Picking the Carry Gun with the Least Recoil

Published on February 22, 2018
Duration: 12:42

This video breaks down the factors influencing felt recoil in handguns, crucial for choosing a comfortable concealed carry firearm. It explains how caliber, action type (revolver vs. semi-auto), mechanical design (blowback vs. locked breech), and firearm mass contribute to perceived recoil. The host recommends carrying the largest, heaviest gun one can conceal effectively, emphasizing practice over caliber for recoil management.

Quick Summary

Felt recoil in handguns is influenced by caliber, action type (semi-auto vs. revolver), mechanical design (locked breech vs. blowback), and firearm mass. Heavier guns and semi-autos that use energy to cycle the action generally have less felt recoil. Practice is key for managing recoil effectively.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Intro: Understanding Recoil Factors
  2. 01:16Factor 1: Caliber's Role in Recoil
  3. 03:09Factor 2: Revolver vs. Semi-Auto Recoil
  4. 05:26Factor 3: Blowback vs. Locked Breech Recoil
  5. 08:01Factor 4: Mass & Weight Impact on Recoil
  6. 10:15Conclusion: Choosing Your Carry Gun

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main factors that determine felt recoil in a handgun?

Felt recoil is primarily determined by four factors: the caliber of the ammunition, the firearm's action type (revolver vs. semi-auto), its mechanical design (like direct blowback or locked breech), and the overall mass or weight of the gun.

Why do semi-automatic pistols often have less felt recoil than revolvers?

Semi-automatic pistols use some of the recoil energy to cycle the action, which includes ejecting the spent casing and chambering a new round. This process absorbs a portion of the recoil impulse, making the perceived recoil feel softer for the shooter compared to a revolver.

Does the weight of a handgun affect its recoil?

Yes, the weight of a handgun significantly impacts felt recoil. Heavier firearms absorb more of the recoil energy, resulting in a much softer shooting experience for the user compared to lighter firearms chambered in the same caliber.

What is the recommended minimum caliber for self-defense handguns?

For effective self-defense, the host recommends 9mm as a baseline caliber. While smaller calibers exist, .380 ACP is considered the absolute minimum acceptable for defensive purposes due to its limited terminal ballistics.

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