Shot a .45 for the first time.

[GunMan21]

I rented an XD 45 tactical today. It was my first time shooting a .45. I actually thought it was easier to shoot than my G19. Anyone else have a .45 they think is easier to shoot than 9mm?

Maybe its just cuz im comparing a compact and a fullsize...still i never thought it would be so easy. If i knew how pleasant it is to shoot, i wouldve skipped the 9 and went right to the 45.

[USAF385]

.45 is definitely a pretty mild round. It operates at pressure less than 9mm. 21,000 psi compared to about 34,000 psi. A lot of people are thrown off by how mild it is to shoot.

My girlfriend can handle my S&W 457 (.45) but won't touch any of my .40s (considered by many the harshest of the three)

[Watchman]

Shoot enough pistols and you'll find they are all a bit different. The ergos of Glock is a little different than the Springfield.. You certainly wouldn't be alone in feeling the XD series feels better than the Glock.

[24/7dude]

45's got more of a push and less snappiness of the 9mm.

[bigjrk]

IMHO, the same is true when comparing most(all that I have shot) 40s to 45s. The 45 is more user friendly than the 40.

[zackattack784]

I prefer to shoot my full size 1911 over my Sig 229 9mm. The recoil is not snappy at all and allows for great follow up shots. Love the .45!

[Bruce]

[...] It operates at pressure less than 9mm. 21,000 psi compared to about 34,000 psi. [...]

You've listed nearly the 'maximum' SAAMI pressures here. Your average "standard pressure" commercial ammo is usually lower in pressure than SAAMI max pressures.

Wiki: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sportin...s%27_Institute

Not "official", but 'ball park' info: http://www.handloads.com/misc/saami.htm

The SAAMI people: http://www.saami.org/

While "+P" ammo is 'supposed' to be at or just above SAAMI max pressures for a particular caliber - there (technically) is no actual "industry standard" set for the "+P" rating. So - any manufacturer could, theoretically, use any random pressure that they wanted and "label" it "+P".

It is safe to assume, though, that - unless you are handloading the ammo - most commercial 'factory' ammunition is not likely to reach or exceed SAAMI maximum pressures, even the +P stuff (it's kind of a liability thing).

And, old SAAMI specs for many handgun calibers were reduced a number of years ago (most attribute these 'industry wide' lower pressures to the newer lighter, and, in some cases, less durable materials used to produce some of today's 'alloy' handguns).

So, your typical (say, WWB .230gr FMJ) .45 ACP ammo is more likely (my personal guess) to probably be around 18,750 psi to 19,250 psi (and not anywhere nears 21,000 psi).
.

[Hokkmike]

A lot has to do with design of the pistol. For example some little .380 pistols with the blow-back design hack the thumb web more than a 9mm or .45.

[billamj]

I prefer shooting my XD45C than some of the .380s I've shot. As has been said it is all a matter of ergonomics and most .45s are easier to fire than similar 9s or .40s.

[USAF385]

You've listed nearly the 'maximum' SAAMI pressures here. Your average "standard pressure" commercial ammo is usually lower in pressure than SAAMI max pressures.

So, your typical (say, WWB .230gr FMJ) .45 ACP ammo is more likely (my personal guess) to probably be around 18,750 psi to 19,250 psi (and not anywhere nears 21,000 psi).
.

Oh yeah, I forgot some people actually buy factory ammo!