I got a brother who needs some advice

[Velocity229]

HK USP's all come with recoil reduction systems. They are light too.

Maybe an HK USP .45 with good Hogue rubber grips added may work.

 

[Berg01]

I have a big N-Frame Smith & Wesson Model 27-2 (6" barrel) revolver; this gun shoots .38 Specials with such minimal recoil that (except for the noise) you think you are shooting a .22.

 

[Whatsit]

Ditto Velocity's post. the 'patented recoil reduction system' in the HK USP 45F renders recoil to negligible levels. It would be worth your time to find a range that has one you can rent. Beautiful weapon.

 

[Missouri Mule]

If he can't handle any thing more powerfull than a 9mm para for whatever reason. Stick with that and use standard pressure hollow points.

The lightest recoiling 9mm pistol I have ever used it a CZ-75B, probably due to excellent ergonomics and all metal. steel I think, construction.

If he is recoil sensitive I would'nt advise some small and light weight like a Kahr though.

Thera are a lot of folks out there that use the 9mm exclusively and are perfectly happy with it.

I CCW a Kahr PM-9 a lot of the time and feel well armed.

 

[CAS700850]

I went through this situation with a bailiff/retired detective/friend/shooting buddy who has wrist problems. He prefers big bore (.45), but has been limited due to his wrist problems. After a couple of shots from his .45, he can (and has) actually lost all sense of feeling in his fingers. Not a good idea for a gunfight.

Anyways, he still has good hand strength, and had no problem working a revolver. So, we ended up getting him a 4" Smith 66 revolver with Hogue rubber grips, and loading up with +p 158 grn LSWHP loads (the old FBI load). Recoil is not problematic, ammo has a proven record of ending hostilities, and overpenetration is a minimal concern.

If his wrist can handle the weight, look into a Smith 686+, and he should be well protected.