Do Compact .45s recoil like snubbie wheelguns?

[10 Ringer']

I posted a variant of this post in the autoloader forum but so far 17 hits and no words. Anyway, I've been thinking about adding an autoloader to my CCW options and I figure the .45ACP, in a modern DA or DAO, even after all these years, is still the right cartridge for all situations. I was wondering if compact autoloaders like the S&W 457 or their budget priced counterparts with 3-4 inch barrels recoil anything like .357 magnums coming out of my snubbie whcih I shoot well up to 15yds? I've shot .45s through the standard GI issue 1911 size and done well, but that's as far as my experience with the ACP round goes... anybody care to fill in the blanks for me? Thanks.:cool:

[Skunkabilly]

I used to carry a USP45C but thought it was too much to shoot. I don't mind carrying the extra weight of a fullsize gun, but if I'm gonna shoot a gun that (relatively) light, it's gonna be a 9mm.

[Keith]

No, they don't.

I have an aluminum framed compact Kimber and while it recoils more than a full sized gubmint, it has nowhere near the recoil of a .357 wheel gun.

Keith

[moxie]

I agree with Keith. I have a Star PD, ~3" barrel, and 25 ozs. It kicks, and has a good snap with 185+P ammo, but nothing like a .357. In my experience, autos with a locked breech typically eat up recoil a little better than either blowback autos or revolvers, everything else being equal. Go for it.

[ruger357]

My Ultra Carry is not bad at all.

[Spackler]

Compact .45ACP doesn't feel any different than my compact .40S&W, and in fact I prefer either over a light-weight .38spl with +P ammunition.

[DF357]

than a 357 by a lot. I've got a CS45 SW and a SW mod 66. The 66 kicks like a mule compared to the .45.

Big difference between the two.

[ambidextrous1]

My Springfield Ultra Compact with alloy frame is very manageable; sights return yo target quickly. No problem with recoil.

I was initially startled by the quick 'cycle time' of this firearm. The time interval between hammer release and return to battery is MUCH faster than on my full-size 70 series Colt; it's too short for me to perceive! That's not bad, but I had to get used to it.

edited to correct crummy typing...

[dhoomonyou]

I think the 45 is still the "sweetest" recoiler if there is such a thing.
I find my Glock model 30 a bit easier then my Glock 27 in 40sw.
try it and let us know.

[MtrCty]

I have a .45 Mini firestorm, it has quite a bark but very managable recoil.

[Stevie-Ray]

For some reason, my Kimber Ultra CDP has less felt recoil than my HK USPc. I believe it's simply design, but it's definitely there, and I love it. Funny though. I bought the HK for carrying, and carried it twice. Too damn big. That and more recoil decided it for me. I carry the Kimber.

[kalibear45]

I got a 3" SA Mil Spec Micro (steel frame) and the recoil is minimal and comparable to my 5" 1911s. Funny thing is the 24oz weight is the same as the loaded Micros with the alloy frame.

[DJJ]

Same experience here. My Kimber compact (steel) is mostly muzzle flip, but it comes back down. My 442 Airweight (just a .38) slams the crap out of my hand, and it slides down so the muzzle tends to stay pointed up.

[themic]

yeah they're different beasts. of the compact 45s of which i own none, i've liked the kimbers the best. they snap, but come back real fast. snubbies i find very difficult to control for followup shots.

[Browns Fan]

I love my Kimber Ultra Carry. I shoot it in IDPA and carry it. Recoil is about the same as my Combat Commander.

[36fan]

Well that depends...

My bro-in-law has a Taurus PT145. It doesn't kick as hard as my Taurus 617 (ported) snubby when it's loaded w/ .357s, but it does kick harder than when it's loaded w/ .38s.

But the recoil is different - wheelgun recoil is more straight back and the .45 is up

[10-Ring]

I've got experience w/ a few compact 45's; a USPc 45, Para P10-45 & a Glock 36. They all seemed very managable. The only snubby 357 I've shot was a mod 60 w/ home loads & that thing was beast and a half. I'd rather shoot the 45's.

[mini14jac]

My wife has a Airweight .38. (Around 14.5 oz. empty)
If I shoot 5 rounds of 158gr. lead practice ammo, my hand will be a little sore.
If I shoot 20 or more rounds, my hand will hurt for several days.
(At her request, I added a larger grip to the gun. This helped recoil some, but the heavy practice ammo is still painful to shoot.)

My S&W 457, on the other hand, has never left me hurting.
I have shot 100 rounds of 230gr ball ammo in one session, with no ill effects.
The (.45) 457 is much more pleasant to shoot.
(And more accurate.)

[Sean Smith]

It depends, but in general a small .45 will be nicer to shoot. I've shot one of the small Star Firestar .45 autos, and it wasn't bad at all.

[jercamp45]

The compact .45's kick less than ANY medium-compact frame .357 I have ever shot! The compact .45's are more accurate, thinner, quicker to reload and use a flat magazine to do it.
I carry a .45 on and off duty, but recently bought a 'Jay' airweight to carry in ze pocket. Ugh! With 38 plus-p's it kicked hard, moved around in my hand, and I shot it half as well at half the distance. Do not really want to think of .357's in the same gun.
The airweight is now trading stock, towards a Kahr PM9! I have tried the Kahr's and they are sweet! Not as nice as my favorite 1911's, but they do not fit well in a pocket!!
Jercamp45

[denfoote]

I have a Taurus M605 .357MAG which is painfull to shoot. I also have a Glock 36, which is one of my carry pistols, that is not in the least bit painfull to touch off a round. The G36 is considered a sub compact. I also have a Glock 30, which is considered a compact, which is an absolute joy to shoot!!:D