A model is presented to show the effect of the absorber’s recovery time on selecting an output coupler and absorber pair to generate a shorter pulse width. The pump power pumping the laser system is kept constant as is the output energy. Results are presented which compare the model predictions with and without considering the Q-switch recovery time. Simulation results are presented by considering a CW pumped Cr: YAG passively Q-switched Nd:YAG laser.