Recoil is horribly subjective and hits everyone differently. In my opinion, felt recoil on 3rd Gens tends to be heavier or hasher or worse than same caliber guns that are more modern and plastic frame -- because the bore axis is typically higher and the force seems to have more leverage.

This is merely what I feel and for darn sure, this doesn't stop me from shooting and enjoying my 1-2-3rd Gens including a 4006 and a 1006.

Between a 411 (alloy frame) and a 4006 (steel frame), the 4006 would surely be more pleasant. But both would be noticeably more snappy than a 915/5906.