What Gun Has the Least Recoil?
It doesn’t matter if you’re a seasoned marksman or someone who flinches at the pop of a balloon—when a gun goes off, Newton’s Third Law makes sure you feel it. If you’re on the hunt for a mythical unicorn of a firearm that delivers serious power with barely any recoil, you’re not alone. The dream of a gun that kicks like a feather but hits like a hammer is an enticing one—but is it even possible? Let’s break down the science of recoil and uncover the closest thing to this elusive unicorn.
The Science of Recoil
Recoil is basically the gun’s way of saying, “That bullet’s gotta go somewhere, and so do I.” The force you feel in your hands or shoulder is the equal and opposite reaction to the bullet speeding out of the barrel. The bigger and faster the bullet, the harder the kick. But that’s only half the equation—the mass of the firearm also plays a huge role in how much recoil you actually feel.
Imagine, for example, a ship’s cannon firing a BB. You know without even thinking that the ship isn’t going to move an inch. Now imagine a handgun firing a cannonball. You can already imagine the shooter flying backward like a cartoon character. In both cases, the laws of physics stay the same—bigger projectile equals bigger force—but the weight of the gun itself changes the outcome. The heavier the firearm, the less felt recoil.
The King of Low Recoil: .22LR
If there’s a single cartridge that's universally defined as “low recoil,” it’s the .22LR. This little guy is as mild-mannered as they come, and whether you’re shooting it out of a pistol or a rifle, you’re going to feel next to nothing. It's the very tameness of the .22lr that makes it the perfect round for introducing brand-new shooters to firearms, helping them build confidence without the punishment of bigger calibers.
Aside from training, .22LR is perfect for plinking—casual target shooting just for fun. You can ring steel, knock over cans, or drill paper targets all day long without feeling like you’ve gone ten rounds with a heavyweight boxer. And if you’re a hunter, .22LR is great for small game like squirrels and rabbits. Plus, the ammo is cheap, meaning you can shoot more without your wallet crying for mercy.
9mm: America’s Favorite Handgun Caliber
If you step into a gun store and ask for a pistol, odds are they’ll hand you something chambered in 9mm. It’s the most popular handgun caliber in the U.S., and for good reason—the 9mm is a centerfire pistol round that strikes a good balance between power, capacity, and shootability. It’s stronger than the .22LR while having less felt recoil than the .45 ACP.
However, not all 9mm handguns feel the same. Some compact pistols, like the Glock 43, are lightweight and small, meaning the recoil feels snappier. On the other hand, full-size steel-frame guns like the CZ Shadow 2 soak up recoil like a sponge, making them feel buttery smooth.
Competitive shooters take this concept even further, modifying their 9mm handguns with compensators, ported barrels, and extra weight to tame recoil even more for faster follow-up shots and greater accuracy under pressure. So while 9mm isn’t the lightest-recoiling round out there, choosing the right gun (or making the right modifications) can make it feel like a dream to shoot.
Long-Range Precision Rifles
Now let’s shift gears to the world of long-range shooting. In a sport where men routinely shoot at targets you have to drive to, tiny deviations can mean the difference between a bullseye and a miss by a mile—literally. Precision rifles are built for stability, accuracy, and consistency, and one key ingredient is weight.
Ever notice how precision rifles tend to be chunky? That’s on purpose. A heavier rifle means less recoil, which means less disturbance to your shooting position, which means better accuracy. These rifles also fire larger, high-velocity rounds designed to travel long distances—think 6.8 SPC, .300 Winchester Magnum, or even the mighty .338 Lapua. These cartridges generate serious power, but because the rifles are often 15 pounds or more, the felt recoil is far less than you’d expect.
Wrapping It All Up
So, what’s the gun with the least recoil? If you want the softest shooting experience possible, .22LR is the clear winner. But if you’re looking for something more practical for self-defense, a well-weighted 9mm handgun will serve you well. And if long-range precision is your game, a hefty bolt-action rifle will keep the kick to a minimum.
At the end of the day, recoil is all about physics—mass, velocity, and weight all play their part. Choose wisely, shoot comfortably, and remember: the bigger the boom, the bigger the pushback. Happy shooting!