A frame is adapted to be held by a user. A barrel is coupled to the base. A slide is slidably received on the barrel and adapted for rearward movement in response to firing. A full-time spring is operable for abating recoil during the entire rearward movement of the slide including primary and secondary portions of the rearward movement. A recoil reducer includes a part-time spring. The part-time spring is operable for abating recoil during the primary portion of the rearward movement. The recoil reducer also includes an engager. The engager is operable in response to movement of the slide between the primary and secondary portions of the rearward movement to terminate operation of the part-time spring.