Chief: That sounds right to me. I look at a handsome leather-covered pad as having no negative affect on price, when compared to an original horn buttplate, for instance. The loss of original condition is negated by the practical advantages of a pad. In fact, a pad can increase value if it corrects a cut-short stock. I don't even mind a correct solid rubber pad, under those conditions. They seem to be what was used in England when a pad was requested. The important thing (to me at least) is to preserve originality whenever possible, and to use appropriate methods and materials when correcting earlier mistakes. IMHO, there are plenty of guns that already have pads installed, and those who want a pad can buy one of those guns. I just hate to see a gun survive unaltered for 75 years and then get a pad put on it. I've had a few chokes opened over the years, and even regret that these days. Now I buy guns that have the chokes I want, rather than buy chokes I don't want and then spending more money changing them. These are all just personal preferences, of course, but it does sound like we're on much the same page. Best to you. TT
