[Kenshin]

Does the .40 S&W have a heavier recoil than a .45?

[Domino]

I wouldn't say its heavier, but it certainly seems snappier. Fullsize handguns in 45 ACP tend to have a slow but steady recoil, while 40's of the same size tend to have sharper, quicker recoil.

[carebear]

The .40, being faster, also seems to "flip" the muzzle up more than the slower push straight back that I perceive from the .45 at standard velocities.

Comes down to the shooter's perceptions in the end.

[GaryP]

I would agree with snappier to some degree, due to the 40 S&W's faster pressure peak but my HK USP45C has more felt recoil and tends to twist in my hand whereas my HK USP40C is much more pleasant to shoot. ;)


:evil:

[stans]

It is snappier, I think mostly due to the 40's use of lighter bullets.

[MrAcheson]

If you look at conservation of momentum, they have similar absolute amounts of recoil impulse. However .40S&W achieves it with velocity and .45acp is more about bullet weight, so they feel different. .40 feels snappier, kind of like 9mm on steroids, compared to the .45acp "big push". Recoil is subjective so chances are you will have a preference for one or the other.

[Obiwan]

What loads...and in what weapons :confused:

[357SIG]

I think it all depends on the pistol you shoot it out from. If you compare a Glock 23 to a 5" 1911, the .45 feels much more tame. In the same pistols, however, I find the .40 to recoil less, but flip more.

[Clean97GTI]

In laymens terms:

.40S&W will give a sharper, faster snap when fired from a similar sized gun.

.45ACP will give a slower, more brute shove when fired from a similar sized gun.

Your best bet would be to buy a 10mm gun and get the best of both worlds.

Capacity and more Energy.

[Jonathan]

You mean a sharp, fast, large, brute recoil?

[Ridgerunner665]

The actual recoil energy in ft. lbs. of force is nearly equal between the two of them. The difference is in "recoil velocity", this is why the 40 is snappier, it has a higher recoil velocity.

[Zundfolge]

Also, I think the .40S&W is louder ... which can add to the feeling of harsher recoil.