Greetings,
New to the forum and rifle shooting. Been a pistol shooter for 30 years and just started getting into rifle shooting. Decided to try my hand at F class. Purchased a Savage Model 12 F/TR rifle and have started setting it up.

I want to adjust the spacing on the butt plate but can’t get the pad and plate off the rifle. I’ve removed the two screws in the plate but it will not come off. I wrote savage and asked them about removing the pad and plate. Their response was:

“Our gunsmiths have not removed the butt pad and our stocks come in as a complete unit. Not sure what is holding in on besides the screws. Maybe your local gunsmith can assist you.”

Can y’all provide thoughts on what might resolve my issue without having to approaching a gunsmith?