I found an 1911 to be uncomfortable to shoot. Not because of the recoil, but because the design of the grip didn't work with my hand. I'm not at all recoil shy--I've put 200 rounds of full-power .44mag downrange in a single session--but grip fit can make a big difference.
I've also seen a Beretta 92 raise a swelling on a shooter's knuckle from a single shot by breaking a blood vessel--again a grip fit issue with that shooter. Oddly enough, that particular shooter prefers a model 60, another gun I find uncomfortable to shoot.
Just be aware that if a shooter tells you that the gun hurt them, you shouldn't immediately discount what they're telling you. Just because a gun fits you and is comfortable for you doesn't mean that others will find it so.
That is a very good point. I personally have never had anyone tell me that the 1911 is uncomfortable to shoot in that manner, but everyone's hands are different.