to get them to fit flush with the stock they have to be sanded down . a smith will do it for about 30-50$, or do it yourself if you have a steady hand, just tape off the wood so you don't scratch it. some of the recoil pads have a metal insert around the edge, just make sure the one you get is designed to be sanded down. to get any rifle or shotgun to fit me right I have to cut the stock down to 13 1/4" length of pull, so if I'm going to that trouble I add a pachmayer or limbsaver pad. they realy help tame the recoil, but the soft rubber can grab/snag on your clothes while mounting the gun.
Many of the quick fit model specific ones fit perfect like the one on my 870. There are templates on their website for finding which model will fit your gun if your gun isn't listed. If no templates are close then you either get a sandable version or a slip-on.
I broke down and bought a Limbsaver recoil pad for my daughters 20 guage gas operated semi-auto this weekend. We shot over 100 shells with no jams or problems. I highly recommend these pads for anyone.
