speedsix wrote:...45 has less recoil than either the 9mm or .40...the .40 has a much snappier recoil...I've started my boys on .45s at 8 yrs. old...had women of tiny build and normal size shoot the .45 as their first handgun...no problems with any of them...the .45's are easy to shoot until you get to a sub-service size platform..
...this article compares the recoil of the .40 to the recoil of the 9mm...I've fired both in Glock and would choose the 9mm everytime...
Well,I have to disagree with the beginning of that statement. I have a PT1911 9mm, and if I compare it to my Rock Island 1911 .45acp (both full sized), the 9mm has a lighter recoil. It is very evident in my times shooting Steel Challenge. Accuracy from both is superb, so that really isn't a factor.
I do agree that the .40 is pretty snappy, however I have only shot it in polymer framed guns. I didn't care for it.
My wife who is not an avid shooter, and never shot before she met me, finds the .45 to be here favorite when compared to a compact 9mm. She has not fired the PT1911 9mm yet, if she does she'll have a new favorite.
I have a S&W 625JM with a 4" barrel, it is a blast to shoot and you are welcome to try it if you ever make it down here. With factory 230 grain loads it is not uncomfortable to shoot, however it has quite a bit more recoil than the 1911 simply because there is no slide moving to absorb any energy.
I have to agree with the article since I have helped several women including LEOs try to gain control of their .40 cal weapons. When switched to 9mm most of their trouble went away. Sure, more practice would help, but like the article said, "most didn't use the 600 rounds alloted for practice". (that is the biggest problem) So if they aren't going to practice, you might as well hand them something they can shoot better with from the get go.
Little boolets on target beats big boolets missing every time.
ps...I prefer big boolets hitting.
