A recoil-damping device for a gun, in particular for fastening onto or in a buttstock of the gun, having a rear part and a front part which are movable towards one another against the force of at least one damping element. A locking device acting between the rear part and the front part is provided, which in a locking position blocks a relative movement between the rear and front parts and in a release position allows a relative movement between the rear and the front parts. A triggering element which can be activated by means of a shock pulse is further provided, which in a holding position holds the locking device in the locking position and in an active position releases the locking device into the release position. The triggering element and/or at least a part of the locking device is pivotable as a result of the shock pulse.