Question on a 45
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Castrolr1
Member
from what ive heard from guys that like to chrono factory ammo.. Winchester White Box
When I first got my 45, I thought, "man, what have I gotten myself into here?" Then I learned to grip the gun correctly (IPSC grip) and tightly, and now, recoil is not an issue. Learn to control the gun.
Most inexpensive factory ammo is going to be 230 grain bullets, so you're not going to get lot of choice in ammo, unless you reload. then, the possibilities are endless. The 45 ACP is a great multipurpose round, congrats on the free gun!
Most inexpensive factory ammo is going to be 230 grain bullets, so you're not going to get lot of choice in ammo, unless you reload. then, the possibilities are endless. The 45 ACP is a great multipurpose round, congrats on the free gun!
moooose102
Member
relax, 45's do not recoil as bad as a lot of people think. unless it is a tiny little short bareled ccw poly-pistol, you will probably be fine. the muzzle will flip some, but the recoil really is not so bad. but, if you do find it to much, if you have any freinds that reload, you could have them make up some reduced loads for it. but, there is only so far you can download an automatic and still have it function.
Hungry Seagull
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I fired Lawman 230 grains and it's not much of a kick. Kind of a slow event.
I just hang onto the gun, point it yea this way and pull the trigger.
One thing.
STAY out of the way of that SLIDE... it will BITE you. If it does, never let go of that gun no matter what... never ever let it drop or get out of your grip.
Oh and loosen those arms just a little bit and relax just a tad. Some folks break arms when they become a solid object expecting to be hit by mack truck.
Finally, EENJOY! Your first shot aint gonna hit &^%$ so dont try. The next one will be better. And the next even better...
I just hang onto the gun, point it yea this way and pull the trigger.
One thing.
STAY out of the way of that SLIDE... it will BITE you. If it does, never let go of that gun no matter what... never ever let it drop or get out of your grip.
Oh and loosen those arms just a little bit and relax just a tad. Some folks break arms when they become a solid object expecting to be hit by mack truck.
Finally, EENJOY! Your first shot aint gonna hit &^%$ so dont try. The next one will be better. And the next even better...
rcmodel
Member in memoriam
Not hardly!
The only possible way a .45 could break your arm was if someone used it as a club and hit you with it. Or shot you with it.
You can shoot a 1911 with just your thumb & one finger holding it.
It will not break anything!
Recoil is completely managable, and not as bad as a lot of lighter guns in smaller calibers.
rc
BlindJustice
Member
Heather
First off, Welcome to The High Road,
Do you know the Make/Model of the .45?
The .45 Automatic Colt Pistol is the official title
of the abbreviated .45 ACP. It was designed back
at the start of the 20th century when Smokeless
gunpowder was just beginning to be used in firearms.
It is a low pressure cartrdige, loaded by SAAMI
standards to 21,000 PSI for regular, and 23,000 PSI for
+P. +P usually costs more since they are usually loaded
with more expensive bullets.
The least recoil for .45 ACP ammo I can think of would be
the target stuff, a 185 gr. bullet TC-FMC that has a velocity
of around 800 feet per second (FPS). The standard military
round used by the US Armed Services when the Colt 1911 was
our sidearm for the military, is 230 gr. RN FMJ @ 850 FPS.
THe Military load is also known as G.I. Ball. It is probably the most
reliable type in terms of feeding from the magazine into the
chamber.
Abbreviations
TC-FMC - Truncated Cone, Full Metal Case,
RN FMJ = Round Nose Full Metal Jacket.
Winchester WHite Box or WWB is average in velocity
for it's bullet weight.
Generally lighter bulllets with close to the same velocity
as heavier bullets = less recoil for the Lighter bullets,
simple physics.
I have a .45 ACP 1911 and a .45 ACP revolver. The revolver
seems to recoil more because 1 - the barrel is higher
above your hands so it has more leverage, and 2- since it does not
have the slide going back in recoil, the full force of the recoil comes
back into the hands.
The .45 ACP doesn't kick like a .357 Magnum, which can have a violent
force because it's a much higher pressure round, the .45 is more of a big shove instead of a hard punch Also the .45 ACP is below the speed of
sound so you don't get a sonic boom like a Magnum.
Hope that helps,
Randall
First off, Welcome to The High Road,
Do you know the Make/Model of the .45?
The .45 Automatic Colt Pistol is the official title
of the abbreviated .45 ACP. It was designed back
at the start of the 20th century when Smokeless
gunpowder was just beginning to be used in firearms.
It is a low pressure cartrdige, loaded by SAAMI
standards to 21,000 PSI for regular, and 23,000 PSI for
+P. +P usually costs more since they are usually loaded
with more expensive bullets.
The least recoil for .45 ACP ammo I can think of would be
the target stuff, a 185 gr. bullet TC-FMC that has a velocity
of around 800 feet per second (FPS). The standard military
round used by the US Armed Services when the Colt 1911 was
our sidearm for the military, is 230 gr. RN FMJ @ 850 FPS.
THe Military load is also known as G.I. Ball. It is probably the most
reliable type in terms of feeding from the magazine into the
chamber.
