moderate round with low recoil

[dinnerplate]

i own a buckmark, a dedicated .22LR upper, and an ar-15 type. i've been looking to get a .40sw or above handgun, but am just not comfortable with the recoil on most of them yet. so far, the beretta 92fs was looking like my next step up. but i shot the usp .40 full size yesterday, and i want to have its baby. i thought i was just getting that much more accustomed to the kick, but no. the usp is remarkably manageable in .40. before i jump on this and get it today, is there another handgun that i should be considering in this same category, with moderate size round plus low recoil?

thanks in advance.

[cmace22]

IMO 45 has less recoil than a 40 and you can call it a "moderate round".

I never really liked 40's.

[littlejake]

I'm old school... and agree with cmace22.

Also, as a personal preference I have never liked the Berettas.

You should consider Sig and Glock also.

[Air]

IMO 45 has less recoil than a 40 and you can call it a "moderate round".

I never really liked 40's.

I agree. I don't mind it, but it's snappy and hard to control...IMO, it was a solution to a problem that didn't exist. Flame suit on.

45ACP and 9mm are both easy to control, with moderate recoil. Get a full sized steel 9mm like the 92fs, Hi Power or even a CZ and don't look back.

[Black Majik]

I would wholeheartedly recommend 9mm. I'm a 9mm or 45 type of shooter, so .40S&W is not a consideration since I'm recoil sensitive to factory loads <--- I'm a puss when it comes to recoil.

But, the reason why I state 9mm is because of its effectiveness. Being new to shooting can be a bit intimidating and overwhelming by the number of available choices to choose from; in both handgun and caliber. So why pick such a "small" round?

A few reasons, especially for what may sound like it may be used for HD (assuming since you're looking at 40 and above). 1) Cost effectiveness. 9mm costs the least in centerfire pistol cartridge. Why would that matter? Well, that intros into the next reason 2) Low cost increases practice. With more practice you become much more effective placing shots where you want in higher stress situations. We can all debate the effectiveness of Wally-World Value Pack calibers all we want, but the truth is we'll need multiple hits on target to effectively stop any target. A hit with a 9mm is better than a miss with a 40 (or .45 or .44mag etc..).

If you enjoyed the USP 40, take a look at the USP 9mm fullsize. It is an extremely capable handgun, capable of being carried DA/SA or condition 1. It is very low recoiling, in a cartridge widely available and easy to shoot.

After picking up your 9mm handgun of choice, buy a few cases of 9mm and sign up for some classes, in both basic marksmanship and self defense.

Good luck, and have fun.

[cmace22]

I owned 2 40's and sold them both, a HK USP and a G22.

I now own 2 glocks and 2 1911's..... 9mm and 45.

9mm is PLEANTY good for HD given the right ammo is used and its hard to beat a 45.

Ammo costs will vary but for target ammo 9mm I can usually find for about 10 a box and 45 for 17-18.

9mm has light recoil allowing for quicker and more accurate follow up shots and generally holds more rounds.

40 is too snappy and doesn't fill a need I have between the 9 and 45.

If ammo was available and cheap enough my choice would be 10mm.... But thats not gonna happen any time soon.

[CalNRA]

9mm out of a full size gun is just fun, it doesn't feel unlike shooting paintball (but please don't treat it as a toy, it is a lethal device and use all sound judgement with a firearm)

and I agree with the above guy, I see no need personally for a .40 when there are great 9mm rounds available and when you are limited to 10 rounds in new guns anyway, go for the .45 auto for more mass. The issues associated with the high pressure in 40 sw makes the low pressure rounds like 45 auto much more attractive.

[JTsanchez]

IMO 45 has less recoil than a 40 and you can call it a "moderate round".

I never really liked 40's.

+1, but sorry to all you 40 cal fans but it def. has a sharper more felt recoil than the 45. I will never buy a 40 cal. Nothing 9mm and 45 cant do that 40 can do.

[JTsanchez]

Oh ya get a G19, just picked up a brand new one, looks great next to my 26 and happily replaces my G17 (little to large the 19 is a perfect fit for my hand)

[Sunday]

A big 9mm [like your choice 92 ] with the proper choice of ammo would be the way to go . You want a heavy pistol of any caliber unless it is for concealed carry. Then it is a compromise.

[Flopper]

All the above are great answers so far, but if I had to pick one, I'd say go with a full-size 1911 in .45.

People tend to assume that since .45 is an effective round, that the recoil is completely unmanageable. That couldn't be any further from the truth.

[mrlightning559]

I've got a usp40 awesome gun I read a ballistic chart and the .40 sw sounds like an awesome round also look up one shot stop stats I agree .45 is better but without reloading I can't afford to practice much

[Army]

.357 revolver, shoot .38's. You will always have the option of full power, or pleasant power.

[civilsnake]

Go with 9mm and pick your gun based on features. It's such a manageable round that weight doesn't matter so much, and if you're going full size it matters even less.

The front runners for me would be SIG P226, HK USP9, Glock 17/34, and FNP9.

[mrlightning559]

Idk where your located but Wally world here in Tulare is full of 40 ammo 3 boxes of 45 makes me happy I went 40