About the softest shooting thing I ever shot was my P226 9mm with winchester ranger T 147s, RA9T. Or a ported G17 would work with subsonic ammo. The fullsize HK USP 9mm was also a soft shooting pistol for me.

I too have arthritis and know how hard it is to cycle a slide and how painful shooting a few magazines of .45ACP can be. I now shoot a Springfield 1911 in 9MM with a 12lb recoil spring. i find I can shoot this combination hundreds of rounds without discomfort or pain.

Gary Which of the several Springfield 9mm 1911 pistols do you shoot without discomfort? Springfield makes several lighter weight 9mm pistols in 1911 form:
In the full size form (Range Officer):
Compact PI9125L
Champion PI9137L
Elite Champion PI9137E
. . .and in a resized/smaller 1911 to fit the 9mm cartridge:
EMP4 Lightweight Champion PI9211L
and a second version of EMP4 with bobed grip.

I have this model: https://www.budsgunshop.com/ca...d_rng_ofcr_4_8rd_9mm

.32 is the way to go. .32 shorts are like a 22 and .32 H&R magnums are like a 9mm+p

Ammo is available via internet in the quantities needed.

I am in the Ruger SP 101 327 Federal Magnum camp. He can practice at the range with 32 auto (shoots like a BB gun) and finish with a cylinder of 327 Magnums. Keep the magnums in the gun for self defense.

Thanks Gary. That is Springfield's PI9125L. It is their lightest and most small. I will keep it in mind for those who wish a lighter 9mm 1911. Does the accuracy seem ok? Trigger?

Like to hear from someone with experience using Springfield's PI9211L, which is their EMP 4 "Lightweight Champion." The EMP 4 has reduced size through the grip to move from 45ACP to 9mm.

Hello P320Mac, the Springfield is a production 1911 so it may need some work. Mine was reliable, but did not shoot POA so I had to send it back and got more work done while it was there. It's fine now. For the money I think my recent Valkyrie in 9MM is a better pistol. A little larger, but not that much.

Gary: While the M&P 380 EZ is ideal for those strengh-limited, I did find Valkyrie (part number 01965) that is Commander slide and Officer grip for use by strength-limited competitor to use in Bullseye (never need more than 5 rounds in mag.) CDNN has low cost magazines. However, the so-called night sights on Valkyrie are long way off. Looking for someone to mill the back of the slide so that can place red-dot sight at the right height.
Other than the silly sights, excellent pistol with the right weight, grip, pointing, and trigger. Far better that Colt LW Commander and the Ruger 6722 - that are a bit loose on fit.