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At the range today I rented a .45 (Kimber) to try shooting the larger caliber for the first time. It was quite a nice experience, however it has left me with some questions. I was shooting with a friend who had attended a class at the range where they shot a Wilson Combat model and when he tried the Kimber he noticed more recoil than he remembered from his first experience. Perhaps some you more experienced hands could offer some guidance. First, do different makes of guns render different perceived recoil with the same ammunition? My experience was not uncomfortble but the recoil was significant enough that it awoke some old aches and pains. Second, the pistol I rented had a 4" barrel with a full size grip, and I was surprisingly accurate with it. Are the longer barrel models more accurate? Do rubber grips offer some recoil reduction? Thanks in advance for your feedback.
All in all I was mighty happy with the experience and will try some more of this. I can begin see how one could end up in th collection before summer.

Thanks for the reply, it was sort of what I suspected. Let me try another one, does the weight of the pistol make a difference in recoil? As in does the loger slide and barrel of the full size model translate into more weight to absorb some of the recoil force, or is there even enough of weight difference between different lengths of the same model to matter? In all questions assume that I am using the same ammunition in all comparisons.

Weight of the gun has a LOT to do with the recoil. Less perceived recoil with All Steel guns vs Aluminum or Plastic frames.

Weight is an important factor. On any semi-auto balance of the weapon (barrel to grip ratio), slide weight, recoil spring weight/strength/type, shock buffers on the guide rod, grip types, back strap shape and beaver tail, etc all affect perceived recoil to the shooter. Additionally, different ammo, even target ammo (not defense/+P or +P+) will recoil differently. That kinda goes for any gun. All the parts together affect how it will feel when shot. And, of course, recoil will be different for every person on the same gun due to hand size, strength of grip, wrist, arm, etc.

So if I understand you,,, it depends! I suspect I will have to follow the path I took in finding my .380, that is, try as many as I can until I find one that I like. Fortunately that is one of the fun parts.

If the range was in Plano, I may have shot the same Wilson combat rental .45. I too was surprised how soft it was....much softer than my XD45. It was also a full sized weapon.

Well, Andy pretty much nailed it.

I have nothing of value to add other than shooting .45 is fun, isn't it.

Weight has a lot to do with it but I would also ask if, since he shot the Wilson in a class, was it all inclusive? Did they furnish the ammo as well? If so, it was probably reloads and may have had less of a powder charge for cost savings. This could also explain the recoil difference.

Ditto on the weight. The kimber likely had an Aluminum frame. Much lighter tan the Wilson "steel frame", add to that the shorter barrle which makes for more muzzle flip. Then you have to factor in the possible difference in ammo as mentioned as well.

I have a full sized steel frame 1911 as well as a 3" Kimber, sure there is a difference between the two, but I love them both.

Russell B wrote:If the range was in Plano, I may have shot the same Wilson combat rental .45. I too was surprised how soft it was....much softer than my XD45. It was also a full sized weapon.

Yes it was in Plano and I am glad that you felt the same about the Wilson and my buddy. He described it as butter soft. The Kimber was nice but I think I want to explore the options. So now the question morphs to, Are there other makes that would be similar in feel to the Wilson, without the $3000+ price tag?

Any steel 1911 with the same serrations. same pound recoil spring and same ammo should be the same. There are so many factors that come into play. Look into the Springfields with the carbon steel frame or maybe a Colt. Should get out for under a grand.

rwg3 wrote:So now the question morphs to, Are there other makes that would be similar in feel to the Wilson, without the $3000+ price tag?

Check out the Dan Wesson lineup. The Heritage lists for about $1300 and the line runs up to a high of about $2000 before you start getting into "race guns".

If we can work out a day & time to get together, I'll let you fondle and shoot my V-Bob & Guardian. They're both bobtailed commanders, but the V-Bob has a forged stainless frame & the Guardian has a forged aluminum frame. The difference in recoil is very small.