.45 semi auto pistol?

Question

Looking to purchase one. Any suggestions for a model that would limit the effects of recoil? I'm an average sized man with very good strength, I just prefer the least amount of recoil possible. Thanks

Considering Springfield XD45

Answer 1

Felt recoil is going to be a matter of size and weight of the weapon. All polymer-framed pistols such as the XD, being lighter than an all-steel model, are going to have more recoil.
If this is a serious mitigating factor, your choice might be directed to the Para-Ordinance, Inc. 1911 models, especially the high-capacity, double stack magazine types.
If not, and if price is not a factor, either, the highest rated .45 semi-auto, with least number of mechanical failures and operating malfunctions is the H-K USP, which comes in full-size and compact versions. The only drawback to the H-K is its' somewhat higher price tag. My carry weapon is the H-K USP .45ACP, which I lucked out and picked up on a great deal, and, with its' 12+1 capacity and reliability(over 5000 rds without 1 single malfunction) I wouldn't carry anything else!
If price is a factor, I would have a serious look at the Glock 21, which is a more proven model than the XD, and comes in a factory compensated version, which Springfield doesn't offer, since recoil is such a factor in your choice.
Your better bet in shopping would be to go to http://www.gunbroker.com and run a search in pistols for your .45.

Answer 2

You'll get a lot of opinions about this. I considered buying a Glock .45, but the grip was just too big for my hand. The .45 in Glock is huge. I went with the Glock model 23 .40 caliber instead.

I now want to buy a 1911 style .45. Colt is preferable, but there are other 1911 style pistols from other manufacturers. I have asked similar questions and Springfield XD always gets a lot of recommendations. Springfield also makes a 1911 style pistol in a similar price range ($500) for a basic model.

Some people have recommended the Taurus PT745 (single stack mag .45 with 6 shots) which has a smaller grip or the Pt145, the same gun with 10 shots and larger grip.

I also like Ruger's new .45 as well.

I would suggest you also consider a .40 S&W if recoil is a concern.

Answer 3

Felt recoil is going to be based on a lot of things, such as weight of the weapon, weight of the bullet, weight of the powder charge throwing a given bullet, and shooter tolerance for recoil.

With that being said, the Springfield XD45 is an excellent double-stack .45 ACP handgun. I own one, and it digests everything from plain old hardball loads to +P loads, all the way to cast-lead handloads. The ergonomics of the gun make it better than the enormous slab of plastic that comprises the Glock 21's grip, though Glock is finally addressing this by introducing the Glock 21 Short Frame . . . though their smaller, slim-line Glock 36, is quite a good .45 semi-auto as well.

The Springfield also gets bonus points for having a grip safety in addition to the safety lever in the center of the trigger. It also has a loaded-chamber indicator, the striker protrudes from the back of the pistol when it's ready to fire, and it's easy to disassemble for cleaning. It also has a tighter chamber with better case-head support than the Glock, and standard rifling. The Glock has a better finish, and huge amounts of aftermarket parts available for it.

The Springfield's felt-recoil, I feel, is excellent for a .45 ACP handgun. Part of this is due to the flexibility of the polymer frame. Part of it is due to the two-stage recoil spring system, and the very heavy springs contained within it. It does an excellent job of taming the .45's recoil, without having to rely on things like recoil compensators.

The best advice I can give you would be to go to a gun shop and personally handle the firearms you're interested in. If you've got a shooting range in your area that rents firearms, great, go there, rent their .45's and see how they handle for you.

Answer 4

You could try a Glock 21C, the barrel line is closer to the hand in striker fired guns and that helps further reduce muzzle flip in the compensated Glock which will make it feel like there is less recoil too.

Alternatively go for a full sized heavy metal 1911 with reduced power rounds. In the end it's all physics, the recoil is proportional to the mass and velocity of the bullet and the gun, the momentum imparted to both is the same (conservation of linear momentum) but energy is a square law, so if you double the gun mass you quarter the recoil. Approximately.

Answer 5

Recoil can really only be judged by you, for what is comfortable for me may not be so for you. It also depends on the style of the .45 you want. Do you like 1911 or more modern looking pistols (i apologize to all 1911 people couldnt think of a better way to define it). That being said a reliable well crafted .45 is Sig Sauer P220. Awesome gun quite accurate but price is a little steep. Glock makes a very reliable pistol but I think the recoil may be more than you want. For 1911 style pistols look at Kimber, Colt, Les Bauer, Sig, Smith & Wesson, all of these companies make solid reliable products but some are more expensive than others. Go to a local range that rents guns, and shoot them see what you like and what you dont. Your price range has a lot to do with your decision I hope this helps.

If your concearned with recoil why not buy a 9mm or smaller caliber with less recoil. Truth be told a it doesnt really matter what caliber it is if you put the rounds on target where you want them to be.

Answer 6

All 45's have pretty much the same recoil but it would help if you have a longer barrel (4 to 5").
The XD 45 Tactical is an excellent choice. Also, there are three new guns coming out this year you might want to consider...
S&W M&P
Beretta Storm
Glock 21 SF

If price is not an issue, HK is coming out with a new 45 later this year also.

Answer 7

In 96 years I don't think there will be 30 manufacturers making copies of the GLOCK.The 1911 is considered by many experts to be the best semi auto pistol ever made,that's why so many companys clone it.As far as recoil goes,my 80 lb. daughter shoots my COMMANDER.A little recoil never hurt anyone.Don't be a wimp.Get a .45 .

Answer 8

I don't think there is a recoil problem with 45 auto's. Unless it's not an auto. I loved my Ruger 45 auto. If it is recoil that you fear, make sure that the 45 has weight and balances in the hand, and of coarse you can handle it.

Answer 9

i suggest getting a springfield 1911 loaded longslide. the added weight of the longer slide tames the recoil making it very accurate. i shot a rental and i loved it, very low recoil. its kinda hard to get these at gun stores but they have it at gun broker. an even better option is the springfield v16, its the same as the longslide but it has 16 ports on the barrel lessening the recoil even more. springfield doesnt make the v16 anymore but you can find it used. its kinda rare and probably will be a collector's item later.

Answer 10

Get a Springfield 1911