well to consistent use. It has been mounted and removed a few times to test different stock configurations, and the rubber shows no signs of degradation or compromise.

Durability has been a strong suit. There are no visible cracks, stiffness has remained consistent, and its resilience to repeated impacts against body armor or clothing has been impressive. The firm material, while initially a point of consideration, has proven to be a reliable component for maintaining a consistent contact point.

Maintenance is minimal. A quick wipe-down with a damp cloth is usually sufficient to remove any dust or debris accumulated during range days. There are no intricate parts to worry about, and its simple design makes cleaning and storage effortless.

Compared to some of the softer, more yielding rubber or polymer butt pads I’ve used in the past, this Strike Industries unit offers a different kind of reliability. While it may not absorb recoil quite as passively, its consistent, unyielding surface provides a predictable anchor point that can be advantageous for shooters who prefer a firm connection.

Breaking Down the Features of Strike Industries MFS Extended Rubber Butt Pad

Specifications

The Strike Industries MFS Extended Rubber Butt Pad is engineered to offer a customizable length of pull, ranging from approximately 12 inches to 14.25 inches depending on the stock it’s attached to. Its construction utilizes a durable, high-density rubber composite. This material provides a firm yet resilient contact surface.

The unit is designed for modular assembly, allowing for some degree of user adaptation. It incorporates a snap hook attachment point and a functional sling loop, which can be integrated with existing rifle sling systems. Importantly, this butt pad is specifically designed for compatibility with milspec carbine buffer tubes or Strike Industries’ own Advanced Receiver Extension 7-Position buffer tubes.

These specifications translate directly into practical benefits. The customizable length of pull is a primary advantage, allowing shooters to tailor their rifle’s fit to their individual anatomy and shooting style, which is crucial for comfort and accuracy. The modular assembly suggests a degree of user-friendliness and potential for future adaptation.

The inclusion of a snap hook attachment and sling loop adds versatility, allowing for seamless integration with common sling setups without requiring additional hardware. The explicit compatibility with milspec carbine buffer tubes ensures broad applicability across a wide range of AR-platform firearms. Its black color is standard and blends well with most rifle furniture.

Performance & Functionality

In terms of its core function – providing a stable shooting platform and altering the length of pull – the Strike Industries MFS Extended Rubber Butt Pad performs capably, albeit with a distinct feel. The extended length is immediately apparent and effectively increases the LOP, which can be beneficial for those who find standard stocks too short. It does offer a firm, consistent contact point against the shoulder, which contributes to stability during firing.

However, its performance in terms of recoil absorption is less pronounced than softer, more compliant butt pads. The very hard rubber material, which feels akin to a very stiff nitrile o-ring, does not significantly cushion the impact of recoil. Instead, it acts more as a solid interface that transfers that energy directly. This means shooters seeking a “softening” effect might be disappointed.

The primary strength lies in its consistent contact surface and adjustable length of pull. Where it falls short is in its perceived comfort during heavy recoil, due to the material’s rigidity. It fulfills its promise of extending LOP but does so with a firm rather than a plush feel.

Design & Ergonomics

The design of this butt pad is utilitarian and robust. The molded rubber, while firm, appears to be well-constructed with clean lines and no obvious molding imperfections. The unique outward-curving shape of the pad’s surface, interspersed with triangular cutouts, is visually distinct.

Ergonomically, the outward curve presents a challenge for some users. Unlike flat or concave butt pads that might naturally conform or “squish” to the shoulder, this design can feel somewhat awkward to shoulder initially. It doesn’t immediately nestle into the curve of the shoulder pocket, requiring conscious effort to position it for optimal stability.

The triangular indentations, while visually interesting, do not seem to offer significant ergonomic benefits in terms of grip or comfort. Their presence is more a stylistic choice that also contributes to the overall firmness of the unit. The snap hook attachment and sling loop are functional but basic in their design.

Durability & Maintenance

Based on my experience, the Strike Industries MFS Extended Rubber Butt Pad is built for durability. The high-density rubber composite appears resistant to abrasion and deformation. After repeated use and some rather rough handling during testing (including a few instances where the rifle was set down somewhat unceremoniously), the material shows no signs of cracking, tearing, or losing its shape.

Maintenance is exceptionally straightforward. Its non-porous surface is easy to wipe clean, making it ideal for environments where dirt and grime are common. There are no complex components that require special cleaning agents or procedures.

The primary concern regarding durability would be the long-term resilience of the rubber to UV exposure or extreme temperature fluctuations, though for typical range use and storage, it seems very robust. The potential failure point, if any, would likely be the integral sling loop or snap hook attachment area under extreme stress, but for its intended purpose, it seems more than sufficient.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Strike Industries MFS Extended Rubber Butt Pad is primarily a standalone accessory, designed to attach to existing carbine stocks. It does not come with additional accessories in the traditional sense. However, its design offers a degree of customization through its modular assembly, which, as mentioned, allows for the adjustment of the length of pull.

The included snap hook attachment and sling loop serve as its built-in accessory features, enabling users to attach standard rifle slings. Compatibility with other brands is straightforward, as it interfaces with standard mill-spec buffer tubes. There are no further aftermarket modification options available for the butt pad itself, beyond the potential for users to modify its shape, as one user suggested.

Pros and Cons of Strike Industries MFS Extended Rubber Butt Pad

Who Should Buy Strike Industries MFS Extended Rubber Butt Pad?

This butt pad is ideally suited for shooters who require a simple, effective method to increase the length of pull on their carbine, and who prefer a firm, non-yielding interface against their shoulder. It’s a good option for those building custom rifle configurations where precise LOP adjustment is key, and who are not primarily seeking enhanced recoil absorption from the butt pad itself. Individuals looking for an affordable way to slightly modify their rifle’s fit without complex disassembly or permanent changes will find value here.

Conversely, this product may not be the best choice for shooters who prioritize maximum recoil comfort, especially those firing larger calibers or engaging in extended shooting sessions where felt recoil is a significant concern. Those who prefer a soft, conforming pad that molds to their shoulder for maximum cushioning should look elsewhere.

For those who do opt for this unit, understanding its limitations regarding comfort is key. Pairing it with a good recoil pad on a shooting jacket or practicing proper shooting form will be essential for maximizing comfort if you anticipate significant recoil.

Conclusion on Strike Industries MFS Extended Rubber Butt Pad

The Strike Industries MFS Extended Rubber Butt Pad is a product that delivers on its core promise of extending the length of pull for carbine stocks with notable durability. Its robust construction and straightforward installation make it a practical choice for users needing a simple modification to their firearm’s fit. The integrated sling loop and snap hook attachment add a touch of utility, making it a functional addition to many rifle setups.

However, the defining characteristic – its unyielding firmness – is also its most significant drawback. While this provides a consistent contact point, it severely limits its ability to absorb recoil and compromises long-term shooting comfort for many users. The price point of $17.95 is certainly attractive for a piece of modular firearm furniture, making it an accessible option for experimentation.

I would recommend this butt pad to a specific user: someone who definitively needs to increase their rifle’s length of pull and understands that this accessory is primarily for fit adjustment, not for significant recoil reduction. If a firm, consistent interface is preferred and comfort during heavy recoil is not a primary concern, then this Strike Industries MFS Extended Rubber Butt Pad offers a very affordable and durable solution. For everyone else, especially those seeking a more comfortable shooting experience, exploring other butt pad options that prioritize shock absorption might be a more rewarding investment.