I have only one early custom rifle with a pad. It was a well worn and hardened Jostam Hi Gun on a 1934 Oberlies Springfield. I replaced it with a Griffin and Howe Silver repro, an excellent pad for a big gun. I had a great Maryland stockmaker face it in dark brown leather and leather cover the plugs. It is quite elegant and a cheaper alternative to a leather covered pad, something that is seldom done well. The Griffin and Howe pad ages well in a few years after installation.