G19 vs G23 recoil

[JO JO]

I know I am beating a dead horse here a bit but those of you that own or shot a G19 and a G23 side by side would you say that there is a big difference in recoil or not so much of a difference in recoil,
thanks for any opinions comparing these 2 guns

 

[Rock185]

To me there is a noticeable and unpleasant difference in recoil. The .40 has a combination of bullet weight and muzzle velocity that produces a sharp recoil impulse that I find unpleasant. I had a couple of Glock .40s, and a SIG. Carried a .40 on duty, reloaded the .40,etc. Never got to the point where I enjoyed the .40 though. I have 9MMs, 38 Supers, 45 ACPs, 10MM,etc, but no more .40s....ymmv

 

[JeffG]

40 is definitely more intense. It's a great SD round but you have to train a little more. 40's blast and recoil difference is more noticeable in smaller guns with short barrels. 9mm is plenty for most jobs, it is prolific and you can find cheap ammo easier.

 

[ROD KLOMP]

I have 40's 9mm's 45 acp's 10mm's , of all these never got to a point where I liked the 40 s&w, much SHARPER recoil, takes longer to get back on target, (follow up shots) todays 9mm with all the bullet offerings is hard to beat, you asked about the Glock 19, between the 19 and 23 , I'm faster and more accurate, and the 19 is a pleasure to shoot..hope this helps...

 

[red rick]

The felt recoil is more with the 23 , but I shoot it just as accurately as a 19 .

 

[Zerodefect]

That's my results as well. .40 feels more, but my shot timer doesn't agree. I shoot the 23 well. Sold the 19. The Gen 4 has better recoil control than the Gen 3 IMO. And the beavertails are nice.

My biggest issue with the G19, I expected it to have much less muzzle flip than the .40, I could care less about felt recoil. But it was similar. To be fair, I selected +p 9mm, because who carries weak plinking rounds?

There's a very significant difference in felt recoil, but my performance was about equal with both. And that's the bottom line for me.

 

[1KPerDay]

I shoot G19 and G23 gen 3s back to back frequently. 23 definitely more recoil. Haven't shot a gen 4.

 

[Mike J]

I don't own a Glock but I have shot a 23 & a 19 both Gen 3. The 23 recoils more but it doesn't bother me in that size pistol. I wouldn't want a .40 any smaller than that though.

 

[WYO]

I moved away from the .40 S&W in late 2011. In the last two years, I have shot about 12,000 rounds of 9mm, mostly out of Gen 3 and Gen 4 Glock 19s. About two weeks ago a friend let me shoot his Gen 3 23. The difference surprised me. There is no way that I could run the 23 as fast as the 19 in something like IDPA or on a plate rack. However, the 23 is not unpleasant to shoot, and it was just as accurate as the 19.

 

[CDW4ME]

Yea the 23 (40) has more recoil, but that is ammo dependent and subjective (How much more?).
I've shot both using defensive ammo (HP) and my split times are typically .03 (three hundredths) slower with the 23, objective measure.
Another objective measure is recoil energy.
Lets calculate recoil energy using defensive ammo:
http://www.shooterscalculator.com/recoil-calculator.php
I assigned a firearm weight of 1.3lb and appropriate AA #7 powder charge to reach velocity from load manual.
Federal HST 147 gr +P @ 1,035 fps (chrono average from my Glock 19) = recoil impulse .83, recoil energy 8.5
Federal HST 180 gr. @ 966 fps (chrono average from my Glock 23) = recoil impulse .96, recoil energy 11.4
Using defensive ammo 40 has about 25% more recoil energy than 9mm, shot from Glock 19/23

Bonus: 357 Sig (Glock 32 barrel)
Federal HST 125 gr. @ 1,358 fps (my chrono average) = recoil impulse 1.0 recoil energy 12.3
My split times with the 32 (357 Sig) are the same as 40 - its louder but I perceive the recoil as slightly less, despite that it calculates as 7% more than 40.

 

[Fine Figure of a Man]

I have 9mm and 357 Sig barrels for my G22. Heavy for caliber bullets in 9 and 40 have the least perceived recoil for me. The 40 recoils more but not by a lot. Light bullets in the 40 can get pretty snappy.
The 357 Sig recoil doesn't seem any worse than stout 40 loads, once you get used to the muzzle blast.

