Abstract: The invention relates to a recoil buffer unit for a pistol, of the type having a slide movable on a base member which carries the barrel of the pistol. The slide includes a forward and having a lower bore located beneath the barrel for accommodation of a return spring guide rod. A return spring surrounds the guide rod, to return the slide to its original position. Abutment surfaces are provided on both the slide and the base member for striking one another to halt the rearward movement of the slide. The recoil buffer unit includes a movable member, and a buffer. The buffer has an abutment member at one end thereof which abuts a surface of the pistol, and an intermediate striking surface. A cylinder containing elastomeric material is provided at one end of the buffer and a plunger is slidably receivable within the cylinder for engaging the elastomeric material.