1st post, .380, 9mm soft recoil?
- Thread starter jb65
- Start date
FrankenMauser
New member
I spent a lot of time with a Beretta 84BB (older brother to the 85), and a Browning BDA (slightly tweaked 84BB) in the 1990s.
The fixed barrels of those pistols makes for, in my opinion, notably more felt recoil than more modern designs (short-recoil, etc.).
In my opinion, the Colt Pocketlite .380 (tiny little "1911-style" pocket pistol) has less felt recoil than the bigger, heavier Berettas (and "Browning").
Those .380s, in my hands, had much more obnoxious recoil than any other semi-auto pistol I've ever fired, that used any system other than a fixed barrel -- including 10mm Auto (full power), .45 Auto, .40 S&W, 9mm, and .380 Auto!
If felt recoil is an issue, then the Beretta 80-series is not for you.
Edit:
I see several other members beat me to it. For example:
The fixed barrels of those pistols makes for, in my opinion, notably more felt recoil than more modern designs (short-recoil, etc.).
In my opinion, the Colt Pocketlite .380 (tiny little "1911-style" pocket pistol) has less felt recoil than the bigger, heavier Berettas (and "Browning").
Those .380s, in my hands, had much more obnoxious recoil than any other semi-auto pistol I've ever fired, that used any system other than a fixed barrel -- including 10mm Auto (full power), .45 Auto, .40 S&W, 9mm, and .380 Auto!
If felt recoil is an issue, then the Beretta 80-series is not for you.
Edit:
I see several other members beat me to it. For example:
Cosmodragoon
New member
jb65, is the model 60 too hard to shoot with standard-pressure .38 special? The Pro version you have comes with some beautiful wood grips but you could probably change them out for something more comfortable.
My immediate suggestion would have been to get the new LCR in .327 but it isn't on your state's list*. It doesn't look like any current-production guns are available in that caliber. It's a shame because they can be loaded with .32 H&R Magnum or even .32 S&W Long for reduced recoil. The LCR is great because it has an exceptional double-action trigger and very comfortable stock grips that help soak up recoil. While not as heavy as the model 60, those other features might make it worth checking out an LCR in .38 special...
* Despite the other reasons that list should be unconstitutional, isn't it discriminating against a handicapped individual here? I'm no lawyer but that sure sounds like an issue.
My immediate suggestion would have been to get the new LCR in .327 but it isn't on your state's list*. It doesn't look like any current-production guns are available in that caliber. It's a shame because they can be loaded with .32 H&R Magnum or even .32 S&W Long for reduced recoil. The LCR is great because it has an exceptional double-action trigger and very comfortable stock grips that help soak up recoil. While not as heavy as the model 60, those other features might make it worth checking out an LCR in .38 special...
* Despite the other reasons that list should be unconstitutional, isn't it discriminating against a handicapped individual here? I'm no lawyer but that sure sounds like an issue.
carguychris
New member
I actually find the Beretta 84 to be fairly soft-shooting. Maybe I'm weird; wait, forget I said maybe. 
Seriously, there's a reason they call it "felt" recoil—it's highly subjective.
In a previous thread, I've theorized that the perception of harsh or "snappy" recoil in the Beretta/Browning has to do with the recoil characteristics rather than the sheer force; since there's no barrel unlocking and the slide is relatively lightweight, the recoil character is more of a WHACK! than the typical ker-CHUNK of a locked-breech semi-auto.
These pistols DO have a very low bore axis, which minimizes muzzle rise for fast follow-up shots.
I WILL, however, heartily concur with the opinion that the 84/85/BDA slide is hard to work, and I've written this in past threads. The issue is not only a stiff recoil spring but also relatively limited grasping surface. Cocking the hammer helps but doesn't exactly make it downright easy. IMHO every recently-designed locked-breech compact 9mm semi-auto I've ever handled (M&P9c, G19, FNS9c, SIG P239) has an easier slide to rack than a 84/85/BDA.
Speaking of which, have you considered a P239? It's on the list.
Seriously, there's a reason they call it "felt" recoil—it's highly subjective.In a previous thread, I've theorized that the perception of harsh or "snappy" recoil in the Beretta/Browning has to do with the recoil characteristics rather than the sheer force; since there's no barrel unlocking and the slide is relatively lightweight, the recoil character is more of a WHACK! than the typical ker-CHUNK of a locked-breech semi-auto.
These pistols DO have a very low bore axis, which minimizes muzzle rise for fast follow-up shots.
I WILL, however, heartily concur with the opinion that the 84/85/BDA slide is hard to work, and I've written this in past threads. The issue is not only a stiff recoil spring but also relatively limited grasping surface. Cocking the hammer helps but doesn't exactly make it downright easy. IMHO every recently-designed locked-breech compact 9mm semi-auto I've ever handled (M&P9c, G19, FNS9c, SIG P239) has an easier slide to rack than a 84/85/BDA.
Speaking of which, have you considered a P239? It's on the list.
While the 60 has some noticeable recoil it is not objectionabke. I can go to the range and put 200 rounds through before feeling a bit tired. I like it quite a bit.
Surprised at the comments on the cheetah, i have read hundreds of posts saying it us a soft shooter with soft recoil.
Surprised at the comments on the cheetah, i have read hundreds of posts saying it us a soft shooter with soft recoil.
carguychris
New member
The P239 is a very well-made and accurate pistol, and it uses SIG's proven DA/SA frame-decocker operation, but it's expensive new (admittedly so are the Beretta 84/85), and it's relatively large and heavy in relation to its 8+1 capacity—it's only a hair smaller and lighter than a G19.
That said, you're in a 10rd state, so at least you'd only be giving up 2rds vs. 4-9rds!
That said, you're in a 10rd state, so at least you'd only be giving up 2rds vs. 4-9rds!
Last edited:
carguychris
New member
Uh, there are almost 7 pages of Rugers on the list. Look under Sturm, Ruger & Co.CajunBass said:
Most of the 7 pages consist of revolvers, but several P95, SR9, and SR9c models made the cut.
A pistol you might consider, if it is on the approved list, is the Beretta PX4 in 9 mm. The full sized and compact versions have a rotating barrel system that tames recoil. My daughter has a compact and it is the softest shooting 9 mm pistol that I have encountered, as soft or maybe a bit softer than the much heavier 92FS. Note, however, that the subcompact model in that line does not have the rotating barrel. It is not uncommon to see the PX4 be priced at or a bit below $500.