BehindBlueI's
Grandmaster
- Oct 3, 2012
- 26,608
- 113
Well, the energy has to go somewhere.
Well, sure it does, but that doesn't mean that felt recoil will be the same. Actual recoil is just math. Perceived recoil is a totally different thing because of how that energy is applied.
If I push on your forehead for 30 seconds its probably not going to feel the same as if I smack you with the same amount of energy in a fraction of a second. Spreading the energy over time reduces the discomfort. A faster cycling slide and weaker recoil springs will apply the energy faster.
If you have a sponge on your forehead or a solid block of wood on your forehead and I tap it with a mallet, which will be more uncomfortable? The give of the material and how much energy the "action" absorbs to do its work (compress a sponge or eject and chamber a round) matters.
If I push straight back on your nose, it will move your head in a different direction than if I press up on your chin. Firearms can do this via grip shape and bore axis. You can trade muzzle flip for backwards acceleration into your hand.
If I push a pin against your arm with the same force as I push a beer can, the pin is a lot more likely to cause discomfort. Grip width.
If I start the pin against your skin vs accelerating it from 3" away...you get the idea. Fit to hand.
Two differently designed guns of the exact same weight firing the exact same ammunition will not feel the same in terms of perceived recoil.