Abbreviations
TC-FMC - Truncated Cone, Full Metal Case,
RN FMJ = Round Nose Full Metal Jacket.
Winchester WHite Box or WWB is average in velocity
for it's bullet weight.
Generally lighter bulllets with close to the same velocity
as heavier bullets = less recoil for the Lighter bullets,
simple physics.
I have a .45 ACP 1911 and a .45 ACP revolver. The revolver
seems to recoil more because 1 - the barrel is higher
above your hands so it has more leverage, and 2- since it does not
have the slide going back in recoil, the full force of the recoil comes
back into the hands.
The .45 ACP doesn't kick like a .357 Magnum, which can have a violent
force because it's a much higher pressure round, the .45 is more of a big shove instead of a hard punch Also the .45 ACP is below the speed of
sound so you don't get a sonic boom like a Magnum.
Hope that helps,
Randall
oldFred
Member
The 38 special 4 inch barrel revolver kicks harder than my full size 45 with 5 inch barrel. IMHO.
BlindJustice
Member
A question to ask, Heather, is what other centerfire handguns
have you shot?
I did some surfing.... here yah go.
Federal 185 gr. FMJ Match is only 770 FPS
and any other manufacturer of ammo that makes
a similar 185 gr. FMJ "Match" will also close to this
velocity. However, it may cost a little more. because
of quality control they give "match" ammo.
Speer Lawman training ammo in 185 gr. 200 gr. and
230 gr. are an option if you find it and not the "Match"
stuff.
I live close to the SPeer plant - it's about 25 miles south
in Lewiston ID, so it's more readily available, although some
Federal also shows up.
I also ran across some HOrnady 200 gr. JHPs @ 900 FPS that
was relatively soft shooting stuff.
Randall
have you shot?
I did some surfing.... here yah go.
Federal 185 gr. FMJ Match is only 770 FPS
and any other manufacturer of ammo that makes
a similar 185 gr. FMJ "Match" will also close to this
velocity. However, it may cost a little more. because
of quality control they give "match" ammo.
Speer Lawman training ammo in 185 gr. 200 gr. and
230 gr. are an option if you find it and not the "Match"
stuff.
I live close to the SPeer plant - it's about 25 miles south
in Lewiston ID, so it's more readily available, although some
Federal also shows up.
I also ran across some HOrnady 200 gr. JHPs @ 900 FPS that
was relatively soft shooting stuff.
Randall
BlindJustice
Member
BTW - Heather
A Semi-Auto comes stock with a recoil spring to handle the standard
230 gr. GI Ball @ 850 FPS. You haven't said waht make or model and/or
if it's new or you are sort of inheriting a used one. whatever. My point is
the 1911 is also designed in the beginning to feed the 230 gr. ROUND nose
GI Ball ammo - when the slide comes forward it strips a cartridge out of the
magazine, then it is guided into the chamber, and the round shape is most
reliable in not hanging up on anything. If you do get some 185 gr.TC FMJ "Match" ammo, this bullet shape - the part that stickes out of the case
looks sort of like a flat topped mountain with sloping sides. It may hang up
and 'jam' and the slide won't close, PITA time. Remove magazine, work the slide back and the round should eject. Insert magazine, release slide,
rinse and repeat....
If you find the recoil a bit disturbing to get used to another alternative to
just getting used to firing the 1911 would be to get a conversion kit for firing
the very low power, and economical .22 LR rim fire cartrdige. The kit consists of a lightweight aluminum slide, .22 barrel, an appropriate strength
recoil spring, and a magazine for the little .222 LR. The advantage is light
recoil, but you get used to the same trigger pull and grip, and you can hit the
target for building confidence.
Hey, I have all this time because I don't care about who is playing tonight in the NCAA tourney, now, tomorrow is different, Gonzaga versus
North Carolina!!!
Randall - retired from basketball cuz they don't play at my speed anymore TMSAISTI.
A Semi-Auto comes stock with a recoil spring to handle the standard
230 gr. GI Ball @ 850 FPS. You haven't said waht make or model and/or
if it's new or you are sort of inheriting a used one. whatever. My point is
the 1911 is also designed in the beginning to feed the 230 gr. ROUND nose
GI Ball ammo - when the slide comes forward it strips a cartridge out of the
magazine, then it is guided into the chamber, and the round shape is most
reliable in not hanging up on anything. If you do get some 185 gr.TC FMJ "Match" ammo, this bullet shape - the part that stickes out of the case
looks sort of like a flat topped mountain with sloping sides. It may hang up
and 'jam' and the slide won't close, PITA time. Remove magazine, work the slide back and the round should eject. Insert magazine, release slide,
rinse and repeat....
If you find the recoil a bit disturbing to get used to another alternative to
just getting used to firing the 1911 would be to get a conversion kit for firing
the very low power, and economical .22 LR rim fire cartrdige. The kit consists of a lightweight aluminum slide, .22 barrel, an appropriate strength
recoil spring, and a magazine for the little .222 LR. The advantage is light
recoil, but you get used to the same trigger pull and grip, and you can hit the
target for building confidence.
