If you are careful, you could probably pull that pad off- Take needle nosed pliers down in and pull the plugs out to get to the screws. ( I take a belt sander) Then just grind a little off of the gun. After doing that, it still would be a good length if you ever decided to sell it. Then you could put that pad back on. Or you could just get a thinner pad. If it was put on by H&H, you could also put one of their pads or butt plate on it and still have it original. (I like original) You have a lot of options. It looks like a nice gun. Good luck.
Looks like nice wood, anyway.
Best,
Ted
