I'm looking at 2 guns on-line in 45acp that are very similar, but one is all metal and one is polymer. The weight difference is 42 vs. 32 ounces. Is this really a big difference or would both guns feel and handle similarly? Odds are I will not get to actually hold them both at once.
Handgun weights
- Thread starter ren666
- Start date
Unless you've got an injury or a physical condition that is a factor, I doubt you'll have a problem with holding the heavier gun up.
The heavier weight does soak up some of the recoil, it's true, but that's only part of the "perceived recoil" equation. Bore axis is HUGE in terms of how recoil feels, and the 1911 bore is much higher than say the M&P45 bore. This means much more leverage, resulting in greater muzzle flip. A good 1911 shooter will master a "high grip" on the gun, essentially lowering the bore axis in hand as much as possible, but all things being equal the M&P45 will "flip" less and "push" more than the 1911.
Besides, the 45 is "heavier" recoiling, but it's also "slower" recoiling. It's more of a thump than a snap. Frankly, I wouldn't be too concerned about it either way.
MUCH more of concern is how the pistol actually feels in your hand. People rave about the feel of the 1911, as the slim grip indexes much more positively in the hand than the fat G21 grip, for example. (well, for most hands!)
I despise polymer guns, dont like their kick or how they feel, now my 1911 and my 941 are nice, every trip to the range i put thru 7 rounds of 50ae down my DE then anything after that feels like no kick.
Best would be get to shoot em, best $25 i spent was i went to a gun introduction course 2 hrs, shot 12 different guns and all done.
The all steel would probably "feel" better. I use a polymer gun quite a bit and it still feels top heavy to me.
Plastic guns are real nice if you have to carry it for hours and shoot it seldom. But if you are buying a gun to shoot, steel would be the better choice, other factors being the same.
Plastic guns are real nice if you have to carry it for hours and shoot it seldom. But if you are buying a gun to shoot, steel would be the better choice, other factors being the same.
Lots of folks who like 1911's say that they kick less, I strongly disagree. I have owned pistols in 45 acp that were steel framed, aluminum framed and polymer framed, if anything the polymer frames shoot softer than the metal ones, the difference in frame weight is generally completely erased by the fact that a polymer frame flexes and absorbs recoil. As I said I have thousands of rounds through both types.
Urbansherpa
Regular
- Location
- Hamilton, Ont
I've had both a poly gun and a steel/alum gun. I prefer my Beretta over the M&P I had. The obvious difference is the weight.
We live in a country that doesn't permit us to 'carry', therefore the weight difference is mostly a moot point. It may matter to a police officer who carries all day, but matters not to you. A few extra ounces at the range isn't a deal breaker. You will be putting the pistol down on the bench every ten or twenty shots anyway. The extra weight will actually help tame the recoil.
Don't worry about it. Buy the pistol you like best.
We live in a country that doesn't permit us to 'carry', therefore the weight difference is mostly a moot point. It may matter to a police officer who carries all day, but matters not to you. A few extra ounces at the range isn't a deal breaker. You will be putting the pistol down on the bench every ten or twenty shots anyway. The extra weight will actually help tame the recoil.
Don't worry about it. Buy the pistol you like best.
"...does 42 oz..." Not really. It's unlikely that you'll ever be holding the pistol up for very long anyway.
The weight is better for shot recovery. The felt recoil of a .45 is nothing. Even with hot jacketed loads. A heavier pistol aids in absorbing what recoil there is and allows you to get back on target faster.
"...the slim grip..." Geez. I remember reading articles in the gun rags, long ago, about how big and mean a .45 was. Stupid nonsense. I very much prefer my Colt to my Inglis BHP. Both using cast bullets. The .45 has less muzzle blast out of a slightly longer barrel.
The weight is better for shot recovery. The felt recoil of a .45 is nothing. Even with hot jacketed loads. A heavier pistol aids in absorbing what recoil there is and allows you to get back on target faster.
"...the slim grip..." Geez. I remember reading articles in the gun rags, long ago, about how big and mean a .45 was. Stupid nonsense. I very much prefer my Colt to my Inglis BHP. Both using cast bullets. The .45 has less muzzle blast out of a slightly longer barrel.
Proper form is better yet, as it applies to all makes and models. Excessive weight might help you manage recoil, but it doesn't help you drive the gun from target to target, nor does it aid in drawing from the holster.
TDC
