Felt recoil 9mm vs .40 vs .45

[Maddy345]

Is it just me or does the .40 recoil harder than the 9mm or the .45? I wish I owned the same make and model gun in the three different calibers to test.

The 9mm has quite a snap to it but the muzzle flip is very low and comes back on target very quickly (my impression after shooting the Beretta M9 for ten years).

The .45 seems to push your hands backwards more instead of up and also doesn't seem to have much muzzle flip (my impression after shooting my Ruger P345).

I shot the .40 for the first time about a week ago (XD40 4" service) and it seemed to have the most muzzle flip as well as a lot of snap in your hands. It was a lot slower to get back on target for follow up shots.

Does anyone else have that impression?

[Joeywhat]

IMO, .40 is much harder to control then both .45 and 9mm. I can shoot both rapid fire much more easily then with a .40. I find the differences diminish quite a bit once you get into 5"+ barreled guns.

[tru]

its not the ammo, its the gun...

[Kristie]

Coming from a girls point...

We own an xd 9mm 4" and the recoil is there but barely felt but I tend to anticipate the jump of the gun up and push down (working on it with snap caps)

Rented an xd 40 sc and the recoil was harsh to me and I anticipated it and after maybe 5 rounds wouldn't shoot it again.

Rented an xd 45 and loved it. Shoot perfect with it and the recoil was nice. Came back to target quickly and I enjoyed it more then my 9. Most of my shots were within an inch of the center circle.

We are trying to decide on what to buy next so had to test them. I told the hubby if you get the 40 I wont shoot it. If you get the 45 there might be fighting over who gets to shoot it more.

I am debating on the 45 now as a carry weapon when I get my CHL in a few months.

I always assumed the 45 would knock me on my butt.

[XD9Sub]

The .40 S&W caliber has a sharper recoil no matter which manufacturer of gun you use, more muzzle flip, than either the 9mm or .45. I've shot all 3 calibers in Springfield XD, Glock, and CZ, and in all, the .40 S&W has the most recoil/muzzle flip.

Most are surprised when they first shoot a .45 and realize that it's a different type of recoil, more of a push back into your hand, than a pronounced muzzle flip. For myself, my wife and several friends, the standard .45 felt recoil is about equal to a 9mm +P round.

I can't tell you how many people I've introduced to the .45ACP (particularly the XD45) their eyes get WIDE... and say... WOW that was great, it "felt" much better than they were told, or believed it would be

[Maddy345]

Originally Posted by tru

its not the ammo, its the gun...

That is why I was saying I wish I had the same make and model of all three calibers to test.

On the other hand you can't say a .44 magnum doesn't kick harder than a .22.

[LVshooter]

I have a Glock .40 cal model 22 and an XD Tac in .45.
I have shot the Glock a lot, recently got the XD.

I find them to be equal in felt recoil, and target reaquisition.
I shoot the G22 more accurately because of all the classes I have taken with it. I plan on doing a class with my new XD.

I read a lot about the .40 cal recoil being so snappy. I disagree. I also have a Smith 4006 [.40] that shoots very mildly.
I think the .40 S&W is a great defensive round.

That being said, for small compact autos for concealed carry, {3 1/2 inch barrel or less}, I stick with the 9mm. It is the most controllable rapid fire, and an efficient round from the shorter barrel.

[XD9Sub]

Recoil perception is very subjective. Some are recoil sensitive with a gun, and others will say "what recoil?", with the same gun. I loved shooting my .357Sig (now that IS snappy), my friends wouldn't touch it after a few rounds

[jim331656]

40's are snappy. But snappy is fun!!!! 9mm with hot ammo is also a bit snappy. 45 like others said is more push. I can't tell you how many people who are afraid of recoil on a 45 then they shoot mine and are like wow thats alot less that I thought

[Fastzntn]

The snappiest guns I have ever shot are .40s. It would be hard for me to consider a handgun chambered in that round because of this. Both the 9mm and .45 much easier to keep on target, in my opinion.