Recoil damper system

A rifle, shotgun or the like with a stock 136 comprises a coil damper system 111 which comprises a substantially constant resistance or a damper, e.g. a linear deceleration damper 128 which is a self-compensating multi-port hydraulic damper 128. The system 111 comprises at least one linear roller bearing 118, 120 which comprises a plurality of linearly arranged sets of bearing balls. The system 111 comprises inhibiting means 152, 154 adapted to inhibit operation of the damper 128 and comprising spring means 152, 154. The latter comprise springs and the system is adapted for the springs 152, 154 to be readily interchangeable with springs 152, 154 of other stiffness. The system 111 comprises a member 110 adapted to transmit to the damper 128 a thrust to be damped by the damper 128 but not a tension. The system 111 comprises a force-transmitting member 110 which bears against, but is not fixed to, the damper 128. A method of improving shooting skill is described, which comprises use of such a rifle, shotgun or the like and progressively modifying the same. A method of modifying a rifle, shotgun or the like to improve shooting skill is described, which comprises progressively reducing the inhibiting effect of inhibiting means 152, 154 on operation of a recoil damper system 128 of the rifle, shotgun or the like.