Embodiments of the present invention provide significant firearm recoil force reduction and can be integrated within a traditional firearm stock. Such recoil shock absorbers include a body assembly, plunger assembly, and return spring. The body assembly includes a shock tube, cylinder end, and accumulator. The shock tube includes an opening at its distal end, the cylinder end is rotably coupled to the shock tube, and the accumulator is coupled to the cylinder end. The cylinder end can be selectably/adjustably aligned with the shock tube opening, resulting in a selectable/adjustable orifice and a pathway from the shock tube to the accumulator. The plunger assembly is slidably coupled to the body assembly and includes a piston. The piston and the shock tube are in slidable relation such that when the plunger assembly is introduced into the body assembly the piston is introduced into the shock tube.