Hey, I have all this time because I don't care about who is playing tonight in the NCAA tourney, now, tomorrow is different, Gonzaga versus
North Carolina!!!
Randall - retired from basketball cuz they don't play at my speed anymore TMSAISTI.
Hungry Seagull
member
- Joined
- Feb 19, 2009
- Messages
- 2,167
I fire the Speer TMJ Lot number 53967 (I think.. actually memories while hunting the stuff) Lawman which comes in the old Blue and Silver box with 230 grain. Good for training and learning. Think they were known as flying ashtrays; but unsure.
I use Speer Gold Dot 230 grains for actual defense. It costs twice as much but not much different than the Brennekes I feed to the shotguns.
I use Speer Gold Dot 230 grains for actual defense. It costs twice as much but not much different than the Brennekes I feed to the shotguns.
ScareyH22A
Member
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- Feb 25, 2009
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After shooting my little Kahr PM9 9mm (WWB), shooting my friend's HK USP 45 (WWB) was nothing. It's more of a blunt recoil instead of a snappy bark. Kinda like returning a tennis volley. The large pistol managed recoil really well. And shooting my HK USP 9 was like recoil hitting a tennis ball during a ralley. I wouldn't worry too much about the recoil. It's not as bad as some people say it is.
CountGlockula
Member
Hi Heather, welcome aboard.
What I've found is that the reloads at my local range has the softest recoil on any caliber, because their rental guns would take much more abuse if using factory. Go to your local shooting range that rents out guns and try out their reloads.
What I've found is that the reloads at my local range has the softest recoil on any caliber, because their rental guns would take much more abuse if using factory. Go to your local shooting range that rents out guns and try out their reloads.
sohcgt2
Member
Federal Cartridge makes 2 Low Recoil 165 grain defensive rounds, their stock numbers are PD45HS3H and PD45CSP2H. the first is a Hydra-Shok and the second an expanding full metal jacket.
Hungry Seagull
member
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ScareyH22A's analogy to a Tennis Ball Volley Return feeling is just about right what it feels like to fire a .45
By the way, welcome to the Forums.
By the way, welcome to the Forums.
CapnMac
Member
I was taught, as a wee nipper, on a 1911A1, so it seems perfectly natural to me. (Unless it does not have an arched mainspring housing, that is. <g>)
Which may explain the small plethora of examples of the 1911 I own.
I find that a few rounds through a long arm before going to the pistol line helps me get in good practice time at the range. But, that's me; others' differ.
Which may explain the small plethora of examples of the 1911 I own.
I find that a few rounds through a long arm before going to the pistol line helps me get in good practice time at the range. But, that's me; others' differ.
Hungry Seagull
member
- Joined
- Feb 19, 2009
- Messages
- 2,167
The pistol helps to settle me down at the firing line before I break out the two shotguns.
If you do go to a firing range, keep yourself from leaning past the walls on either side, you may be eating the powder blast from your stall mates firing while the grit blasts into your eyes.
Ear protection and eye protection is MOST helpful here.
Not trying to scare you or anything, shooting on range is FUN!!! but at the same time, certain thoughts come into play for your safety and others.
Finally but not last, try to remember how many you fired in your pistol. I usually keep 5 of 7 availible in my clip. It should lock open after the 5th shot. I cannot count much higher than 5 anyhow.
Good luck!
If you do go to a firing range, keep yourself from leaning past the walls on either side, you may be eating the powder blast from your stall mates firing while the grit blasts into your eyes.
Ear protection and eye protection is MOST helpful here.
Not trying to scare you or anything, shooting on range is FUN!!! but at the same time, certain thoughts come into play for your safety and others.
Finally but not last, try to remember how many you fired in your pistol. I usually keep 5 of 7 availible in my clip. It should lock open after the 5th shot. I cannot count much higher than 5 anyhow.
Good luck!
HoosierQ
Member
.45 ACP is not the handful that so many seem to think. .45s tend to be pretty big, many are steel and thus heavy, and the round itself is a realtively low pressure round.
I think as a new .45 shooter you will be quite delighted with the .45 and how it shoots. Unlike some rounds (regardless of platform - rifle, handgun, shotgun), the .45 is a very fun, enjoyable round to shoot.
Get one, shoot one, and enjoy it...I did!
I think as a new .45 shooter you will be quite delighted with the .45 and how it shoots. Unlike some rounds (regardless of platform - rifle, handgun, shotgun), the .45 is a very fun, enjoyable round to shoot.
Get one, shoot one, and enjoy it...I did!
NavyLCDR
member
I have a Taurus PT-145 - one of the little poly framed extra light ccw guns in .45. My wife has a Glock G27 in .40 S&W. The Glock has more of an unpleasant recoil than the .45 does. I think you will be surprised, it isn't all that bad at all.
I have never understood why folks think a .45 ACP recoils badly, they don't. >357's and .44's recoil, but not .45's in a full sized steel gun. Not so much in an Aluminum framed gun either, actually.
Welcome to THR. Enjoy your .45.
Welcome to THR. Enjoy your .45.
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