- 01: Introduction
- 02: History
- 03: Propellants, Firearms, and Ammunition Development
- 04: Modern Firearms Manufacture
- 05: Small Arms Ammunition
- 06: Evidence Handling Procedures
- 07: Equipment and Instrumentation
- 08: Examination of Firearms
- 09: Cartridge and Shotshell Examination
- 10: Characterization and Evaluation of Fired Projectiles
- 11: Bullet Comparison and Identification
- 12: Gunshot Residue and Distance Determination
- 13: Toolmark Identification
- 14: Communicating Results
- Resources
Recoil Action
Home > Examination of Firearms > Handguns > Autoloading - Semiautomatic Pistols > Recoil Action
Colt 1911A1
The recoil action is a locked breech system that relies on the recoil of the firearm at discharge to unlock the breech. The time required for the breech to unlock allows for the reduction of peak pressure within the chamber. High-pressure cartridges are generally used in recoil-action pistols. An internal striker or an external hammer is typically present. A visual check should determine the type of firing mechanism.
