40sw recoil

[b4uqzme]

Any recommendations for a softer shooting budget range ammo? I would like to get some practice in without too much abuse. Does bullet size influence felt recoil? I shot 180, 165 and 155 grain -- all the same brand fmj -- and didn't feel much difference.

Thanks,

My blowhard brother in law has been bragging to everyone that he's a diamond cutter --- he mows the grass at the little league park.

[hangdog]

I'm curious which model your puttin em through? :)

[jocko]

its a 40 cal that ain'tno pu$$y rund as u well know. and if it is coming out of any poly kahr then your gonna know to...

[b4uqzme]

Hangdog. It's a K40.

Jocko. You're right. .40 cal is a real confidence builder. Pull the trigger and you know it's gonna do it's job... While I enjoy shooting my MK9, I'm preparing to carry the K40 for that very reason. Just wondering if there is a round available to take the edge off while I test this gun for reliability. So far so good by the way. No failures in about 150 rounds since I replaced the recoil spring.

[RRP]

b4uqzme,

Kahr places stiff recoil springs in these little guns to help diminish perceived recoil. If you found, or hand-loaded, some weak cartridges, the gun may not cycle properly. The weak ammo may not have the oomph to overcome the strong springs.

Personally, I am drawn to the power of the .40 cartridge. Not only do I tolerate the recoil, I enjoy it in a way similar to how one enjoys the power of a fast car or motorcycle. Rather than looking for weak ammo, you might consider straightening your grip, so shooting the pistol does not feel like "abuse".

[b4uqzme]

RRP. Good advice thanks. I'll still experiment with different cartridges to see how they feel and how the gun operates. For me it's part of the learning process just like this forum. I was hoping I would find someone who really understands and could explain the realationship between bullet weight and felt recoil. Guess not. Meanwhle, yes, I am working on my grip.

Thanks again.

[RRP]

I'll still experiment with different cartridges to see how they feel and how the gun operates. For me it's part of the learning process just like this forum.

Very good point, and an important step in gaining confidence in your new firearm. Knowing that it will shoot anything you feed it, is a good feeling.

[wyntrout]

The wussiest FMJ I've shot is the PPU 180-grain FMJ. There was noticeably less recoil and flash to me. You could always send your slide and barrel to Mag-na-port where it would cost you $140 + $20 return shipping to get it ported. Or you could buy the Kahr ported barrel for the K9 for $159.99 + shipping... about the same cost, but reversible, if you don't like it.

I bought a Mag-na-ported P40 on our Marketplace and i bought a ported barrel for my P9... that I bought for my wife. The first is very colorful in video stills and the flash can be more noticeable. The P9 barrel throws the flash/blast from below the front of the slide and forward... less noticeable, but it's a 9, too:

http://www.kahrtalk.com/showthread.php?t=17078&highlight=P9+ported+barrel

I had always dreaded the .40 S&W from reports of the sharp recoil... "worse" than the .45. I finally got to shoot my retired LE brother's XD40 Compact when he was here and don't recall any fierce recoil. A few months later I bought my first... the ported P40. I WAS trying to buy a K40 and have it ported, but got a chance to get the polymer already done... nice... lighter for CC.

My P40 "Blog" starts here and runs quite a few pages, but you can just look for the pictures:

http://www.kahrtalk.com/showthread.php?t=8426&highlight=flashes&page=2

I bought a higher capacity pistol, the Glock 23C this February as I started buying some of the stuff that might be harder to get... or banned!

I'll try to find the photos for the PPU. Evidently, this was a trip where I focused on the targets for grouping and all. This was a magazine of the PPU 180-gr FMJ and I remember saying on camera that this was pretty light stuff, but it shot well. I don't spend much time "aiming" and the G23C was very controllable for quick shooting. I'll include that target here, but am too busy today to keep trying to find some flashes, or make a clip of this target as it was shot.

I've tried a lot of ammo and posted still flashes from videos and did notice a lot less recoil with that PPU. It worked the action, though.

Wynn:)

[b4uqzme]

Thanks Wynn. I'll find some PPU ammo and see what it feels like. Not sure the ported barrel is necessary in my case but it's a good thought. I don't find the recoil intolerable. I'm just trying to learn the differences so I can manage it.

[wyntrout]

I added the target for one magazine of 13 rounds for the PPU. I was more interested in impact that day than flashes.

Wynn:)

[b4uqzme]

Thanks. I'm working towards groupings like that. I'm close. Just need more PRACTICE. ;-)

[wyntrout]

That was at 7 yards using the lighter recoil ammo. I was just more or less "pointing" after the first few shots. I usually use more of the target and really work on different types of incorrect trigger techniques!

Looking at that target and counting the holes... obvious doubles and such... I counted at least 14 hits... then read the fine print to the left on the target... using a 15-round G22 mag... 15 hits... one is a triple.:D

Wynn:)

[Kahrdriver64]

I have found that the best way to manage recoil is to shoot alot and experiment with grip and posture. I know that's hard to do with the ammo shortage right now, but in the long run you will become a much better shot by shooting frequently. When I started with kahrs I ran about 200 rounds a week of 40. I also tried a lot of different grips both strong hand and weak hand before I came up with a grip that works for me.I found that stance was another key in managing the kahr 40's. I shoot from almost a 1/3 crouch posture now with my head and shoulders forward and behind the pistol. I find I have much more control over the pistol compared to an upright posture. I run a Smith K series revolver double action only to develop trigger finger strength. and the ammo I run in my T & K 40's would makes 180k power factor (bullet weight x muzzle velocity).

The muzzle centerline height to grip is the shortest of any pistol on the market, so theoretically the Kahr should offer the best leverage to counter recoil. Just shoot the $hit out of it.:D

[b4uqzme]

Good advice kd64. Consider the $hit shot out if it. No shortage of 40sw here in NE Ohio. Just a little pricey. Thanks.

[steve666]

I usually stick with the more inexpensive ammo (S&B, Fiocchi, Magtech, Prvi Partisan, Blazer Brass, etc.) for practice, regardless of whether it's 180gr or 165gr. For serious social purposes I go with CorBon 135gr JHP, talk about recoil!!!

[b4uqzme]

Thanks. Just picked up some blazer brass. 180 and 165.

[b4uqzme]

Fyi. Blazer brass shoots fine. Thanks steve666