It looks like I have to drop down to 9mm

[Trisha]

I sidetracked to archery.
I practiced for as much as four hours a day four, even five. She's now a completely custom 55# with a 27"" draw.
Making my own arrows I managed 4-6" center at a measured 50 yards.
I destroyed my shoulders.
Both are rebuilt, one poorly, one beautifully.
My standard load for .45ACP 230gr RNJ chronoed at about 955fps but that's here at +9,500 ft average elevation.
Three load variations down to 185gr at 800fps and my shoulders ached.
I'm going to try a G19X and see if the recoil physics work, and there is a viable CQB self-defensive handgun.

 

[FL-NC]

Glock 19 is my favorite all-around handgun.

 

[bikerdoc]

Perhaps a 1911 style 9mm or
Look at the CZ line.

 

[bikerdoc]

If it is really bad I have seen a few 1911's in 380.
Not Ideal but with +p hollow point, and your level of training adequate at SD distances.

 

[Buzznrose]

You have chronic joint pain....this really helps me:

1. Find a GOOD trainer who understands recovery exercises.

2. Reduce processed foods, meat and dairy from your diet and increase minimally processed plant foods

3. Suggest trying a quality CBD product and taking twice per day. Make sure whatever you get is
A. made in USA from organic US grown hemp and
B. independently tested.
My source is www.lazarusnaturals.com I prefer the THC free stuff. This stuff has been a blessing to my back, neck, and shoulders: https://www.lazarusnaturals.com/shop/tinctures/blood-orange-high-potency-tincture

Good luck!

 

[StrawHat]

If you really like the 45 ACP, this one will handle any load that lets the bullet make it out the muzzle.



It is also available in blue and in various barrel lengths.

Kevin

 

[FFGColorado]

You have chronic joint pain....this really helps me:

1. Find a GOOD trainer who understands recovery exercises.

2. Reduce processed foods, meat and dairy from your diet and increase minimally processed plant foods

3. Suggest trying a quality CBD product and taking twice per day. Make sure whatever you get is
A. made in USA from organic US grown hemp and
B. independently tested.
My source is www.lazarusnaturals.com I prefer the THC free stuff. This stuff has been a blessing to my back, neck, and shoulders: https://www.lazarusnaturals.com/shop/tinctures/blood-orange-high-potency-tincture

Good luck!

GREAT advice(altho haven't done number 1), particularly item 3..I have a wonky, arthritic RH wrist and poorly repaired dislocated RH thumb(thanks USN docs) and the CBD stuff I use is like a miracle. I have gone shooting w/o it and then after applying it and the difference is noticeable.

Trying hard number 2 but as a 'at risk' guy due to the COVID19 gig, can't really go into stores so...

PLUS and BTW-son has a Glock 45, 9mm, like 19x..and both of us really love it.

 

[Texas10mm]

You have chronic joint pain....this really helps me:

1. Find a GOOD trainer who understands recovery exercises.

2. Reduce processed foods, meat and dairy from your diet and increase minimally processed plant foods

3. Suggest trying a quality CBD product and taking twice per day. Make sure whatever you get is
A. made in USA from organic US grown hemp and
B. independently tested.
My source is www.lazarusnaturals.com I prefer the THC free stuff. This stuff has been a blessing to my back, neck, and shoulders: https://www.lazarusnaturals.com/shop/tinctures/blood-orange-high-potency-tincture

Good luck!

I've been using Lazarus stuff for a couple of years. It really makes a difference. They just announced a big price drop too.

If you're a Veteran, low income, or have a long term disability they offer a huge discount program.

 

[CDW4ME]

Nothing wrong with a Glock 19 - that is my minimum carry.

 

[MarshallDodge]

A lot of people will suggest a Glock 19, and it is the most popular choice. Polymer framed guns are really light so they can be snappy.

If you reload, you could try a 200 grain SWC bullet in your 45, with a small charge of a fast burning powder such as Clays, WST, Solo, etc.

