Bushmaster, Regarding your recoil pad question: I had a 308 Pre-Mil F that belted you pretty well off off of the bench. Never took it hunting, but once sighted in you tend not to notice the recoil wallop in the field.
That double curve butt makes it difficult to put on a recoil pad without nipping off the end of the butt to square it up. I haven't seen a pre-fit.
I have a light Husqvarna 30-06 that will belt you pretty good.
I bought one of the plain leather Butt Cuffs from a fellow out West
and inserted a cheapo, Dollar Store flip-flop sole cut to fit inside.
http://www.levergunleather.com/ Looks and works good afield, and I swap it to different guns as I need a longer LOP.
Also, you can buy a stretch-on butt pad, but be willing to receive wisecracks.
Hope this will give you some ideas - but don't cut a 99 stock off for a pad.