Kickback, also known as recoil, is the backward movement experienced by a firearm when it is discharged. This occurs due to Newton's third law of motion, which states that for every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction. When a bullet is fired, the force generated pushes the bullet forward while simultaneously pushing the firearm backward. Recoil can vary depending on several factors, including the type of firearm, the caliber of the bullet, and the weight of the gun. Shotguns, rifles, and handguns all exhibit different recoil characteristics, which can affect accuracy and control during shooting. Proper stance and grip can help manage recoil effectively.