The invention relates to a weapon recoil system (3) for a weapon barrel (2) axially displaceable in the weapon housing (6), the system consisting of at least a pressure vessel (4) and a pressure cylinder (5) with a pressure piston (11). The weapon barrel end is connected to the pressure piston (11) for compressing a gas cushion in the pressure cylinder (5), and in its middle region is connected to an annular piston (13) having through-flow channels. A sleeve (17) operable by means of springs (8) closes these channels when the weapon barrel (2) is idle and during forward movement of the barrel. During recoil of the barrel, said sleeve (17) is displaced by the flowing fluid and hence the channels are opened. The pressure piston (11) is configured so that during recoil of the barrel a large cross-section is open for the liquid to flow, whereby a relatively low back pressure occurs, whereas during forward movement of the barrel only a small cross-section is open, so that a large back pressure occurs. A relatively simple recoil construction is therefore produced in the hydraulic recoil braking means, without the previously necessary control devices, wherein the weapon barrel (2) is supported on the pressurised gas cushion in the pressure cylinder (5).