[Retain Mike]

One factor I have not heard mentioned is the shock wave profile (recoil) when the pistol is fired. I have a .40 and .45. The .40 has a much steeper curve than the .45. I find the .40 harder to shoot, because it jumps more instead of pushing more like the .45.

[texmexis best]

I really agree with your analysis of recoil. The .45 ACP was the first pistol I shot that I felt had acceptable recoil. And it is just a push rather than a jump.