What's the lowest-recoil 9mm pistol?

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slicer22

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Seeking feedback/ideas on a good 9mm or better (maybe a .40, for example) carry pistol, with the lowest recoil, that could fit in a belt holster.

I have shot a polymer 9mm, the KelTec PF-9 but it has quite a bit of kick for my taste. I got to shoot a 1911-style Desert Eagle .45, a heavy pistol but the felt recoil is amazingly low. Willing to go up in size and weight from my notorious little Taurus .22, however a full size 1911 for me would be a bit much---something in a compact or small service pistol preferred. Wondering if others have any good experiences or recommendations on a gun in this grade.
 
If it's small and polymer-framed, it will have more perceived recoil. Bigger and heavier is the way to reduce it. Full-sized, steel-framed service weapons will be far more pleasant, but are difficult to carry in a concealed manner for some folks. Your best bet for an all-around carry gun in 9mm will likely be a steel-framed, single-stack (magazine) gun in the 24+ ounce empty-weight category. There are offerings by Kahr, SIG, CZ, Beretta, and Bersa. Others will quickly drop in with their good suggestions as well.
 
You might want to try the Beretta PX4-Storm, With its rotating bolt design the felt recoil is light and the weapon falls back on target nicely. The only drawback as in any other rotating bolt assemblies it must stay clean. I find every 200 rds. is a must for this firearm. I went 600 with it and starting getting jams every other round, a quick cleaning and i had no more malfunctions. I recently upgraded to the HK USP and am amazed at the durability accuracy and speed at which it cycles, though spendy new it is by far my first choice.. Hope this helps..
 
The best way to get lower felt recoil is to get a heavier gun or a stronger recoil spring.
There is a difference between rearward recoil and muzzle flip. Glocks have a lower bore axis so they have less muzzle flip but may have more felt rearward recoil. The new Gen 4's do have a double recoil spring so that helps.

A rubber grip will absorb more recoil.

It really depends on what you want.
If you don't want felt rearward recoil go with a heavy gun.
If you want to reduce muzzle flip, this helps the most with follow up shots, go with a Glock 19 or 17 gen 4.
 
Percieved recoil is very subjective. As a general rule heavier guns recoil less however with semi autos slide velocity and mass can have quite an effect as can bore axis. the higher the barrel is in relation to your hand/arm the more you'll percieve muzzle flip.
Try a few guns in the 25-32oz range i find this a happy range for CCW on the belt.
 
The best shooting 9mm I have is the C Z 75 Compact. I think I weighs in at around 33 oz. At that weight it is a very comfortable gun to shoot, very borderland for CCW.
 
Out of my experience so far, a S&W 5906 with pachmayers has had the least 'felt' recoil out of all the 9mm pistols I've fired. Real heavy stainless tank of a gun, big comfy grip. It's not as long as a 1911, but just as heavy if not heavier, and fatter due to double-stack mags. Great shooter, incredibly reliable, enjoyable to shoot.


Everyone has their own unique preferences, I definitely prefer my guns to be heavy. My EDC is a full size, full weight 1911. I have found weight doesn't matter so much with carry-gun, if you have a good holster and a good belt that hold the gun firmly in place. That is key.
I enjoy shooting heavier guns than lighter guns because the same exact round feels better out of the heavier gun, and I find you can return to aim quicker/easier as well. Light guns have their merits too, I won't deny that.
 
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A full size service pistol, preferably with some weight to it, and provided it fits your hand, will always be more pleasant to shoot than a small light gun with a thin grip, such as that PF9.
 
I have a Taurus PT-92 (same size as a Beretta 92). It may be too big for a CCW, but the recoil is a piece of cake.
 
1911, preferably double stack. Mine feels almost like a rimfire, with all the punch of a +P+ 9mm ammo. It's an all-steel gun, fairly heavy and 5" barrel but a real pussycat to shoot.
 
For my money its a 5906. Full size all steel semi-auto. Others would be Beretta 92FS and of course the Sig P226. All of these will soak up recoil.
Regards,
Howard
 
Kahr T9, HK P7 M8 or PSP

For concealed carry, take a look at the Kahr T9 or HK P7 series. These are reliable firearms with minimal recoil. Other possibilities would be a Sig 239 or 225 (P6). I own the first two and have shot the last two ones.

Ultimately, you will have to try what fits your hand and feels right to you. We can all make suggestions, but in the end it is what works for you.

Good hunting!
 
I don't know if it is the absolute lowest recoil wise, but the full size Sig p226 is a joy to shoot, and very accurate and reliable. wyatte
 
If all you have shot is a Kel-tec PF-9, then just about any other 9mm will recoil less. Even the Kahr P9 would recoil less. A 4th Gen GLOCK 19 would feel like a .22 in comparison.
 
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