Shot a handgun for the first time today. Went to local range and checked out a Springfield XD series 9mm. Was an enjoyable experience, and I was pleased with my decent performance. Other guns I'm contemplating testing are a Springfield 1911 mil-spec and a .40 cal. The recoil on the 9mm was great. Should I expect a great deal of difference from the other two? Thanks for any advice.

The recoil on the 9 was great? Does that mean you enjoy the recoil, or you didn't notice it much? Just trying to get a sense of what you liked about it. As for the other guns, the 45 is heavier, but also shoots a heavier slug, so the recoil should be similar, though likely not as abrupt. The 40 is a good compromise between the two, more bullets than a 45 but less than a nine, and a recoil impetus between the two as well. Having owned and shot all three, I like the 40 best, and the Cor-Bon 135 grain ammo is loaded hot, but is very controllable due to low bullet weight.
So, were your eyes open for the first shot? :eek: The first time I shot a .357, I almost squeezed the sap out of the wood grips. Death grip doesn't help, by the way. Holding on is all that's necessary, and a good steady squeeze is plenty.
By the way, welcome to the fraternity of handheld bullet launcher shooters! Ain't it cool? :D
PJ

P.S. My better half knows when I get cranky, it's time to go blast something. Then I get out the nastiest handloads I have, and turn them loose on some unsuspecting rock, or water-filled jug, or steel plate. Icicles are the best! Recyclable, Biodegradable, and they spray shards of crystals into the morning sunlight when hit. The perfect target, and free to boot! Life is grand! An hour of unleashing that fire-breathing ammo on stuff, and I'm stress-free for a week! ;)
PJ

try the .40, you won't regret it!!!!

I meant that the recoil was far less than I expected. However, I did only shoot with a two-hand grip and took deliberate shots. The only revolver rental is a .38, so I'm gonna stick to the pistols. The others are a XD in .40, and a Mil-spec .45. The .45 is really appealing, but I wanted to know what to expect in recoil difference. Wanted to make sure I could handle it before I tried. Thanks.

The recoil of the .45 with standard hardball ammo (230gr fmj) will be greater than the 9mm you mention. It is not extreme, or anything to be afraid of, but it is more than a 9mm. Recoil is perceived differently by different shooters, so just give it a try and see how you like it. Be aware that a mil-spec .45 can recoil differently than ones that have all the goodies, at least the way the recoil feels... I doubt it is technically different. The most obvious difference is the mil-spec grip safety and the longer and wider units, commonly referred to as a "beavertail" safety, on pistols that have the "extras"