Note: For an expanded version of this table with more entries, see the Expanded Handgun Recoil Table. Handgun recoil works on the principle of Newton’s third law of motion: “For every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction.”. Just because it can be done does not mean it makes sense, despite what you might read in advertising copy.

of free recoil energy was the maximum allowable for a military service rifle. Use this calculator to calculate the recoil on you rifles, handgun, and other firearms. Copyright 2002, 2016 by Chuck Hawks. Note how this equation takes into account all four factors we just went over: Plug all the variables into the equation, and you’ll get a round’s recoil energy.

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