Depending on the load, the felt recoil can be the same as or just a bit more than with a full steel 5" model. However the offseting factors of the lighter carrying weight verus the possible increased felt recoil should not hamper a shooters ability to place their shots COM in a defensive situation. We should remember that the CDP series was designed to be a lighter weight, more comfortable carry piece and not as a competition shooter which will have tens of thousands of rounds pounded through it.
Good shooting,
Dean