Low recoil 9mm for my Bride

[IndianaDave]

I'm getting my Bride a 3913 or 3914. She has some arthritis in her hands. What would be a low recoil target round ?

Thank you

[marct375]

A 1911 style gun in 9mm would absorb recoil and possibly have better ergonomics.

SAR k12 9mm is a moderately priced, 40oz 9mm with excellent ergos. The K12 Sport even better. About $700 ish.

[BLACKHAWKNJ]

A steel frame absorbs recoil nicely.

[OKFC05]

Any 9mm ammo lighter than a standard pressure round requires a lighter than normal recoil spring for the pistol to function normally.
I handload a "9mm 124gr light" with titegroup and have an M&P Pro with a 2# lighter than stock recoil spring to match.
You can do the same exercise with any semi auto if you have a lighter recoil spring available, and can handload you own ammo.

[fiasconva]

See if you can find some 147gr ammo and give it a try. It usually has the least recoil in 9mm's.

[WTN1271]

For accuracy, my 3913's like 124 or 147 rounds better than 115. As to recoil, I find the heavier rounds are also nicer to shoot with less 'muzzle flip'. Brands might be somewhat limited to what you can locate at a reasonable price in today's market. I like Speer Lawman if available. Good luck.

Sent from my SM-G781V using Tapatalk

[stansdds]

I think this calls for more than one criteria to be checked.
1. Recoil tolerance
2. Comfort of the grip
3. Weight tolerance
Steel/stainless steel receivers add weight, which absorbs some of the recoil. 147 grain standard pressure ammo also has a different recoil impulse, more of a rolling rather than a sharp impulse, at least in my hands. Grip comfort is really important and unfortunately, ergonomics never seemed to be at the top of S&W's criteria for their metal receiver centerfire pistols. I would not discount some version of the 1911 as being able to check all the boxes.

[18DAI]

147 grain 9mm is soft shooting in 3913/3914. I have taught dozens of tiny housewives to shoot using a 3914 and 147 ball ammo.

They had no problems. Not even with the dreaded DA to SA transition.

If your wife IS recoil sensitive and does not have very tiny hands, consider installing a Hogue rubber grip. I have them on most of my 39XX series guns. Does a good job of soaking up recoil. Regards 18DAI

[Triathloncoach]

Winchester makes Train and Defend ammo. I use it with my suppressors. Lower recoil, subsonic. Good stuff

[SHOOT1SAM]

Originally Posted by IndianaDave

I'm getting my Bride a 3913 or 3914…

My question is, why are YOU getting your BRIDE any handgun?

Unless she is already familiar with the pistol, and has expressed specific interest in a 13/14, this could be a tremendous mistake. IMNTBHO, no one should decide what handgun another person needs-that’s a decision each person has to make for themself.

I am not trying to be snarky, but the tone of the post leads me to think this is the situation.

My most recent personal experience with this is my SIL & her husband. HE decided a LW Charter Arms in .38 Spl. was THE gun for her. She had doubts & I advised her to decide for herself; she decided on a Glock 26…

Sam

[IndianaDave]

Thank you all for your input. Haven't got the gun yet, we're going to a local shop today so she can see if she likes anything.

Good point Mr. SHOOT1SAM, I don't like the modern tupperware guns and perhaps i shouldn't let that color her choices.

[Alton]

I helped a cousin and a co-worker make a decision on which handgun they wanted to purchase. They came over and I laid out five or six pistols and revolvers. Both picked a revolver. One went and purchased a model 66 and the other bought my 686 / 3" Deluxe. Both shoot 38 specials I hand load which are slower than factory. The one has a box of #9 shot shells just incase for a snake. At 7 yards they both have good groups

[Nevada Ed]

Originally Posted by fiasconva

See if you can find some 147gr ammo and give it a try. It usually has the least recoil in 9mm's.

This or.........

some light Blazer 115 ball ammo if you can find it......

since one of the ladies in the family likes it better than a 147.....

or which one might shot better to POA if accuracy matters ?

[Rock185]

IndianaDave, With one exception, the softest recoiling factory 9mm ammo I have encountered is standard pressure 147 grain.

The one exception I mentioned was the Speer Lawman 147, that my chronograph indicates is loaded a little warmer than other 147 grain I have tested...