Gun Recoil Force

Gun recoil force, often simply called recoil, is the backward force exerted on a firearm when it is discharged.  This force results from the principle of conservation of momentum, when a bullet is fired, the expanding gases from the gunpowder push the bullet forward, and an equal and opposite force pushes the gun backward.  This recoil can be felt by the shooter as a "kick" or backward jolt, which is a reaction to the momentum of the bullet and gases leaving the barrel.

Magnitude of the Recoil Force Depends on Several Factors

Mass of the Bullet  -  Heavier bullets generate more recoil.
Velocity of the Bullet  -  Higher bullet velocity increases recoil.
Mass of the Gun  -  Heavier firearms absorb more of the recoil, reducing the felt recoil on the shooter.
Cartridge Size and Power  -  Larger, more powerful cartridges (like those used in rifles) produce more recoil than smaller ones.
Gas Expulsion  -  The gases from the combustion of gunpowder also contribute to recoil, especially in larger firearms.

 

Gun Recoil Force Formula
\( GRF \;=\;  m \; v^2 \;/\; ( RD \;/\; 12 ) \; 32.174049   \)
Symbol	English	Metric
\( GRF \) = Gun Recoil Force	\(lbf\)	\(N\)
\( m \) = Bullet Mass	\(lbm\)	\(kg\)
\( v \) = Bullet Velocity	\(ft\;/\;sec\)	\(m\;/\;s\)
\( RD \) = Gun Recoil Distance	\(in\)	\(mm\)