Handgun recoil can be measured objectively. The free recoil energy in foot-pounds can be calculated with a mathematical formula. According to SAAMI (Small Arms and Ammunition Manufacturers’ Institute) the formula looks like this:
FRE = (WF/64.34) × (WEVE + WPCVPG)/7,000WF)2
FRE = Free Recoil Energy in foot-pounds
WF = Weight of the firearm in pounds
WE = Weight of the bullet in grains
VE = Velocity of the bullet in feet per second
WPC = Weight of the propellant charge in grains
= Velocity of the propellant gases in
