I have shot my best friends a lot and, to me, it feels a lot like a high-capacity, well tuned, DAO K-frame shooting .38 Specials. Recoil, with the 9mm at least, is minimal and the trigger is very smooth albeit long and more revolver-like than semi-auto like. Another positive is like all Sigs I have ever shot, we have never experienced a malfunction of any kind with his. This was even after an extended day at the range in which that little gun shot more than 1K down the barrel, no cleaning, no lubing.
As far as cleaning goes, it has to be the simplest polymer gun to break down into a detail strip. Yes, even compared to Glocks, M&P's, etc. The modularity lends itself to simple structure so it makes for a very simple gun to maintain. But keep in mind that the sights are somewhat properitary, which can be a PITA to some.
Good gun and I would recommend it as a first gun to anyone, especially now that the prices finally came down on them. For experienced shooters, though, not so much because it does not really offer anything that can't be found in other platforms - which will feel/perform even better. As mentioned, it will never have the trigger of a SAO 1911. Then again, its a different ignition system.
Damian