Recoil operation
Videos
Page
Recoil operation is an operating mechanism used to implement locked-breech autoloading firearms. Recoil operated firearms use the energy of recoil to cycle the action, as opposed to gas operation or blowback operation using the pressure of the propellant gas.
The barrel from a Para Ordnance P12.45, an M1911-derived design which uses short recoil operation. Under recoil, the barrel moves back in the frame, rotating the link (shown in the unlocked position), which causes the rear of the barrel to tip down and disengage from the slide.
Recoil
Videos
Page
Recoil is the rearward thrust generated when a gun is being discharged. In technical terms, the recoil is a result of conservation of momentum, as according to Newton's third law the force required to accelerate something will evoke an equal but opposite reactional force, which means the forward momentum gained by the projectile and exhaust gases (ejectae) will be mathematically balanced out by an equal and opposite momentum exerted back upon the gun.
An early naval cannon, which is allowed to roll backwards slightly when fired, and therefore must be tethered with strong ropes
Recoil while firing Smith & Wesson Model 500 revolver
Photograph of the kickback of a cannon, taken in Morges Castle, Switzerland
Recoilless designs allow larger and faster projectiles to be shoulder-launched.