Cheeks for the butt

Cheek

— a comb riser for the stock that lifts and secures the line of aim so that the eye looks straight into the center of the optics or red dot sight. A properly chosen cheek rest reduces neck strain and head "wandering," improving repeatability and accuracy, especially when the sight is mounted on high rings or a rail. There are soft neoprene and leather options with height adjustment pads, as well as rigid adjustable models with screw adjustment and even lateral shift for the dominant cheek. Compared to an integrated adjustable stock comb, the cheek rest is simpler, cheaper, and can be installed without modifying the stock, although it usually offers less rigidity and precision in fixation; compared to a butt pad, it affects the aiming height rather than the length of the stock. Typical cases include a carbine with optics, a PCP with a night vision/thermal imaging scope, or a smoothbore with a red dot sight; in winter, a soft cheek rest also provides insulation for the stock and doesn't feel cold against the face.