I believe the problem may be technique. Proper grip and stance should negate most of the felt recoil. I shoot both alloy and all steel .45s, and I really don't notice much of a difference. You may be becoming too focused on the recoil, and making it worse than it is. Try to focus on watching the front sight during the recoil arc. This will occupy your mind. The worst recoiling gun I own is an alloy .38spl w/ p+ rounds, but it is still quite controllable. If recoil is still a problem try replacing the stock grips with rubber grips.
Having Trouble With The Recoil
A couple of days back I acquired a NIB Colt Lightweight Commander XSE.
I was trying to figure out what it was about the Cmdr that bothered me on the first day and after range yesterday, I've come to the conclusion that it was the recoil, being a lighter frame and a tad smaller that the Govt Model.
I've been shooting Govt Models and it has been pure pleasure because of the recoil on the .45 ACP. However, yesterday's session at the range has got me a tad concern. Let me start by saying that I did not last more than 50 rounds. My wrist was killing me. I usually shoot a modified Weaver but had to change it mid-session to Isosceles and a more aggressive posture. And finally, the grip safety 'bites' into my hand.
At this stage, I'm torn between figuring out the recoil or just letting the Cmdr go. What are my options on the recoil? Shok buffs? Wilson recoil system? Mod?
Dane? I know you carry a LtWt Cmdr, any advise on this?
This is rather demoralizing. Help greatly appreciated. Thanks.
I was trying to figure out what it was about the Cmdr that bothered me on the first day and after range yesterday, I've come to the conclusion that it was the recoil, being a lighter frame and a tad smaller that the Govt Model.
I've been shooting Govt Models and it has been pure pleasure because of the recoil on the .45 ACP. However, yesterday's session at the range has got me a tad concern. Let me start by saying that I did not last more than 50 rounds. My wrist was killing me. I usually shoot a modified Weaver but had to change it mid-session to Isosceles and a more aggressive posture. And finally, the grip safety 'bites' into my hand.
At this stage, I'm torn between figuring out the recoil or just letting the Cmdr go. What are my options on the recoil? Shok buffs? Wilson recoil system? Mod?
Dane? I know you carry a LtWt Cmdr, any advise on this?
This is rather demoralizing. Help greatly appreciated. Thanks.
1 - 12 of 12 Posts
Installing a high grip safety such as a CMC or a Brown will reduce felt recoil.
Tuning a different recoil spring and main spring will also help tune the recoil to a more straight back recoil then a flip.
What ever you do the LWT commander will always kick more then a full size govt.
That’s the price you pay for a more convenient carry, I stay with full size govt. because I shoot them better.
Just my $0.02
Shay
Tuning a different recoil spring and main spring will also help tune the recoil to a more straight back recoil then a flip.
What ever you do the LWT commander will always kick more then a full size govt.
That’s the price you pay for a more convenient carry, I stay with full size govt. because I shoot them better.
Just my $0.02
Shay
I too had a l.w. commander and found it less bothersome after a beaver tail, hogue finger grips, .99cent slide buffer and switched to a 185 grain load, which I think is a better wght. for the shorter barrel. The full size 1991,s cause me no problem.
You should try shooting .357sig outta one of those 20 oz. baby Glocks, then you're Commander will feel like a .22.
j/k
j/k
Hey guys,
Thanks for all the pointers. JM, I appreciate the advise. I'm keeping a good eye on the fundamentals when I shoot the LW. At the moment, I've tried the shok buff and the lighter 185gr FMJ load. Big diff there. With regards to the drop in BT, the Wilson didn't fit very well at all. I've contacted the Colt Custom Shop about having one put in.
Looking into a Wolff 20lb variable recoil spring next. Will keep y'all posted.
Once again, thanks.
Thanks for all the pointers. JM, I appreciate the advise. I'm keeping a good eye on the fundamentals when I shoot the LW. At the moment, I've tried the shok buff and the lighter 185gr FMJ load. Big diff there. With regards to the drop in BT, the Wilson didn't fit very well at all. I've contacted the Colt Custom Shop about having one put in.
Looking into a Wolff 20lb variable recoil spring next. Will keep y'all posted.
Once again, thanks.
Your recoil problem could turn into a jamming problem if you step up the rate of your recoil spring too much without compensating with hotter loads (which usually happens vice versa). 18 lbs shouldn't cause a problem, though, but keep in mind that many "factory" loads (UMC) are somewhat underloaded and therefore may not provide enough power to cycle your gun properly.
