Abstract: A brake mechanism for use with a perforating gun to prevent the explosive forces from causing recoil comprising a cylindrical body with openings permitting brake plugs to engage the well casing in response to pressure against an axially moving piston driven by the explosive force of the perforating gun and having a tapered side wall to drive the plugs against the casing. A bias spring disengages the axial piston and a retractive spring withdraws the plugs from engagement.