Earlier today I performed a completely subjective, non-scientific recoil test of my readily available "service-sized" 9mms, loading 10 rounds in them all, placing them on a table pointing downrange in a locked range, and shooting them somewhat rapid-fire one right after the other to see if I could determine which recoiled the least. Ammo was Blazer Brass 115 grain ball.

Pistols were:
S&W M&P Core 9L
SIG P226 (german)
CZ75B Omega
Beretta PX4 Storm
Glock 19
FN Hi Power
Beretta 92FS Brigadier

Thought it might be interesting to get people's guesses about which pistol or pistols might recoil the least. I was surprised at the results, which I will post later. I shot a quick vid and will include it FWIW. I was surprised at 2 of the 3 "winners" and was surprised at a couple that had more recoil than is reputed.

Again, recoil is very subjective and this is of course just for fun, but there were definite standouts for me.

I don't really have a list of best to worst, but I did single out the three I thought had the least recoil, and one that definitely had the most. The others were all too close to accurately place.

I've always thought the Beretta 92 was one of the softest shooting 9mm's out there.

I'd guess CZ75b then probably the M&P Core 9, then the 226.

The Beretta. I've been shooting several on the list, my 92 is just so easy to shoot I'd say the CZ is darn close though.

Beretta 92 would be my guess as well.

If they ever make one, it would probably be a 9mm Desert eagle.

I would say the pistols with the lowest bore axes: the Glock 19, CZ75B, and the Hi-Power.

My guess would be the PX4. It's one of my favorite range guns for that reason.

I will also guess the PX-4. Surprisingly soft shooting gun.

Second place (depending on if that CZ was a stainless or not) is probably the Beretta 92.

I'm going to guess PX4, CZ, then 92.

Storm then Core.

CZ 75 SP-01 tactical. That thing is a beast and it felt like I was shooting out of a brick.

Well now ya got me curious. Don't leave us hangin too long.

My guess would be the P226

I'd guess CZ 75, then PX-4.

quote:

Which 9mm pistol will recoil the least?

CZ75B Omega
SIG P226 (german)
Beretta 92FS Brigadier
FN Hi Power

I am curious about your results but want to know exactly what you are talking about when you say recoil. Are you talking about muzzle rise or the push to the web of your hand? Did you measure the split times for shots on target? Not trying to start an argument just wanted to know.

Recoil is very subjective and technique plays into this as well. I’ve shot all these never side by side by side.

That being said the CZ with its low bore axis and heavy weight should be about the least with the PX4 making a good showing. 92/M9s being huge, heavy and a wide grip are pussycats too.

Most of you got very close and some guessed 2 of my three least recoiling. As I said this is subjective and non scientific but my three winners were the two berettas and surprisingly the M&P. The CZ has been touted as having very low recoil but mine was clearly sharper than all the others. Which is weird. I may do another trial with just those four pistols. If I had to choose a winner with this ammo it would probably be the Brig. Big heavy slide seems to help.

Interesting that someone mentioned muzzle flip versus recoil. I tried to discuss that in the video. The Hi Power and P226 seemed to me to have the most front sight lift.

Someone else could likely shoot these same pistols and choose a different winner but it was fun anyway.

Video for any interested.
https://youtu.be/ZD13RLrkdtQ

https://youtu.be/ZD13RLrkdtQ

quote:

Originally posted by 1KPerDay:
The CZ has been touted as having very low recoil but mine was clearly sharper than all the others.

Is the CZ steel frame, as opposed to Aluminum? I forget which of the 9mm's are all steel, including frame.