 

[jhb]

yes for people who are recoil sensitive. not so much for folks who arent. it really is that simple.

 

[JO JO]

I am not recoil sensitive but I have developed some compressed nerves in my elbow and wrist I have been shooting 40 for a decade but I am really curious on what I would gain in recoil reduction if I went from my g23 to a g19 I know ammo is projectiles are cheaper with the 9mm that is a plus, perhaps if I went with the g19 I could shoot more see with my G23 after 50 or so rounds my arm/wrist issues effect my shooting a bit and I am thinking down the road the long haul the G19 may be a better bet for me if the recoil reduction is a measurable difference

 

[JO JO]

I guess I am looking to the benefits of making this caliber conversion in relation to my arm issues all opinions are helpful
thanks all

 

[murf]

going to a g17 would make it less snappy than even the g19. and in my experience, the g17 is, generally, more accurate due to the longer barrel and extra weight.

murf

 

[jhb]

i think youll get minor relief but if your joints/nerves hurt shooting 50 or so .40s&w rounds, than going to 9mm isnt going be a major improvement. some sure, but not a night and day type of difference i wouldn't think.

until you try we are all just guessing. i dont notice the difference in recoil by much in different calibers in full sized guns. there is some but nothing major. least that i can tell.

you are talking an injury sort of and until you try, you wont know. maybe rent or meet a friend who has a 9mm glock and shoot a hundred plus and see how ya feel before buying and committing.

 

[FL-NC]

There is a major difference. I believe anyone who is honest will say so. Some people say it doesn't bother them, or they can shoot just as well with either one. This is probably true. But physics dictates that if the 23 produces more recoil, then the recovery time between shots will increase, if all else remains equal. This will result in the shooter not being able to engage a string of multiple shots as quickly or accurately with the 23 as with the 19. In my case, I prefer a 19C (compensated). This puts me in a different realm than even a standard 19. I use 9mm Glocks for my defensive needs such as carry, HD, and at work, along with competition (3 gun). My 23 lives in my jeep and is carried in areas with hogs. My 21 SF (45 ACP) is an occasional range piece, and is only carried in areas with bear.

 

[CDW4ME]

I am not recoil sensitive but I have developed some compressed nerves in my elbow and wrist I have been shooting 40 for a decade but I am really curious on what I would gain in recoil reduction if I went from my g23 to a g19 I know ammo is projectiles are cheaper with the 9mm that is a plus, perhaps if I went with the g19 I could shoot more see with my G23 after 50 or so rounds my arm/wrist issues effect my shooting a bit and I am thinking down the road the long haul the G19 may be a better bet for me if the recoil reduction is a measurable difference

I see.
Yes, a Glock 19 will have less felt recoil, about 25% according to my calculation (post #10 above).

Caliber conversion? Change the 23 into a 19??? Carry conversion for SD?
I carry a 23 converted to 357 Sig with a 32 barrel, this is easy as it is the same breech face, extractor, ejector, works 100%
I also converted my Glock 22 into a 31 with a simple barrel swap, works 100%

Back to recoil.
The 22 has noticeably less recoil than the 23, subjective but the 22 is "soft shooting" compared to the snap of the 23.
With the 31 barrel in it, I still regard it as "soft shooting" hardly any muzzle flip, certainly less than the 32.

You might consider a Glock 17/22 size pistol rather than 19/23, if reduced recoil is a priority.
I really like my 22 converted to 31 and carry it instead of the 32, longer barrel slide makes no difference in concealment, grip is only 1/2'' more.
I use open end holsters, can carry a 19/23 or 22/31 in same holster.

Shoot 50 rounds out of Glock 23... I don't have nerve damage and would not regard shooting 50+ rounds from a Glock 23 as "fun".
Glock 22, big difference, more pleasant to shoot.

 

[JO JO]

I think I have been hung up on the you need a caliber that starts with a 4, I carried and trained with a 40 for at least a decade was issued a 40 P229 , so I just stuck with that mindset. I guess I need to accept I can downsize my caliber to a softer shooting 9mm and still have an effective weapon if needed
I wonder since I can shoot my G23 well I bet I may shoot the G19 better without beating up my wrist/arm.

