.45 acp for beginner?

[Se2002]

I plan on working my son up the caliber ladder, starting with .22.

That is how I introdused my wife and she has no problem with full power .357Mag.

[rockerz71]

I started with 45 and later bought a 9mm just because of ammo cost. Then I started reloading so that (I guess, I haven't really calculated it) .45 costs about the same as factory 9mm, and I rarely shoot the 9mm anymore.

[StoPPeR]

The only item, if I may suggest missing from you thesis is time. The duration of time for the recoil to be felt and at what rate. It seems to me that the is some kind of exponential increase during the actual ignition of the powder that differ between different loads and calibers. This gives me more of a "seat of the pants" feeling similar to, if I may use an analogy, the driving different automobiles with various suspensions and engine power potentials. Some cars kick like a mule even though they have very little horsepower.

It seems to me that the rate of ignition of the power along with what you mention would be a more proper thesis.

[StoPPeR]

My XD 45 feels like a Cadillac while my KelTec PF-9 feels more like a Civic with a tight suspension, low profile wheels, and a powerful motor; upon accelerating.

[xdfan80]

I didnt have a problem. My .45 is my first pistol and before I bought it I had shot a .40 once, and thats it. No other handgun experience.
Since then I have shot a XD 9mm and I dont think the recoil on the .45 is that different. I think if you dont mind the recoil on a 9, a .45 is shouldnt be much of a problem either. As long as you're practicing good trigger control and technique, It shouldnt matter too much.

[t0066jh]

I started with a 9mm and then got the 45. The 9mm is like a sharp snap, whereas the 45 is a slower push.
Reloading is a great idea. I started with softer load and worked up to a load that replicates my self defense ammo. First I practiced trigger control. Accurate shots with good follow ups until I got into the rhytm of the recoil and the sights falling back on the target.
Brian Enos has some great books on shooting that have helped me a lot.
More recently I got into Steel Challenge shooting at our club. I use lighter loads to be competitive with the guys with the 9mm and 40's. I don't have any delusions of grandeur, some of the younger guys are really fast and accurate. I just compete against my prior weeks performance, trying to climb up the ladder and want to see how good I can get.
Enjoy your 45. If you're like most of us, there will be another addition to your gun collection. You find a way to justify another gun to fill another need.

[Bill in San Jose]

I bought my 45acp after shooting a friend's 2 .40s. The first time I shot my 45 (after the same 10-day waiting period in CA) I was expecting recoil like the 44 mag I bruised my hand shooting several years ago. Not at all. The only 'recoil' I felt was the gun flipping up and right. Not a problem. 45 ammo is more expensive if you're planning to shoot a lot the smaller rounds will save you money. If you want a 45, get it and don't worry.

[Crazy Ed]

I still haven't picked up my XD Tactical; but soon. I suspect that if the 5" .45 shoots as well as my old XD9MMSC, I'm in for a joy ride. A person would have to be super recoil sensitive (or really weak) to have a problem with .45 ACP recoil. I shoot a 4" now that's an "all dayer". I'm so looking forward to the new Tactical.

Ed

[medicstimpy]

If you can afford to shoot .45 or reload, then go for it! If you look at all the competition guys, a lot of them are shooting .45's. It's a natural progression from .22 to .45.

Also, the round is more forgiving for beginners. Sure it packs a bigger punch but it's a slow more controlable punch so is great for beginners. 9mm is snappy and takes a bit more practice for a beginner.

[smn]

I bought a compact XD 45 for my first handgun and it performs very well. You couldn't have chosen a better handgun.

Practice makes perfect!