Abstract: A recuperator system for absorbing the recoil of a gun and returning the to battery comprises a sliding sleeve having a connecting member at one end thereof and a sealing collar at an opposite end thereof. The sealing collar slides against an outer surface of a cylinder which is disposed in the sliding sleeve. A second connecting member is connected to the sealing collar at an end thereof opposite to the first connecting member. The cylinder also carries a further sealing collar at an end adjacent the first connecting member. The further sealing collar is in sealing and sliding engagement with an inner surface of the sleeve and with an outer surface of a hollow piston rod connected to the first connecting member. The hollow piston extends axially within the cylinder and forms part of a Schneider system that contains hydraulic fluid for cushioning the recoil of the gun.A gas space is defined between the cylinder and sleeve and between the collars.