What is the main purpose of the butt in a firearm?

The main purpose of the butt in a firearm is to provide a place to rest against the shoulder while shooting. The butt acts as a support point that allows the shooter to maintain control and stability when aiming and firing. By resting the butt against the shoulder, it enables the shooter to absorb the recoil more effectively, which enhances comfort and helps improve accuracy. This shoulder support helps to align the firearm properly and assists in maintaining a consistent shooting position.

In contrast, enhancing recoil would not be a primary function of the butt; rather, the design aims to mitigate the effects of recoil. Stabilizing aim is certainly a benefit of proper positioning, but it is more of a secondary effect than the primary purpose. Protecting the firing mechanism is not relevant to the butt's role; this function typically relates more to the firearm's construction and design rather than to any part that supports the user's hold or stability.