Gabe, agree with everything you say. It seems to be a modern day phenomenon that the stocks are very beefy, compared with the older stocks, something which seems to have originated in the US. Mannlicher Schoenauers are a good example where an original Austrian made one has a very slim stock which feels superb and lends itself to very quick handling, whereas stocks made for the American market are generally very bulbous and it turns these svelte stocks into just another rifle. As for the recoil pads, I agree, sharp lines catch your clothing all the time. I use the Pachmayer Sporting Clays pads which are rounded and have a shaped plastic insert at the top which allows the pad to slide into position before the main body grips on the clothing which is then in the correct position for shooting.

Waidmannsheil.