S&W645
NRA Life Member
For learning how to handle a semi-auto pistol, nothing beats a good .22LR model. For absorbing the recoil, a gun like the Chiappa 1911-22, Kimber 1911ARF, or the Colt 1911-22 all do a good job. Once you learn aim and handling, then you can go up in caliber and see what is comfortable. If you find a gun in .40S&W is too much, don't automatically rule out a 1911 in .45ACP. Size and weight of a gun do make a difference in how they feel when fired so tiny guns with high power rounds do not fit everyone. As Navy said above is one example. For sub compact guns, stick with .380 or 9mm or maybe even a .45ACP. A .40S&W in a sub compact is asking for sore wrists. You also want to consider what you can handle one handed. Target shooting and self defense are two separate worlds as you can always use two hand in target shooting but you may not be able to in a self defense situation.
Examples: I can handle the 1911s in .22LR or .45ACP or S&W 4006 one handed. But I would never attempt to do it with my S&W CS 40. Try out what you think you are interested in at a range and see what best fits your needs.
Examples: I can handle the 1911s in .22LR or .45ACP or S&W 4006 one handed. But I would never attempt to do it with my S&W CS 40. Try out what you think you are interested in at a range and see what best fits your needs.