A 9mm 1911 is a solid choice. I always recommend a "commander" sized gun with a 4.25" slide as the mass seems to work well with 9mm. You could also check into some of the alloy framed guns from Sig- P226/229, Beretta-92 series, CZ- 75 or Shadow, etc

 

[mmb617]

I feel for you on the bad shoulder thing. I have problems with my right shoulder brought on by my years of powerlifting. I sustained an injury and probably should have had surgery on it 40 years ago and didn't, so it's never been right since. It isn't to the point that it bothers me shooting handguns, both 9mm and .45, but it complains for a couple days after I run a couple mags through my AR. My .45 ACP loads aren't as hot as what you're shooting though as they chrono around 850.

 

[FFGColorado]

I've been using Lazarus stuff for a couple of years. It really makes a difference. They just announced a big price drop too.

If you're a Veteran, low income, or have a long term disability they offer a huge discount program.

Just sent a pic Retired ID...Thanks both of y'all for the link..

 

[Jim Watson]

A Glock is almost the default service/concealment pistol, but it is light and is not going to kick any less than a steel .45.
The FELT recoil might be more tolerable, see if you can borrow or rent one to try.

A steel framed 9mm with subsonic loads - I am now loading a 124 about 1040 fps which is nearly as mild as a 147 at 880 - will be a lot more fun. Shoot the lightweight CCW just enough for familiarization.

I recommend a CZ75. A 9mm 1911oid is a delight to shoot, but they can be temperamental.
You can also get the CZ Kadet .22 Conversion.

My joints and nerves are poor. I do almost half of my practice with a .22; Kadet, ACE, or K22 depending on the current centerfire in use. Mostly 9mm for IDPA and USPSA, I also have a .45 Minor load even a bit lighter than yours, a 200 at barely 700, if that.

 

[GunnyUSMC]

If you’re thinking about a 19X, I suggest that you also look at the Glock model 45. It’s pretty much the same, but there are a few differences. The G45 has a flared magwell, takes al Gen mags, can be had with the MOS slide for mouthing a red dot. That’s just some of the differences.
I like my G45 more then my 19X.



Glock 19s on the left, G45 and 19X on the right.

 

[Buzznrose]

I've been using Lazarus stuff for a couple of years. It really makes a difference. They just announced a big price drop too.

If you're a Veteran, low income, or have a long term disability they offer a huge discount program.

Texas10mm...much thanks for turning me on to Lazarus Naturals a while back... their products are a blessing to my wife, my dog, and I!

As far as my dog, he had limped for several years whenever he’d run due to ACL tears in both rear legs. We debated surgery but the cost plus recovery was beyond our capability, so we kept him from running much and got by with joint sups and pain meds as needed.

Then we tried pet CBD from Lazarus...no more pain meds! He runs and plays like a puppy, and never limps any more! That is proof to me this stuff really works.

 

[Dibbs]

Keep your magnesium and potassium levels up. These vitamins alone won't relieve joint pain, but they make it
a lot more livable.

 

[Buzznrose]

GREAT advice(altho haven't done number 1)

My trainer really helped me get my joints right. I had shoulder issues where it felt like sand was in my joints. No surgery, but a lot of rotator cuff work really helped.

The Critical Bench You Tube channel is legit and has a LOT of great videos of exercises that address specific body parts. The link below is their shoulder pain video. Many of these exercises are the same ones I’ve been taught. GO EASY at first, and proper form is critical (which is why a GOOD trainer really helps):

 

[Trisha]

Thanks so much for your replies! It's a bit to think about. Getting around is difficult now and asthma limits going out for the time being.

 

[Armored farmer]

Sorry to hear about your shoulders. I can sympathize with you for sure. One of my biggest disappointments is not being able to hunt with my recurve.

I never shot a Glock that I didnt like, but I dont own one. #1 son has a 19x that he loves. I can highly recommend one.


I only own one 9mm . It is a Ruger SR9C. I'm not crazy about the way it looks.....but there is nothing else about it to not like.
Fully ambidextrous.
17 and 10rd mags available
Acc rail
Forward serrations
Accurate
Reliable
Inexpensive

 

[Trisha]

Mine's an Onidea.

Well, regardless, it'll be better understood after the fire ban is lifted.
You likely couldn't pay me to go to an indoor range - because I know how bad the Metro area is hazardous for unprovoked attacks on the easy looking (since a complete hip, arthritis made itself home); there's even a public map of assaults in Denver.

