Actually, this is quite common. I currently own or recently owned S&W revolvers chambered in 9mm (Model 940), 10mm (Model 610), and 45acp (Model 625). Of these, the S&W Model 625 is especially popular, and one of Smiths best selling revolver models.
I stand corrected. Revolvers are far from a speciality for me. Every one I own is rim-fire and so would not work in a semi-auto.
The 610 is one of my personal favorites. The 10mm is roughly equivalent ballistically to the 41 Mag. But the 610 also shoots 40 S&W (just like a 357 Mag also shoots 38 specials).
Yes. The 10mm and .40 are approx the same width. There's a considerable difference in length and muzzle pressure.
One nice thing about a revolver is that it can shoot short loads. autos have difficulty loading under that circumstance.
Most Glocks are double stack models, which by design necessitate a fairly thick grip. But these are no thicker than lots of other double stack models by other manufacturers, especially metal framed guns like the Beretta 92/M9 (which is military issue), or the Sig double stack models like the P226 or P229. Additionally, Glock makes single stack models that are significantly thinner than the mentioned Sigs and Beretta.
I did not say there were not other thick-gripped handguns, I only said that the Glock was thick and that many people with small hands dislike them for that reason. You seem to agree with me.
Just the opposite is true. You can find a good old 1911 chambered in 45acp in several different barrel lengths. The 3" barreled gun kicks more (and has more muzzle blast) than the 4' gun, which kicks more than the 5" gun, which kicks more than the 6" gun. All things being equal, the longer barrel (and slide) cause the gun to weigh more, which translates to less felt recoil (as you also stated).
We now move into a very subjective term "felt kick".
A longer barrel imparts more momentum (all else being equal) on the bullet. Basic Newtonian physics will tell you that the weapon experiences the same amount of force on an opposing vector. Therefore longer barrels kick harder.
For a really good example of this, get a hipoint carbine. It fires a pistol round and is light so you get to really experience the extra kick.
You are correct that, and I've never said otherwise, the feeling of "hitting your hand" will be more offset by a longer slide (which tends to be found on weapons with longer barrels). For me at least, that actually impedes maintaining aim. The full-length Glock 9mm, as an example: hits my hand less than the subcompact but, since the slide pulls at a different angle than the bullet, throws off my aim more. (which is to say the delay between the first shot and second shot is longer because I need to bring my hand back in line)
A fast small bullet is much more susceptible to deflection than a slow large bullet. Forget the 45 GAP. It is the answer to a question/problem that no one asked. That is why it will soon be obsolete. It's currently very difficult to find guns and especially 45 Gap ammo.
.45 vs .357 on body armor.
The 10mm is nothing more than an elongated 40 S&W case with more powder. Revolvers and semi-auto guns chambered in 10mm are basically no larger and have the same round capacity as other guns chambered in major hand gun calibers.
Apples to apples
Glock 9mm 17 rounds:
http://www.glock.com/english/glock17_tech.htm
Glock .40 / 10mm 15 rounds:
http://www.glock.com/english/glock20_tech.htm
Glock .45 13 rounds:
http://www.glock.com/english/glock21_tech.htm
No. Not all major calibers have the same capacity.
The 25acp is a terrible choice if it is not a self defense gun (or actually, even if it is). 25acp ammo is very hard to find, actually more expensive than 9mm, and no more effective in a self defense situation than 22 Long Rifle.
It's easy to shoot for people who want to target shoot and don't like kick.
But there is also some good advice in your post. Avoiding light weight guns because of punishing recoil and renting different guns (try before you buy) are both good ideas.
I stand corrected on the revolver ammo statement. I was wrong in stating that none used auto ammo.
I did not recommend the .25 on anything other than kick. I agree with your statements why it is a poor choice.
Other than that, I believe my post was correct: though it's possible I was less clear than I should have been. Thank you for the response.
