common things to look out for when buying a sbt

[Gary Cripps]

Looking for advice or a correct pad. I was lucky to pick up a nice early (1918) SBT about a year ago. The fellow I bought it from had replaced the pad himself (poorly) just before selling it. I have been looking for a pad since buying the gun without success. I finally ordered one from Connecticut Shotgun and got it over to my smith. He called today to say it couldn't be fitted. The vent slots were too close to the top and bottom ends. Only an 1/8 " of material would be left after fitting and this he said would not hold up. I called Connecticut and they said they only had this one size available. Is there another source or another brand that would be appropriate for this vintage gun?

[Gary Cripps]

The above pad I ordered was a Hawkins which I thought correct.

[Bill Murphy]

In 1918, a solid red Silver pad would be more correct, and would not have problems like you experienced.