Recoil of 1911 vs. polymer .45s

[CaliCoastie]

For me? I'll take a1911, I've shot a few polymer famed 45. I hate them, could I shoot them if I had to? Maybe a few shots (my wrists are shot, pardon the pun) all steel 1911's? Yep for 1911's I love my xd40 though.
Like someone said physics 10oz difference? Think about it then shoot a few and see what works for you.

 

[Ceemack]

I own both 1911s and Glock 21s. The felt recoil on the Glock is about 30% less than the 1911. The 1911 may weigh more, but the Glock's bore axis is much lower, the backstrap is wider and flatter, the frame flexes a tiny bit to absorb energy, and the steeper grip angle gives the hand greater mechanical advantage in resisting muzzle rise.

I remember letting a shooting buddy--who had plenty of experience with 1911s--shoot one of my G21s for the first time. He fired one shot and then looked at me in surprise. He couldn't believe how much less the recoil was.

I do love the 1911, but in terms of felt recoil and controllability, it's no contest...the Glock 21 shoots much softer.

 

[jahwarrior]

Etermining which type of gun will handle recoil better is a simple matter of subjective perception. Some people will prefer a wider plastic grip than a narrower steel one.my own personal preference is for full sized 1911s. The .45ACP, to me, has mild recoil in the first place, compared to other calibers. I much prefer shooting it than, say, .40S&W or +P 9mm loads; those rounds are a bit snappy, while .45's are more of a solid push rearwards.

I would say try shooting both before making a decision based on reading the advice of internet strangers.

 

[gym]

I have 3 polymer 45's that include Glock and Xd's , although they have less recoil, a full-size 1911 that weighs in at 38-40 oz., has less recoil and is more accurate with a 5lb or less, trigger.
The recoil is less important with heavier guns, the trigger tends to make up for it.If you are shooting 25-30 oz aluminum or alloy carry guns, they will recoil a heck of a lot more than say a Range Officer. That has always been my experience, the recoil from a full size Govt model doesn't really bother me, with a 185 grain round.

 

[Valkman]

I don't notice any difference between my XD's (which hold 13 rounds +1) and my 1911's which generally hold 7 +1. But then again I don't notice recoil of 45acp that much.

 

[powder]

Holy canoli: if you don't like the recoil try a different RSA.

I can't believe we're all this unable to drop in and try a different spring assembly? :banghead:

 

[Nom de Forum]

Holy canoli: if you don't like the recoil try a different RSA.

I can't believe we're all this unable to drop in and try a different spring assembly? :banghead:

Could you please explain how "a different RSA" could help? Beyond slowing or speeding up slide velocity I don't see how it influences other factors of recoil/perceived recoil that are more important to consider when comparing different gun designs.

 

[BlindJustice]

From the S&W SPecs

M&P 45 w/loaded mag approx. 38 oz.
S&W 1911 5" w/loaded mag approx. 48 oz.

Recoil Calculator

http://www.handloads.com/calc/recoil.asp

Input 230 gr.
Velocity 850 fps
power 7.0
Weight of firearm
----------------- 2.3 lbs <> 3.0 lbs
calculates

Recoil Impulse: 0.99 <> 0.99
Velocity of recoiling
firearm in FPS - 13.81 <> 10.64
Recoil energy
in Foot LBS ---- 6.81 <> 5.28

"Felt" Recoil is another matter

& a GI 1911 versus one with the beavertail Grip safety and undercut
trigger guard for a higher grip is another variable

Deal with it.

 

[powder]

Could you please explain how "a different RSA" could help? Beyond slowing or speeding up slide velocity I don't see how it influences other factors of recoil/perceived recoil that are more important to consider when comparing different gun designs.

Well, if YOU believe that going to a heavier/lighter recoil spring will have no bearing on recoil, have at her...

 

[BlindJustice]

FWIW/FYI - I regularly shoot a full size SW1911 all Stainless Steel
as well as a S&W 625 5" bbl .45 ACP which is 45 oz empty
and w/o the slide action, it just Bangs away at the range

I've shot a Glock 19 an S&W M&P 40 and a M&P45 - &
& prefer the S&W M&Ps both have bore axis lower in relation to
to the grip which masks 'he light frame / steel slide ratio compared to a
steel slide on steel frames 1911 - simple physics

Next 1911 & Next gun period will be a steel framed Commander variant


R-

 

[Nom de Forum]

Well, if YOU believe that going to a heavier/lighter recoil spring will have no bearing on recoil, have at her...

I did not say that it will have "no bearing on recoil".

 

[jjones45]

Plastics absorb recoil better than metals. For example hit a tree with a metal bat and it will hurt your hands much more than if you do it with a plastic one. The plastics flex and the steel does not. I had a polymer 1911 that was a pleasure to shoot once. It didn't like cheap bullets so I sold it. I miss that gun