The recoil pad is the least of the short comings.

The pot luck as to whether the one you get shoots or not
and the grinding of the mussel / crowns to regulate the gun is the other.

Mine shoots fine, and I haven't heard from anyone who has said his doesn't. If you have first hand evidence to the contrary, I would appreciate you sharing it. I will check out the forum you suggest.

I know there are a lot of less than positive presumptions about these guns, given their price. I just have not seen or heard negative reports from those who have actually handled and shot them.

Thanks.