[mudpack]

A recoil pad does not prevent the gun from hitting you in the face, which is why recoil is so objectionable. Add weight, shoot less shot at a lower velocity.

It's my shoulder that feel recoil, not my face.
Some complain of cheek slap, but it's not nearly as common as shoulder pain.

 

[mudpack]

2-4 of these in the magazine tube. Two more in the stock bolt hole. Brings the weight of an 870 up to over 9 pounds. Standard KICK-EEZ pad. 1250 1 1/8 loads no issue for an old guy. View attachment 109723

Put those two items in the magazine tube IN FRONT of the magazine spring and they will be twice as effective, plus they won't be loading into the chamber at any time.
Combine added weight with a Limbsaver and you won't be bothered much by recoil, even with stout loads.

 

[mudpack]

Limbsaver actually made Remington,s R3 pad . First couple years some of the pads would start to get gummy whether Remington R3 or Limbsaver brand. Send them back into Limbsaver and they replaced them at no charge with updated formula pads. Sent in a few myself from both types that have been on guns since with no issues. Since then when replacing or installing a new pads i always use Limbsaver and they really tame recoil.

Yes. Limbsaver replaced my old pad I had on my 870 Special Purpose Waterfowl. All I had to do was send them a photo.
I had KickEez on several guns for awhile. Replaced them all with Limbsavers and the difference in recoil reduction was striking.
I use nothing but Limbsavers now.