After spending most of an afternoon qualifying with a 45acp Commander. I broke out my 9mm Commander for a little competition with the instructor who continued to use his 45. My 9mm recoiled like a 22LR after shooting the 45. Is 45acp manageable--of course. Is 9mm softer shooting in the same gun--sure. Does that matter; only you can decide when head shots and follow ups count more than holes in paper.

There was a time when I felt that 9mm was insufficient, and I still worry that 9mm lacks in head to head with 45 FMJ; but with modern self defense loadings Im convinced 9mm is as good if not better than 45acp. Its principle advantage is more "BB's" in the gun and more BB's is always a good thing.