RE: sims recoil pads
I give 'em a hearty, "Two Thumbs Up!". I have a Rem 700 CDL in .30-06, and my buddy has a BDL, same caliber. Mine has the R3 (sims) pad, & he has a ΒΌ" plastic butt plate. Weight of the two is the same. When shooting at the range, we both noticed a huge difference between the two. For < $30, it's a no brainer: go get one today!
I've also heard good things about Pachmeyer (sp?) and Shooter's Friend pads, but haven't used either.
Good Luck,
FC