Recoil operated firearms use the energy generated by the recoil of the gun when it is fired to cycle the action. This means that the force of the bullet being propelled forward also pushes the gun backward, allowing the mechanism to eject the spent cartridge and load a new round. This system is commonly found in handguns and some rifles. In these firearms, the design typically includes a moving barrel or slide that absorbs some of the recoil energy. This allows for a simpler mechanism compared to other systems, such as gas-operated firearms, which use gas from the fired cartridge to cycle the action. Recoil operation is effective for managing the firing cycle in various types of firearms.