 

[labnoti]

If you're looking for lower recoil, 9x19mm in a lightweight polymer gun isn't the best. 9mm is a high pressure cartridge and the Glock 19 is lightweight and compact with a short barrel. It's a popular choice for concealed carry because it's easy to carry. For a lower recoil, you want a steel gun with a longer barrel and a low pressure cartridge, in that order of priority. So a steel gun like a 1911 (in other than 45), Beretta, CZ or High Power would offer more mass and slow the recoil velocity. A longer barrel, even a Glock 17 or 34 instead of the 19 is going to put more of the mass forward. You can also use things like a tungsten guide rod or a weapons light mounted on the frame rail to add weight to the fore-end. You can also consider a revolver. Nothing says low recoil like a heavy, long-barreled revolver loaded with low-pressure .38 Special. Try a S&W 686, a new Colt Python, Ruger GP-100 or a Dan Wesson 715. 38 Special would be very easy on your shoulders, and 357 Magnum wouldn't give up anything to .45 ACP when it counts.

 

[1942bull]

@Trisha, No question that the Glock 19 is a good SD weapon. Most 9mm pistols are. I once carried a S&W SD9VE which is a Glock 19 clone. I ended up changing from that because of shoulder injuries. I have two inoperable rotator cuff injuries. Both of them make holding weight at shoulder length difficult. I tended to not hold the plane of the fun level, and that affected elevation. Eventually, I sold the S&W and bought a Walther PPS M2. It it is lighter, and it has great recoil management. While it has a 1 inch shorter barrel I find it very accurate, and I can hold it steady,with arms extended.

I suggest that you rest yourself with handheld weight equivalent to the G19 to see if it affects you steadiness when arms are extended. If it does not then I would rent a G19 to see how the recoil affects your shoulders. Take care of the shoulders. Unlike knees they are irreplaceable.

 

[PO2Hammer]

My trouble is in my hands and wrists, but the light framed USP 45 is far more comfortable for me than a steel 1911 shooting the same loads.

Just got back from the range shooting plated 185 SWC over 5 grains of W231, very soft shooting, no pain at all.

 

[labnoti]

Let me quantify the recoil difference. A fully loaded 1911 weighs around 44 ounces and shoots a 230 grain bullet at 955 fps (your load). That produces 12.7 fps recoil velocity. With the 185 grain bullet at 800 fps, about 9 fps recoil velocity.

The Glock 19 weighs about 30 ounces with a full magazine (17 rounds). With this weight, a 124 grain bullet launched at 1100 fps will produce about 12.4 fps recoil velocity.

The 9x19mm cartridge is producing a lot less recoil energy: about 3.5 ft lbf versus 7 ft. lbf for the 230 grain 45 load. However, because the gun weighs so much less, you won't feel that much less or any less at all.

On the other hand, if simply holding the gun's weight is the problem and not the recoil, then a heavier gun won't help. You can easily determine this by holding the gun and doing dry fire practice and see if your shoulders are sore or not.

 

[Coop45]

If you're looking for lower recoil, 9x19mm in a lightweight polymer gun isn't the best. 9mm is a high pressure cartridge and the Glock 19 is lightweight and compact with a short barrel. It's a popular choice for concealed carry because it's easy to carry. For a lower recoil, you want a steel gun with a longer barrel and a low pressure cartridge, in that order of priority. So a steel gun like a 1911 (in other than 45), Beretta, CZ or High Power would offer more mass and slow the recoil velocity. A longer barrel, even a Glock 17 or 34 instead of the 19 is going to put more of the mass forward. You can also use things like a tungsten guide rod or a weapons light mounted on the frame rail to add weight to the fore-end. You can also consider a revolver. Nothing says low recoil like a heavy, long-barreled revolver loaded with low-pressure .38 Special. Try a S&W 686, a new Colt Python, Ruger GP-100 or a Dan Wesson 715. 38 Special would be very easy on your shoulders, and 357 Magnum wouldn't give up anything to .45 ACP when it counts.

PCR is cool.