Size does Matter
As we look for firearms that appeal to us, we tend to think that smaller firearms will be easier to control. Small is usually associated with easy or manageable. The size is naturally a consideration when we think about buying for concealment. We want to be able to fully hide the fact that we are carrying a firearm. Imagine your surprise when you go to the range and this small dainty firearm feels like a cannon. The recoil knocks you off your feet. What is wrong with this picture?
Let’s show how the law of physics explain recoil in firearms. Newtons Third Law is for every action there is an equal and opposite reaction. This means when you pull the trigger it generates compressed hot gas. That gas pushes the projectile down the barrel, and the momentum of the projectile pushes back. That push back is the recoil. The gun and you go to the rear with the same momentum as everything going forward.
The size and weight of the firearm can reduce recoil. Perceived recoil can be mitigated by a heavier gun. The more mass the more energy is absorbed by the firearm. All other things being equal, a longer barrel will produce a firearm that has less , because the longer barrel adds to the weight of the firearm. A heavier firearm will have than a lighter firearm. Also, a longer, heavier gun will recoil less, making it easier, faster, and quicker to shoot, recover, and reacquire the target. In addition, another benefit is that a long barrel is perhaps a bit more accurate than a short barrel. A long barrel puts more distance between the front sight and the rear sight. This gives you a longer sight radius, improving accuracy.
So, keep in mind that cute small gun that caught your eye may not be the best choice for a beginner or your first firearm. Remember, the smaller the firearm, the more recoil it will have, the bigger the firearm, the less recoil it will have thus bigger is better.
