[Ruy Dias de Bivar]

***The $500 Glock has less recoil than guns currently used by officers.****

The laws of physics state that every action has an equal and oposite reaction, so how can they have less recoil than other firearms using the same bullet!

[mvpel]

It may sound hard to believe, but I found the full-size Glock 21 .45ACP to have more felt recoil than the compact Glock 30 .45ACP. Might have something to do with the coaxial slide spring in the 30, perhaps more of the recoil force goes into compressing the spring and less into your hand. I found it very surprising the first time I fired the two.

I bought the latter, and that's my preferred carry piece.

[Monty22]

The polymer frame on the Glock absorbs a bit of the recoil, but not THAT much. The Beretta is heavier, so I think it all balances out frankly.

Silly article.

[Joe 6-pack]

"The laws of physics state that every action has an equal and oposite reaction, so how can they have less recoil than other firearms using the same bullet!"

You are correct; however, the factor is actually that of perceived recoil...

...a ported barrel, for example is often sold as something that, "tames," recoil. What it does in fact do, is limit muzzle flip. It vents some of the propellant gasses out the top of the end of the barrel and helps keep the muzzle oriented toward the target. Many models of Glocks feature ported barrels; however, I'm not particularly fond of the feature on a tactical sidearm which may be fired under conditions of darkness, or from the hip.

Grip design or angle is also a feature which can affect perceived recoil in the way the rearward energy of the weapon is dispersed.

[FreedomCalls]

Not only that, but the Glock is made of ceramic and therefore invisible to airport x-ray machines.

[FlyVet]

The laws of physics state that every action has an equal and oposite reaction, so how can they have less recoil than other firearms using the same bullet!

Maybe because of perceived recoil, rather than real recoil. The Glock's slide is very heavy, I think 80% of the gun's weight. I've tried a Browning Hi-Power too, and though it's heavier, I think it has more recoil than the Glock. I have the model 17, and the recoil is very manageable with the hottest handloads. For instance, a gas-operated shotgun has the same amount of recoil as a pump, but it's stretched out over a longer time period.

[punster]

"The laws of physics state that every action has an equal and oposite reaction, so how can they have less recoil than other firearms using the same bullet!"

You are correct, the recoil energy is actually the same. What they are really referring to is felt recoil. The polymer frame flexes and spreads the recoil impulse over a longer period of time. This makes the recoil feel more like a sustained push than a sharp rap to the hand.

[taxcontrol]

Forward escaping high velocity gas can be used to off set reward motion (recoil). Also, a heavier firearm will be able to "absorb" more recoil (having a larger mass it requires more energy to push the weapon backwards at the same speed). Also, the center of gravity relative to the angle of hold can alter the direction of the kentic energy thus changing the "perceived" recoil.

[Lion Den Dan]

The laws of physics state that every action has an equal and oposite reaction, so how can they have less recoil than other firearms using the same bullet!

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These are cop guns. They are above the law.