What does the cryptic crossword clue "Initially shoots rifle, recoiling a bit (5)" mean?

The definition is "Initially". The wordplay uses hidden reversed. Hidden backwards in [ recoiling a bit ] "shoo TS RIF le" The answer is FIRST.

Initially shoots rifle, recoiling a bit (5)

Independent Cryptic #12041 | 8 Across | 2025-05-13 flower