Shock buffers are another option to explore. They can reduce the snap somewhat, but are not a permanent solution (they must be replaced fairly often because your spring plug is going to chop them up).
Don't forget recoil reducing Guide Rods! Our Sprinco systems (http://www.sprinco.com) utilize a subspring surrounded by a sleeve, which is engaged by your bushing plug during its rearward travel, therefore slowing the slide down dramatically. Cuts down on your muzzle flip (providing faster sight acquisition and in turn faster follow-up shots), felt and physical recoil, and protects your frame as well! Many users on this and other forums can testify to their effectiveness, and if that's not good enough for you, we offer a 30-day money-back guarantee. If you have any questions, feel free to contact me directly at 1-800-397-9530.
Shock buffers are another option to explore. They can reduce the snap somewhat, but are not a permanent solution (they must be replaced fairly often because your spring plug is going to chop them up).
Don't forget recoil reducing Guide Rods! Our Sprinco systems (http://www.sprinco.com) utilize a subspring surrounded by a sleeve, which is engaged by your bushing plug during its rearward travel, therefore slowing the slide down dramatically. Cuts down on your muzzle flip (providing faster sight acquisition and in turn faster follow-up shots), felt and physical recoil, and protects your frame as well! Many users on this and other forums can testify to their effectiveness, and if that's not good enough for you, we offer a 30-day money-back guarantee. If you have any questions, feel free to contact me directly at 1-800-397-9530.
You're on the right track...Mostly, practice...It's just different...the good part is that as long as you do GOOD practice...you'll do GOOD shootin' when you need to...AND you won't even notice the recoil!
Hang in...If the Hardball in a 230 is a bit' much...Try goin' down to a 200 for practice if need be...Once you get it and you broken in...you won't have to push so hard...Just don't push yerself into an injury like some of us hardheads out here :wink:
Hang in...If the Hardball in a 230 is a bit' much...Try goin' down to a 200 for practice if need be...Once you get it and you broken in...you won't have to push so hard...Just don't push yerself into an injury like some of us hardheads out here :wink:
About a year ago I had the chance to fire a Govt, Commander, CCO, and Defender side by side, all with the same ammo. The conclusion that I came to was that the recoil changes as the barrel gets shorter. I found that the shorter the barrel the more the gun rotated. The bigger guns had more of a straight back impulse. Stepping down a little at a time made it easier to adapt. The light weight frames made a difference too.
Quit fighting the gun. Let it go where it will. Don't hold on so hard, don't tense your arms so much. Just squeeze off the shot and let it move. Let your whole body absorb the recoil.
I have a LW commander XS and it is a little sharp. Just relax and you won't get beat up so much.
<font size=-1>[ This Message was edited by: JiminCA on 2001-11-21 19:35 ]</font>
I have a LW commander XS and it is a little sharp. Just relax and you won't get beat up so much.
<font size=-1>[ This Message was edited by: JiminCA on 2001-11-21 19:35 ]</font>
Seems like everyone else covered the basics. Here is my 2 cents :grin: The light guns do recoil more. If I really wanted to shoot a LWT Commander a lot...which I don't... I would hand load the 185 Remington HP bullets on 5 grs of Win. SL. I would also use a buff and a 20# Wolf recoil spring.
But I use mine as a carry gun and seldom shoot them. I shoot a 5" steel gun for matches and practice.
If you bought the gun to shoot...sell it 'cuz they suck. If you bought the gun to have a light weight carry gun, you have one of the best, keep it.
But I use mine as a carry gun and seldom shoot them. I shoot a 5" steel gun for matches and practice.
If you bought the gun to shoot...sell it 'cuz they suck. If you bought the gun to have a light weight carry gun, you have one of the best, keep it.
Couldn't have said it better myself. I'm not excatly recoil shy, but a LW Commander does have more recoil, and the biggest problem to me, more muzzle flip.On 2001-11-21 00:45, Dane Burns wrote:
Seems like everyone else covered the basics. Here is my 2 cents :grin: The light guns do recoil more. If I really wanted to shoot a LWT Commander a lot...which I don't... I would hand load the 185 Remington HP bullets on 5 grs of Win. SL. I would also use a buff and a 20# Wolf recoil spring.
But I use mine as a carry gun and seldom shoot them. I shoot a 5" steel gun for matches and practice.
If you bought the gun to shoot...sell it 'cuz they suck. If you bought the gun to have a light weight carry gun, you have one of the best, keep it.
1 - 12 of 12 Posts
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