what have i got where do i find a recoil pad and how do i make it more accurate

On recoil, notice how far your rifle throws brass. If it's a lot more than necessary -- don't take this number as exact -- say over 12 feet, an adjustable gas piston could be worth looking into given your concern.

I have the impression that muzzle brakes do less than on an AR, perhaps due to lower gas velocity and pressure with the 7.62x39, but a good brake could also make more difference than a recoil pad will. I went the route of a thread adapter to 5/8x24 to have complete freedom of choice but there are certainly good brakes directly fitting 14x1 LH. A slant "brake" does nothing to reduce recoil to the shoulder, it is for rise and lateral movement only.

Simplest accuracy improvement on the AK: make sure the muzzle device isn't overly loose.

What accuracy are you experiencing? If in the neighborhood of 3 or 4 inch groups at 100 yards from a rest, that's service rifle or self-defense accurate and also is probably as accurate as cheap ammo is. Chasing more accurate than that wouldn't be too realistic probably. Also if yours is a problem child it's probably cheaper to sell and buy a more accurate one than to go pay for example to have this one rebarreled, and certainly faster.

thanks to everyone for taking the time to help!
a little background might explain some things. i bought the rifle in 2007 from a small shop ffl who took it in trade. only shot it a few times due to range access and personal stuff then tucked it away for "later".
shot it off hand. first ak ever. didn't expect tack driving but was disappointed in what i saw. of course, as explained above, there was no practice to speak of so i really can't say what it's capable of. was wondering what modifications for accuracy might be appropriate but now see i need to get it out to the range first.
regarding 922r,how would i check the serial number for compliance? while i assume the ffl had verified it, it would be nice to confirm it.
the muzzle is not threaded for a brake. i assume i'd need a gunsmith to install a brake, given my vast handyman skills
as for the shoulder, i may be paranoid but the surgeon who did it was not helpful when i asked after the surgery. he hemmed and hawed and said the replacement was only plastic made in new jersey and not as good as what God gave me. the dr who took over the practice when the first retired was less helpful. so i left the ak in the safe. but now........ it seems a recoil pad would be a good idea to cushion the metal butt plate.
thanks again. looks like i found the right place and people to ask.