 

[helitack32f1]

Well, according to one of the posters above, I must be dishonest because, while I do not have a G19, I do have a EDC Glock 23 that I have carried since 1994 or so and a Gen 4 G17 and I am rarely able to perceive a major difference in felt recoil between the two. I am sure this has nothing to do with actual recoil of the guns, it has more to do with my lack of perception. I love shooting both. The only recoil issue I have concerning the Glock 23 is the fact that it has the painful serrated trigger and the G17 has the smooth trigger.

 

[CDW4ME]

I think I have been hung up on the you need a caliber that starts with a 4, I carried and trained with a 40 for at least a decade was issued a 40 P229 , so I just stuck with that mindset. I guess I need to accept I can downsize my caliber to a softer shooting 9mm and still have an effective weapon if needed
I wonder since I can shoot my G23 well I bet I may shoot the G19 better without beating up my wrist/arm.

Effective, yes.
As effective as a caliber that starts with 4 maybe / maybe not.
If you "cherry pick" you can find 9mm loads that outperform "lesser" 40's
When comparing equivalent bullets, 9mm did not get enhanced to the exclusion of others.
"A good bigger bullet > a good smaller bullet" - Equivalent bullets:
http://www.luckygunner.com/labs/self-defense-ammo-ballistic-tests/
9mm 147 HST 15.2'' / .61
9mm 135 Tactical Bonded+P 13.8'' / .61
9mm 124 Gold Dot +P 16.8'' / .52
-----------------------------------------------------
40 S&W 180 HST 18.5'' / .72
40 S&W 165 Tactical Bonded 14'' / .73
40 S&W 155 Gold Dot 16.3'' / .67

"Its about shot placement" {whiney voice} ... Duh. (Not directed toward OP)
Placed equally, a bigger hole is a bigger hole.

If I noticed a significant difference in accuracy or speed, I'd take 9mm over 40.
In the Glock 19/23 platform, I've not experienced a significant difference (.03 =/= significant)

 

[edmo01]

I find my 40 caliber GEN4 G23 and G27 have less felt recoil than my older GEN2 G23 with it's single recoil spring... At least that is my impression.

I guess the dual recoil springs of the GEN4 guns spread the "smack" of the 40 caliber's recoil impulse over a slightly longer time period thus giving me that impression.

However, my 9mm GEN4 G19 has such light felt recoil in comparison that it double and triple taps like a dream. That does not mean my 40 caliber guns have excessive recoil... They do not.

Felt recoil is an individual and relative thing. When compared to full power loads in my 4" S&W 629 Mountain Gun, all of my semi autos are only pop guns...

Edmo

 

[Zerodefect]

Well, according to one of the posters above, I must be dishonest because, while I do not have a G19, I do have a EDC Glock 23 that I have carried since 1994 or so and a Gen 4 G17 and I am rarely able to perceive a major difference in felt recoil between the two. I am sure this has nothing to do with actual recoil of the guns, it has more to do with my lack of perception. I love shooting both. The only recoil issue I have concerning the Glock 23 is the fact that it has the painful serrated trigger and the G17 has the smooth trigger.

The G34/35 trigger should drop right into that 23 for $17. Just flush sand the trigger safety first (just a hair), and polish it up.

 

[Zerodefect]

I am not recoil sensitive but I have developed some compressed nerves in my elbow and wrist I have been shooting 40 for a decade but I am really curious on what I would gain in recoil reduction if I went from my g23 to a g19 I know ammo is projectiles are cheaper with the 9mm that is a plus, perhaps if I went with the g19 I could shoot more see with my G23 after 50 or so rounds my arm/wrist issues effect my shooting a bit and I am thinking down the road the long haul the G19 may be a better bet for me if the recoil reduction is a measurable difference

Go straight to a G34.

 

[JO JO]

went to the range today fired 100 rounds from my G23 did better perhaps physical therapy is helping the target is at 10 yards and the black center is 3 1/2 x 2 1/2 inches 40 - 45 rounds on this group, but I think I will keep my G23's because I trust them loaded with 180GR HST to do their job if needed but I may pick up a 9mm for a range gun my LGS has HK VP9 on sale for $499 not sure if they have the G19 at a good price , I figure I could slow down on shooting my G23's maybe every few months but can continue shooting weekly as I normally do but in 9mm ,