A recoil simulator is disclosed which generates various predetermined mots and forces that may be imparted to training guns, weapons, and other devices, so as to give them realistic operational characteristics which they otherwise would not have. To generate such motions and forces -- and, thus, to effect such operational characteristics -- a given mass is moved along a predetermined axis thereof while the displacements, velocities, and accelerations thereof are controlled by an unusual combination of mass positioning and cocking device, compression springs, and electric solenoids, the latter of which is timely energized by a unique electronic programmer circuit.