Finally shot my rifles... (and a stock question)

Mini-14 and Ruger 10/22. It was fun. It would have been more fun had I not left all my magazines at home...

Mini is fine as a bolt rifle but a 10/22 is a bitch to reload single round, especially when your fingers are numb with cold and the bolt latch/release is a small thin sharp piece of metal.

Oh, yes - my shooting was abysmal. At 50 yards I used to shoot a longbow (no sights) with better groups than that...

I was shooting resting my forestock arm on support and I noticed that my 10/22 jumped to the right from recoil. Is that right or did I do something wrong?


Now a stock question.
The Hogue stock is a bit longer than the factory one. I am not sure but I think it feels a bit too long for me. I am 5'6". Anyone with the same height who could share experience?

If I do decide to shorten my Hogue OM by an inch, how would I fit a buttpad back so that it does not stick out?
I do not necessarily want to keep the Hogue's own rubber buttpad - there is no need to absorb recoil with .223. So I would consider replacing it with a buttpad that is:
1. Thinner - not essential quality but it would allow me to cut less from the stock
2. Less "catchier" on the clothes. That may be significant in a tactical situation.
3. Sturdier - it's the part that contacts the ground most often.
4. Firmer - in case I have to hit someone with it...

I saw replacement buttpads in the store and attaching them seems simple. But how does one go about making them fit flush with the stock? Do I cut the excess somehow?

Ideally, I would want a buttpad that would allow me access to the inside of the stock to store stuff.

V.